How can you overcome shyness when meeting new people?

Answer 1

If you are generally a shy person you can't make yourself unshy just like that. I use to be really shy when I was younger, but as I got older some of it faded away. Now I am able to loosen up more around new people. So I hate to say it, but you are who you are. You can change yourself in some ways, but you can only make small changes a little bit at a time. Just try not to worry so much about what other people think of you. That was my biggest problem. Just listen to what other people have to say and try and join in on the conversation. Getting some caffiene might help you loosen up a bit as long as it isn't too much, makes me more bubbly.

Being shy is really just a form of being self-absorbed, and I can say this because I was terribly shy for a very long time. If you take the focus off yourself and put it on someone else, your shyness will begin to disappear. When you meet someone new, pay attention to what they say from the moment you are introduced...repeat their name immediately (Hello Janice, it's nice to meet you) because then you'll have a better chance of remembering it. Make a positive comment on their appearance (hair, jewelry, clothes, tie, etc.) Be certain that your comment is sincere. It is always easy to find something positive to say about a person. If you know in advance that you'll be in a situation where you'll be introduced to people you haven't met yet, have a question or two prepared beforehand to give you a conversation starter. Some people even practice their introductions out loud first - yes, they really do!! And remember that most people are a little uncomfortable in any situation where they don't know others. If you focus on that, and do your best to put the other person at ease, you'll be fine.

Shyness is not a chronic ailment. But it can make life harder. The best thing to do is to get some practice in being with people and being part of the conversation. To do this, you need to put yourself into situations that are outside of your comfort zone more often. Speak to people around you when you are at church, volunteering or at work. Little by little, the issue will fade and you will be able to talk more comfortably with anyone. Some people find Toastmasters to be helpful, but being in front of people is another issue. For dating, practice makes perfect. Another saying that works for me sometimes is to act "as if" I already am confident in meeting and being with other people.

Shyness isn't easy to overcome. It's difficult and it makes people feel awkward. The easiest way to overcome shyness is to find a common ground with the person. After a while the shyness will begin to dissapate and the relationship can begin.

Shyness can be overcome by doing two things. First, learning to change your mindset, the way that you think about social interactions. Shy people often attribute too much importance to interactions. Second, to get lots of practice at talking to people. Examples would be taking on a social career (barman, sales man, consultant, actor etc.) or getting involved in highly social activities so that you are constantly placed in social situations.