User blog comment:Youmakemyheartgonootnoot/I'm Too Shy In School./@comment-39457261-20190513192612

Just want to sa you are not alone! Even the people who seem really outgoing still feel self conscious sometimes. I used to be extremely shy too and there would be times where i'd go to say something and nothing would even come out of my mouth because i was so nervous. After 3 years I've changed and grown so much though and you can too. I'm a lot more confident in what i say and I dont mind it if people think im weird because of what i say. I'm also considered the shy and smart stereotype but it doesnt matter. I'm less shy and more happy with myself, I still get panic attacks from time to time in crowded and loud situations like gatherings or parties but that's a whole separate issue.

Some tips to be more confident about speaking!

-work on raising your voice louder

-learn that you can speak your mind! The world won't end if you say something people will judge you of on accident, and even if that happens (which is unlikely) its really not that big of a deal and people will forget. Think about it. When was the last embarrasing thing your peer did happen? Do you think they're not worthy of respect because of it? Probably not. Same goes for you!

-You said you're excited to share ideas and that's a great thing. Don't think about it and just say it. I take spanish and for years ive been struggling to answer because im shy in my english classes to speaking outloud in a foreign language is harder. But i've learned that you have to expect to make mistakes to grow.

-An excerice you can do is say 2 compliments a day to someone you aren't close with. If a nice thought comes to your mind say it! Even if it seems random or there's no context, everyone appreciates a genuine compliment :)

-Another exercise is to say hello to some friendly people you know, Or even just wave! If your guys are friendly but not super close friends this is great because it builds confidence in meeting new people. It also can help strike good conversations with a simple hello.

-If all else fails or these 2 exercises are too much, my last suggestion is my highfive suggestion. If there are any people you'd like to be friends with, or again and random friendly person, just put your hand up and (loudly so they can hear you) say highfive! or you can do the same with fistbumps. I've made a couple friends with this method and its super helpful and fun!

-Also, if you know the answer to a question in class. Raise your hand! Even if you dont know but you have a guess, raise it! You have to take the chances and put yourself in uncomfortable positions to grow.

Lastly, I hope you know shyness isn't bad! These tips have helped me build confidence, but im still a quieter person. It's wonderful that you want to overcome your shyness but its important to know that being quiet and shy isnt the problem. It's being unconfident and having a low opinion of yourself. I'm sure you have wonderful ideas and I hope you can learn to love youself and speak up more :)