ELMHURST — In her book "Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking," author Susan Cain describes an American society that strongly favors the “extrovert ideal” while undervaluing the talents of the millions of Americans who are introverts, according to Elmhurst College.

The New York Times best-selling author will talk about her book, and why our culture should do more to celebrate and employ the strengths of introverts, during an appearance at Elmhurst College on Feb. 17.

Cain is a former corporate lawyer and negotiations consultant — and a self-described introvert. According to "Quiet," introverts make up one-third to one-half of every workplace and classroom. Yet our schools, workplaces, even religious institutions, are designed for extroverts, and this bias means that the talents of less demonstrative introverts are going to waste, their potential unrealized.

Fast Company writes that Cain's 2012 book, as well as a widely viewed TED talk she gave on the subject, have “galvanized a movement against society's blanket favoritism toward loud-talking, brainstorm-favoring extroverts.”

Cain’s talk will begin at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 in Hammerschmidt Memorial Chapel, 190 Prospect Ave.
A book-signing will follow the lecture. Admission is $10 for the general public and free for Elmhurst College students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Tickets are available at the door or by visiting www.elmhurst.edu/tix. For more information, call 630-617-3390.