help/advice needed

[lou597]

right, im undertaking a 15 week training course starting next week and inevetiably i will have to interact with new people. I dont want it to be like it as at college where i would do my best to avoid everything social and go around by myself. I tend to avoid talkng to people ive never met before because a) dont know how to start conversation, b) serioulsy problem making/maintaining eye contact, c) fear of other people mocking my voice, or thinking im boring.

All this leaves me thinking that I've got nothing worth saying so limit myself to one word answers.

What do i do?

[theharvestmouse]

Go to the course focusing on the training if you can, don't think about all the rest of it if you can as it will only add pressure. Just think that everyone else will be feeling the same, its normal. Its 15 weeks so thats plenty of time to take things slowly, you don't have to engage in conversation with everyone.

I usually find that some people just are more open to talking than others, so just try to start with one or 2 people. People will not think those thoughts you said, they are just in your head.

Most talk is mainly small talk, about mundane things, so don;t feel everyone else has loads of great things to say.

Oh and sometimes the people who like the sound of their own voice are really annoying and end up boring everyone.

Try not to worry and things are never as bad as they seem.

Good luck!

:)

[Jain]

Hi
I often go on courses and now have the mantra of listening, and watching people's body language and pausing before I speak. I'm increasingly doing it in work situations and it helps me feel calmer and I don't feel like I say silly things.

Re the socialising part, I totally understand, there will be a few 'nice' people who will easy to get on with and interested in you.