be more outgoing

I’ve always been relatively shy but then I got to university and became painfully shy. I hated giving presentations and was shy to meet new people. Now, I’m able to open up to those I know but it takes me awhile. I would like to get over the shyness and be able to speak in public (without thinking I’m gonna have a panic attack!) and approach people to make new friends.

I want to stop worrying about how people will think of me and just be myself and talk to people. It sounds really easy thinking about it, but when I’m actually there I tense up and end up being quiet for the most part. Or, what happens, is that after a decent conversation with someone, I start thinking about how they see me afterward, and I’m like, “oh god why’d I say that”. Which just adds to the fear.
Any tips?

i have met plenty of outgoing people over the years and they have INCREDIBLY easy lives, their toughest decision is generally stuff like..”whether to have our honey moon in hawaii or barbados” “whether to invite 200 people to our wedding reception or 300” or ” whether to go to Jay Z’s party or Mystery’s party”

Lately I’ve improved, but today was like a total set back. I feel as though i’m too immature. and that’s why I can’t seem to connect with people. It was also a setback because I avoided (once again) giving a presentation. gahhh

I’ve definitely improved, whenever I’m enjoying meeting and talking to people. I’ve been acting more like myself.

Really really want to do this, Ive been quite shy for ages and I really dont want to be anymore but I guess that easier said than done. I want to put myself out there and take opportunities and not be unconfident and self conscious and hold back. Going to give this a good go and hopefully it’l be better :) if anyone has any advice for me to help be more outgoing I’d really appreciate it.

I’ve had some trouble opening myself up to people I’m not friends with (accquaintances with)... but it’s not that daunting… as long as you talk to people who aren’t the overly negative, antisocial type, they’ll be happy to talk.

I’ve started off small… ...ask people questions, try not to focus on yourself (although if the conversation goes to you, stay brief and then go back to a question)... even just having polite pleasantries so far with people is really self-affirming. So take baby steps and… yeah…

...these videos helped:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_G4VSczizuA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpWxIplRVRQ

I talked to someone in my Spanish class yesterday.

He sat at the desk next to me (sounds so high school. Thanks, community college) and I very nearly got up and moved to the back of the room. But I stuck with it and we talked a bit, and it actually made the class fun.

I hope you don’t think I sound nuts, fellow goal-havers, but just sitting there is a pretty big accomplishment for me these days. Talking is even more than I thought I’d be able to do.

I’m tired of hearing people constantly telling me to get out of my shell. It’s not that i enjoy being a hermit or anything, it’s just that i like my comfort zone. i’ve always been the quiet, mellow type and my personality pretty much affects the way i interact with other people. i admit it gets more than a little awkward being the only quiet person among a group of fluttering social butterflies. Other people tend to get a little uncomfortable around me bcoz of the awkward silence. It’s just that I’m reslly, really bad at making small talk. Even saying hi, or how are you feels like climbing mt everest. I’m just socially awkward and i know i should do something to change this.

i need to be more friendly… talk to new people easier. Whats the worst that could happen? really…