“Talking is silver, but writing is gold,” my high school English teacher used to say, a twinkle in her eye.

And for some of us, that rings particularly true.

You see, not everyone finds it easy to express themselves verbally.

Some of us prefer to let our thoughts flow through the tip of a pen or the stroke of a keyboard.

So if you’ve ever wondered, “Why do I express myself better in writing than speaking?” you’re not alone.

In fact, psychology has some intriguing insights into this phenomenon.

Ready for a quick dive into the world of written self-expression?

Here are seven traits that people who communicate more effectively through writing tend to share.

Remember, these traits don’t make you odd or unusual.

They simply mean you have a unique way of connecting with others and sharing your thoughts – a way that can be incredibly powerful when channeled correctly.

Let’s explore these seven traits and see how they can enhance your written communication skills and make them even more impactful.

Because in an increasingly digital world, being able to express yourself effectively through writing is a skill that’s worth its weight in gold.

1) They’re introspective

Have you ever found yourself lost in thought, mulling over your feelings or trying to make sense of a complex situation?

That’s introspection: the act of examining one’s own thoughts and feelings.

People who express themselves better through writing often have a high degree of introspection.

They spend a lot of time exploring their inner world, evaluating their thoughts, feelings, and reactions.

Writing becomes a tool to help them articulate these internal reflections.

It’s a medium that allows them to delve deeper into their thoughts, making sense of them in a way that verbal communication sometimes can’t.

If you find yourself turning to pen and paper (or keyboard) to untangle your thoughts or understand your emotions, you might be more introspective than you realize.

And that’s a strength, not a weakness.

It means you’re capable of deep self-awareness and understanding, which are key to effective communication and personal growth.

2) They’re detail-oriented

I’ll never forget the time I was planning a surprise party for my best friend.

While others were content with just deciding on a theme and venue, I found myself diving into the nitty-gritty details.

From the color of the balloons to the playlist for the evening, I wanted everything to be perfect.

That’s when it struck me – I’m a stickler for details.

This is another common trait among people who express themselves better in writing.

They pay attention to the smaller things, the finer nuances that many miss out on.

When they write, they’re able to incorporate these details into their words, painting a vivid picture for their readers.

In conversations, these details might get lost in the mix. But in writing, they shine – adding depth and richness to the narrative.

If you, like me, find yourself focusing on details others often overlook, know that it’s an asset when it comes to expressing yourself through writing.

Your attention to detail can bring your words to life in a way that captivates your reader and truly conveys your message.

3) They’re introverted

There’s a common misconception that introverts are shy or unsociable. That couldn’t be further from the truth.

As an introvert myself, I can tell you that we simply process social interactions differently.

Parties and large gatherings can be draining, and we often need some quiet time to recharge.

When it comes to expressing our thoughts, we may find writing more comfortable than speaking.

It gives us the time and space to formulate our ideas without the pressure of an immediate response.

In writing, there’s room for deep thought, careful choice of words, and self-editing.

There’s no fear of interruption, no anxiety about how our words are being received in the moment.

If you’re an introvert who prefers writing over speaking, take heart. It’s not a flaw.

It’s simply a part of who you are. And it can make your written communication incredibly thoughtful and insightful.

4) They’re patient

Patience is a virtue, right? It’s something I’ve had to learn and develop over time.

In today’s fast-paced world, we’re often expected to think on our feet, make quick decisions, and give instant responses.

But for those of us who communicate better through writing, we prefer taking our time to think things through.

Writing is a process. It requires patience to articulate thoughts precisely, choose the right words, and structure them in a way that makes sense.

It’s not about rushing to get words on the page; it’s about crafting a message that resonally truly reflects what we intend to convey.

If you often find yourself taking a step back, mulling over your thoughts before putting them down in writing, don’t worry.

Your patience isn’t a hindrance – it’s a strength that can make your written communication all the more powerful.

5) They’re avid readers

Reading and writing go hand in hand. People who express themselves better through writing often have a deep love for reading.

It’s through exploring different authors, genres, and writing styles that they expand their vocabulary and learn to appreciate the power of words.

Reading not only fuels their imagination but also influences their own writing.

It helps them understand how to build narratives, create engaging content, and connect with readers on an emotional level.

If you’re the type who always has a book on the go, take it as a sign.

Your love for reading could very well be enhancing your ability to express yourself through writing.

6) They’re empathetic

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others.

It’s a trait that I hold close to my heart, and it’s something I’ve noticed is common among people who express themselves better through writing.

When you’re empathetic, you can tap into the emotions of your readers, understanding their perspectives and feeling their joys and pains.

This ability to connect emotionally can make your writing more relatable and impactful.

Writing becomes a means of reaching out, of saying, “I understand. You’re not alone.”

It’s an opportunity to offer comfort, reassurance, or inspiration through your words.

If you often find yourself feeling deeply for others and reflecting these feelings in your writing, cherish this trait.

Your empathy can touch hearts and change lives, one word at a time.

7) They’re self-aware

Self-awareness is a powerful trait. It’s about knowing who you are, understanding your strengths and weaknesses, and recognizing how your actions affect others.

People who express themselves better through writing often have a high degree of self-awareness.

They use writing as a tool for self-discovery and growth.

They’re able to analyze their thoughts and feelings, understand their motivations, and gain insights into their behavior.

Through writing, they’re not just sharing with others; they’re also learning about themselves.

And this self-awareness can make their written communication incredibly authentic and meaningful.

Embrace your unique communication style

If you see yourself in these traits, you’re part of a unique group that finds power and expression through the written word.

It’s not about fitting into a mold or meeting societal expectations of quick wit and verbal eloquence.

It’s about embracing your own style of communication and recognizing the strengths it brings.

Writing offers a haven for introspection, detail, patience, and empathy.

It’s a medium where introverts and bookworms can shine, where self-awareness can be nurtured and grown.

The next time you find yourself choosing text over talk or pen over conversation, don’t shy away.

Dive in. Explore the depth of your thoughts, play with words, and let your emotions flow onto the page.

With every line you write, you’re not just expressing yourself – you’re understanding yourself a little better.

And that’s a journey worth celebrating.

Here’s to you, the writers in a world of speakers.

Keep writing, keep exploring, keep expressing. Your words have power, and they’re making the world a richer place.