As an extrovert looking to be more quiet and reserved, it's great that you recognize the value of adapting your social behavior in different situations. Here are some tips to help you achieve a more reserved demeanor:
Self-awareness: Begin by acknowledging your extroverted tendencies and the situations in which you tend to be more talkative or outgoing. Understanding your patterns will help you identify when to dial it down.
Listen actively: Practice being an attentive listener. Focus on what others are saying, and resist the urge to jump in with your thoughts immediately. Give others the space to express themselves fully.
Pause before speaking: Before responding in conversations, take a moment to think about what you want to say. This will allow you to choose your words more carefully and help you avoid dominating the discussion.
Body language: Be mindful of your body language. Maintain good eye contact, but avoid intense or intrusive stares. Keep an open posture and use gestures sparingly to avoid coming across as overly enthusiastic.
Empathy: Cultivate empathy towards others' feelings and needs. This will help you gauge whether your extroverted behavior might be overwhelming or overshadowing someone else's voice.
Limit sharing personal information: While it's natural to share stories and experiences, be cautious about over-sharing personal details, especially in initial interactions.
Practice in low-stress environments: Begin by practicing being quieter and more reserved in low-stress situations, such as one-on-one conversations or smaller group settings.
Set goals: Challenge yourself to gradually increase the amount of time you spend listening compared to speaking during conversations.
Meditation and mindfulness: Engage in mindfulness practices to become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. Meditation can help you become more centered and calm, which can translate into a quieter demeanor.
Observe others: Pay attention to individuals who are naturally reserved or introverted. Observe how they navigate social situations, and try to incorporate some of their behaviors into your interactions.
Take breaks: In social gatherings or events, take short breaks to recharge when you feel overwhelmed or notice your extroverted tendencies surfacing.
Reflect on your interactions: After social interactions, take some time to reflect on how you handled yourself. Identify areas where you might have been overly extroverted and think about how you can approach similar situations differently next time.
Remember, being quieter and more reserved doesn't mean suppressing your true self or personality. It's about finding a balance that allows you to be respectful and attentive to others while still being true to who you are. Practice makes perfect, so be patient with yourself as you work on developing this aspect of your social behavior.