Many people experience some level of shyness or anxiety when faced with new or uncomfortable situations. Making a speech before a crowd. Trying to start a conversation with that cute stranger next to you at the bar. Being dragged onto the dance floor. All of these situations can lead to some degree of nervousness. In some people they can actually lead to severe physical and mental stress, commonly known as social anxiety. There are techniques that can be utlized to alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety, but the first step is to understand why some people react so severely.

Shyness can be caused by many social triggers. People with low self esteem typically suffer from some degree of social anxiety. Excessive worry over what other people think and a related fear of rejection are also strong drivers of social anxiety. Memories of perceived past social missteps can also lead to an avoidance of any social interaction that might risk a repeat of the blunder.

If you suffer from social anxiety, or even just common shyness, there are some tips that can be utilized to reduce or even eliminate nervousness in uncomfortable social situations.

Start with little changes in your behavior

Nod and say hello to people you encounter. Smile. Acknowledge them in whatever manner is appropriate for the situation.

Keep your eyes focused on the person you’re talking with. You come off as confident when you look a person in the eye.

Go out of your way to strike up a conversation with a co-worker. Nothing high pressure. Just talk about weekend plans or some other chit-chat subject.

By taking these small steps, over time you will begin to build confidence in your ability to socially interact.

Adjust your attitude

There are a couple of changes you need to make to the way you think and react in social interactions. Recognize and acknowledge that you will not ‘get it right’ every time. And that that’s okay. Also realize that people are not going to ridicule you when you do ‘get it wrong’.

You will, at times, trip over your words while giving an important presentation. You will occasionally get shot down when trying to ask someone on a date. And you will sometimes stumble on the dance floor. We all do.

Have something to say

Do you cringe when you have to make small talk at a party? Try discussing something that you know. Find a common interest that will engage all members of the conversation. Study up and become knowledgeable about current events. That’s always a safe topic.

Practice good conversation skills

Don’t simply ask questions that lead to simple yes-no answers. Try to ask open ended questions or make broad comments that will encourage more discussion.

Talk a little louder

If you are a shy individual, chances are you tend to speak a little more quietly or subdued than most people. Moderately raising your voice when speaking will communicate confidence and improve your presence.

Incorporating some simple changes to your behavior is a good first step in overcoming social anxiety. Beyond these simple changes, there are also a variety of social anxiety self help programs available. One of the most powerful self help social anxiety programs is Social Anxiety Secrets by Dr. Todd Snyder. His program utilizes both downloadable e-book and audio materials to provide a step by step plan to cure shyness and social anxiety.

Click to read a review of Social Anxiety Secrets.

Tags: alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety, self confidence, self help, shyness, social anxiety disorder