be more outgoing

So I’ve been told I have improved a bit. I guess I have. Yet there’s still MUCH MUCH MUCH more room for improvement.

I’m definitely able to small talk better. Well, we have to…and are somewhat trained on it.

I still have trouble striking up conversation, though. I can probably maintain it for a few minutes…but I still have to work on it. But woohoo for improvement! However slight it is!

My boss even gave me a book on how to be a better…uhh…speaker? Social-wise. I’ve just been too lazy to pick up the book. =P

I’ve realized I don’t know how to do small talk. If I’m with someone that can’t hold up a conversation enough for two, then I really have nothing to contribute. 99% of the time, I can’t lead a conversation. Crickets chirping. Awkward moments of silence. And how do I start up a conversation?

I can be more outgoing when I act more childish. But I wouldn’t want to do that in a professional environment. I also wouldn’t be able to break through my comfort zone.

So let’s see. Any ideas on how to be more outgoing? I’m trying. At least I can say that. I think I may be improving. But I can’t really tell.