Q&A for How to Talk to People when You're Shy

Be friendly and brave. Talk to people who smile back at you.

You could try to build up your confidence slowly. Try it with close friends, family members, or someone else you feel very comfortable with, and practice having conversations with them. Then again, it could be only a few particular persons whom you feel overly shy with, like a crush, which is a completely different case. Another point to be made, is that if the other person you were sitting with for hours doesn’t make the first move into a conversation, it could be that: A) they don't want to have a conversation, B) they too are too shy to start talking as well, or C) they are perhaps busy.

Just talk to them like you would talk to any of your friends. Usually girls will keep talking if a conversation is started.

Because there are a lot of uncertainties with people you don't know. You don't know what they are like, how they will react to things, whether they will like you, or what to talk to them about. It's always easier to talk to someone you already know and are comfortable with.

First, don't feel bad about being shy. Try to smile at someone who is friendly and has a good attitude. Come up with conversation starters ahead of time so you won't get flustered when talking to someone.

Keep talking. The more you know your friends, the more comfortable you become. Then, you will eventually find yourself speaking more confidently.

If you are in a new school, relax. You won't be bullied. Just find some friends, find some similarities, and become friends. However, don't do it like you're desperate. Just do it, relaxed and calm.

Just talk to him as if he was any friend. It may be a bit hard, but you can do it! Ask him about school, his hobbies, things you know he's interested in, etc. Remember, he's just a person, like you, there's nothing to be afraid of.

You really don't have to, shyness usually becomes apparent through conversation with you. If a situation came up where it might have an impact, say a friend inviting you to a party where you wouldn't know a lot of people, you could explain, "I'm sorry, I don't enjoy that sort of thing, I'm too shy."

Try talking to him and act like his friend again. Don't rush things with him or you could make him feel uncomfortable.

Sure. Pets are pretty safe, though, so move on to an actual person as soon as you feel even slightly ready.

Try observing what someone is into, for example if they like sports, talk about sports, or find a connection between you and them.

I would suggest planning out things to say ahead of time. Maybe think up some questions people may ask you and write out and memorize appropriate replies, or just practice talking about common subjects like the weather, local sports, school/work, etc., either with a friend, or even by yourself. You can also ask these people about themselves, their day, etc. People like to talk about themselves.

Try to branch out a little bit at a time. Ask a classmate you don't normally talk to what the homework was. Smile at a stranger and say hello. If you slowly begin to interact more with others, you will gain more confidence. Keep in mind that it's okay to be a little shy. You don't need to totally overhaul your personality, just put yourself out there a little more.

Just say hello and ask them how they're doing. It would also be a good idea to give them a genuine smile to make yourself look more friendly and inviting.

Like you would normally, just don't talk about anything private or anything negative about the people that are listening.

Think about what you’re going to say, and find other people who are shy like you. This way, you will start building up confidence.

It may be a self-esteem issue. Sometimes when we don't think highly of ourselves, we think of other people as more important than we are and so worry about what they think more than we worry about our own feelings. You could likely benefit from a therapist who could help you get down to the reason you feel so poorly about yourself and help you adjust your perspective.

Your mom should be understanding. Remember, she was a kid once, and might have experience. Lean on your mom as somebody you can trust, and know she will always love you.

Of course, you should always be yourself. You want the people you meet to like you for you.

Just talk to him if you want to. Say something like, "Hey, we haven't talked in a while, I miss you. How have you been?" Don't worry about people teasing you. You shouldn't let the behavior of immature people bother you.

It depends on who they are. Saying "Hi, how are you," and "It's nice to meet you" are pretty standard in that situation. If the person is older and you're a kid/teen, they will probably just ask you about school and you're interests, and all you have to do is politely answer their questions.

It can be hard. You feel like it’s the end of the world. But really, it’s just casual questions people ask every day. And maybe it wasn’t as bad as as you thought it would be. Gain confidence and try asking these questions once in a while. You will get better. You can start of slowly, then try talking more. But, don’t rush things, take it at a nice tempo for you; you can start off with a classmate, client or your neighbor.

Try to slowly approach them, a smile or a wave goes a long way. After awhile, you’ll have the courage to talk to him/her. Figure out what they like and find common ground, that way it will be easier to start a conversation.

It’s like a phobia. You need to conquer your fear at some point. I am a super shy in person, but online, I’m a totally different person. I try to find people i can talk to online, figure out what I would say to them, then use whatever I’ve learned on my own to talk to living humans. It’s awkward at first, but it’s better than thinking the worlds going to end at every word you say...