Just What Kind Of Writer Is The ESTP?
Intro:
I decided to use MBTI as a system of trying to help new writers find their voice and style. If you don’t know what the MBTI is or you need a quick overview click for my intro article here.
I think that personality has a big influence on writing, understanding your personality will be key to understanding how to come across to others. There are many writers who have become popular based on the personality of their writing style, this is often referred to as voice. A writer’s voice can be incredibly magnetic and engaging.
Think about it like this, if you were stuck on a long bus ride with someone you’d rather them be interesting enough to listen to or boring enough to lull you to sleep. You never want to be in the middle. Writers will die by being lost in the pack. How should you stand out? By understanding what makes you unique, what is your flavor or style. Understanding this as a new writer will help you understand what kind of audience to attract, and what kind of things to write.
I am absolutely not saying that you should base your entire writing career in a multiple choice personality test. In fact there could be incredible value in doing exactly the opposite of what you’re comfortable with. For new writers, however, it’s best to learn to walk before you run.
Please use this as a guide to suggest a direction and don’t take this as gospel.
Note: For the MBTI experts.
I am not breaking type down by cognitive functions, or even the letters. I think these things are nuts and bolts details that are for those interested, not everyone. Type descriptions should be fluid and comprehensive to better understand the whole archetype of character.
Type overview:
The ESTP personality type is a type of person who thrives on the thrill of competition. Most likely they will love the outdoors, sports, or some other activity that allows them to test their strength and stamina against another.
The ESTP is good at understanding a topic in a systematic way, and will be good at breaking real world problems down to their barest principles.
The ESTP is known for their ability to act under pressure and make cold pragmatic decisions in situations where others may lose their head.
Examples of famous celebrities:
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Madonna, Johnny Knoxville, Miley Cyrus.
What kind of writer are they?
ESTPs are the type of writers to talk about raw and visceral experiences. They make good sports journalists or foreign correspondents. They like to plunge themselves into the thick of what is going on, even if it seems like it could be dangerous.
Because they have such a sharp pragmatic mind, they make good writers when it comes to paying attention and reporting on dangerous or otherwise fast moving situations.
Advice to the writer:
This writer will love to talk about thrillings and fast paced experiences, but what they crave is their actions to have deeper meaning. They love to be in the center of the action, but they crave their actions to have significance.
They will benefit from having someone that helps them slow down, take a breath, and think about why they want to do something and how it would fit into their beliefs.
Takeaway:
They are action oriented individuals who have a knack for quick cold headed decision making. ESTPs will crave meaning in their lives past pure thrills.
