quiet-the-power-of-introverts-in-a-world-that-cant-stop-talking-susan-cain

alert, active, and energetic). Drowsy extroverts
behind the wheel should be especially
careful—at least until they increase
their arousal levels by chugging
coffee or cranking up the radio. Conversely,
introverts driving in loud,
overly arousing traffic noise should
work to stay focused, since the noise
may impair their thinking.
Now that we know about optimal
levels of stimulation, Esther’s problem—winging
it at the podium—also
makes sense. Overarousal interferes
with attention and short-term
memory—key components of the ability
to speak on the fly. And since public
speaking is an inherently stimulating
activity—even for those, like Esther,
who suffer no stage fright—introverts
can find their attention impaired just
when they need it most. Esther could
live to be a one-hundred-year-old
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