Be prepared for the fact that you have to make new acquaintances.
Read poetry in front of an audience.
One way to overcome shyness and fear of interacting with people is to go out in public. Memorize a short poem (rewrite it on paper, save it in notes on your smartphone if it’s terrifying) and read it.
Do it in front of your friends and family first, then try to go out and speak to strangers. Read expressively without lowering your head so that you are heard. Take a friend with you to be your support group.
You will notice that many people will smile, and some will stop to listen. Others will simply not pay attention to you – is it worth worrying?
If the fear is that others notice all the small flaws, it is unjustified. You notice much more in yourself than others.
Read also: 5 Questions For Those Who Are Unhappy With Their Lives
Try on a different look
Do you have a favorite character from a movie or book which communicates with people without any problems? Reincarnate into it for one day. Become an actor and step out of your role. It isn’t easy, but imagine you have to play this role. To make it easier, think like this; “Even if someone thinks something bad, it will not refer to me, but my image.”
Approach strangers with a request or question
Go to a shopping mall or other crowded place and set a task for yourself; go up to 20 people every three minutes and ask, for example, what time it is. A simple question that any person will answer you.
You can try something more challenging next time. For example, ask for help to fasten a chain around your neck or take a picture of you for a friend who lives in another country. You will be surprised at how many people will be happy to help you.
But don’t forget that you don’t need an extra dose of stress. If you can’t get to the person for more than a few minutes, switch to something else, but don’t give up. Walk a little and return to the exercise. With each new person, it will become easier for you to fulfill it.
Attend a Crowded Event
Go to a concert by a music artist (preferably, the artist is interesting to you). Dance, treat your idol’s fans with drinks, and make new acquaintances. It’s much easier if you already have a topic of conversation and common interests.
Say hello to strangers.
Wish good morning when you go for coffee before work. Find out how the day went at the cashier of your store if you went to buy groceries in the evening.
If this is not a problem, try to say hello to someone from the passers-by. Most likely, they will TheyTheyanswer you with a greeting in response: what if you made a mistake? And for you, this is a small step towards overcoming fear.
Do something absurd, in your opinion.
If you are afraid to look stupid because you say or do something wrong, try doing it on purpose.
From the most basic, wear different socks. And let it be visible to everyone. It is harder to say or do something deliberately stupid on purpose. Decide what seems awkward to you, choose the right place and time, and do it. Just remember that everything must be within the law.
Meet yourself
Set a goal for yourself; meet five people in one evening. Go to a bar, go to an exhibition or museum and strike up a conversation with someone. You can prepare a conversation plan in advance. If this is an exhibition, the task becomes even easier: share your impressions and find out what the other person thinks.
Again, you don’t need the extra stress. If you are usually uncomfortable interrupting a conversation (although you want to), put a time frame. Let it be five minutes, after which you firmly but politely tell the interlocutor: “It was nice to meet you, but I have to go. Thank you for your time”.
Think over options for the development of events
You have already imagined the most pleasant thing that happened to you. Now you need to think about the opposite. Think about the most stressful and difficult communication situation in your life—for example, an unsuccessful public speech. Now imagine what you would do to save the situation if you returned to the past.
This exercise will help you prepare for an important event ahead. Think over different options; what can go wrong, what difficulties await. Think back to everything you did before to take into account mistakes and not make them in the future.
Aso read: How To Be Happier In 15 Minutes
Compliment
Tell people nice things if you see someone wearing a pretty sweater, compliment, and find out, for example, where you can buy one. The person will be pleased, and you will understand that it is not difficult to start a conversation.
If your coworker has a new hairstyle, let him know you notice but don’t overdo it. Gross flattery is always obvious, so be sincere.
Rehearse in front of the mirror
Stand in front of a mirror and rehearse the upcoming dialogue. It is important to monitor your emotions and body language. Smile, be yourself and watch what you do. Practice several times daily until you see the confidence in your actions. For example, look at public people’s speeches; how they speak, gesture, and behave in general.
It’s okay to be afraid. However, you can overcome fear if you want to. In difficult situations, it is always better to consult a psychologist, but if you are sure that you can handle it yourself, try and aim for success. Everything will work out.
Adapted and translated by Wiki Avenue Staff
Sources: Life hacker
