While I enjoy networking and meeting new people, it is not something that always comes easy to me – I am introvert by nature. My desire to be successful as a classroom teacher and stand up trainer however required that I get over the anxiety of talking to strangers and having a room full of eyes and ears focused on me. But even after all the presentations I’ve given and events I’ve attended, I still get anxious about interacting with new groups and people.
Most people have felt social anxiety at some point in their lives.
It can be intimidating to be in situations that include many unfamiliar people. It can be even more intimidating if you’re shy by nature. Social anxiety can be overcome, though. Everyone’s personality is different, but you can change the way you respond socially no matter what your personality is like. With a little effort in the right strategies, you’ll be more at ease at the next networking event or meeting you attend.
Even though I barely new any of the 50+ people that attended the event (I recognized a few faces from Twitter), I was able to put at ease the anxiety around the expectation to interact with this new group. I felt quite comfortable approaching people to introduce myself and learn more about them.
Here are some tips that have helped me:
1. Practice makes perfect. If your social interactions are few and far between, you limit your chances of success in these situations. Instead of avoiding social situations, start by seeking small, less intimidating opportunities to practice engaging with others.
2. Be yourself. Remember that people generally want to get to know the real you. Most people you meet will be just as nervous as you are. Make others feel at ease by being yourself and asking questions about the other person. As they open up to you and the conversation gets rolling, you’ll feel more and more comfortable.
- * Remember that people are less concerned about your flaws than you are. Social situations can be overwhelming when you try really hard to be perfect. Sometimes you’ll make mistakes. Even embarrassing mistakes can cause you and those around you to feel at ease if you learn to laugh at yourself. And, most people will understand if you make a mistake. They’re just as intimidated.
3. Talk it out. Discuss your struggles with a trusted friend or loved one. Talk about the issues you have and ask for help if necessary. If your social fears run deep, consider seeking professional advice. It’s much better to take steps now to overcome your fears than to miss out on all that life has to offer while you sit on the sidelines.
4. Look on the bright side. Try to see the good in every situation you face. If you’re in a social situation that you’re afraid of, face your fears head-on. Chances are that you can find something about the situation that makes you smile. Once you get into the swing of things, your fears will shrink.
5. Take steps to relax. If you start to panic, take steps to relax yourself. Excuse yourself for a few moments alone. Take a few slow, deep breaths from your belly. Continue breathing slowly and deeply as you return to the social situation. You’ll feel confident and more in control when you breathe deeply.
6. Join a group or club. Groups and clubs are great places to practice social interaction with others who share the same interests that you do. Many groups exist, and you’re sure to find one or more that cater to an activity or subject matter you’re passionate about. This makes conversations easy as well.
7. Be approachable. It may take a while for you to work up the nerve to approach someone new. But that doesn’t mean you can’t smile and maintain an appearance of warmth and openness to attract those that are willing to introduce themselves. If your facial expression and body language screams , “go away,” or “not interested,” even the most friendliest person will avoid you like the plague.
Remember that your attitude and will to change makes all the difference. Get off the sidelines, pick a social situation you’d normally avoid, and use these strategies to overcome your fears. Turn social situations into opportunities to learn, grow, and experience all that life has to offer.