#28. The Gish gallop life of introverts

Gish gallop is a debating technique that aims to overwhelm an opponent by spouting argument after argument in rapid fire with no particular regard for the accuracy of the arguments. It recalls the “broadsides” strategy in old ship-to-ship warfare where all the cannons facing the enemy are set off at the same time.

Introverts deal with something similar daily. Too much information (stimulus) aimed at us at one time, interruptions, or several people talking at once can hit us like a Gish gallop and overwhelm us.

Wired differently

Introvert brains are wired and function differently than extrovert brains.

In her book The Powerful Purpose of Introverts, author Holly Gerth explains, “An introvert’s primary [brain] pathway is longer, more complex, and internally focused. An extrovert’s primary pathway is shorter, more straightforward, and externally focused.” Introverts also pull from long-term memory “taking into consideration the past, present, and future.”

For introverts, our thoughts move methodically through our minds like a ship through the Panama canal. For extroverts, it’s more like a ride on a short slip-‘n-slide.

Add to this that unlike extroverts whose nervous system thrives on dopamine, a stimulant, Gerth says, “Too much dopamine [from external stimulation] makes introverts feel anxious, then exhausted” and needing a nap.

In introverts “acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter, is more active.” Acetylcholine and other “feel good” chemicals are released in an introvert’s brain, Gerth says, “when we turn inward, focus on ideas, have meaningful conversations, and do work that matters to us.”

Broken dams, juggling, and train wrecks

In Minnesota, the Rapidan Dam partially failed due to flooding. Images on TV showed debris piled against the dam clogging the water gates which caused increased pressure on the dam. This is a good visual of how it feels to be an introvert being confronted by a lot of information at once.

When information is being fed to an introvert, even if everything makes perfect sense, it can feel like a Gish gallop as each bit has to be sorted and processed. It’s a little like trying to juggle while more items are tossed at us that we also need to keep in the air.

Interruptions and distractions are a little different but can be just as uncomfortable. Introverts tend to be deeply engaged when we are writing, thinking, reading, or doing whatever it is we are doing. We are often holding several ideas or pieces of ideas in our head at once.

Think of these ideas as train cars. We need to get them in the right order, connected, aligned on the track, identify which is the lead to pull the other thoughts along, and which is the closing “caboose.” If interrupted, all the cars can go flying! Once the interruption passes, we’ve got to start over, find all the cars, get them lined up, etc. Sometimes an idea (one of the cars) can be totally lost due to an interruption.

Managing floods and derailings

So how do we introverts manage information and interruptions?

For handling information…

·       Take notes. In meetings, listen intently and take the best notes you can. You may need to develop your own shorthand to keep up. If someone else is taking minutes, make sure to get a copy after the meeting.

·       Record the meeting. If possible, record the meeting so you can play it back later to review the discussion. Be sure to ask permission first.

·       Ask questions. Even if you know the answer, ask a question. This allows you to process and slow down the meeting. Often your question will trigger others to ask questions giving you even more time to process what’s been said so far since the ensuing discussion is processing the info in real time!

·       Deflect when asked a question. If you are asked a question in a meeting and you’re not sure how to answer, just say, “I need some time to think about it.” There’s nothing wrong in not providing an instant answer.

For handling interruptions…

·       Know they will happen. Interruptions and distractions are going to happen. Acknowledging this can help soften the impact when they pop-up unwelcomed.

·       Delay when possible. If someone needs your attention, ask them to wait a moment as you finish what you’re doing or come to a good stopping point.

·       Give it your full attention. Resisting interruptions can extend them. Byturning your full attention to the interruption, you can more quickly address the issue and then turn back to what you were doing.

·       Ask not to be disturbed. Letting people know you need quiet, focused time is not unreasonable. Put up a sign that you’re on a deadline. Tell people you need to concentrate on your project. Set certain hours when you’re not available.

Seek grace, give grace

Gerth summarizes saying, as introverts, “We’re not slow thinkers; we’re deep thinkers.” Going deep takes longer when processing information and formulating responses. It also means interruptions can have a more significant impact.

This has nothing to do with IQ. And it’s not something introverts can “just get over.” It’s how God has “knit us together” for His purpose.

We can seek grace from others by helping them understand the differences between introverts and extroverts.

Being an introvert means life can sometimes feel like an endless Gish gallop. This is the life God has placed us in, meaning he’s also equipped us to manage. It’s challenging sometimes, but the best response is always the grace-filled response. And then carving out some quiet time to recover!

 

Agree? Disagree? Love it? Hate it? Have a question about this blog or this post? Email me at Stephen@QuietlyFaithful.com or leave a comment below. Share your story about being a Christian introvert or let me know a specific topic you’d like to see addressed.