Teen Space

1. Start small with people you know. Practise social behaviours like eye contact, confident body language, introductions, small talk, asking questions and invitations with the people you feel most comfortable around. Smile. Build your confidence this way. Then branch out to do this with new friends, too.

2. Think of conversation starters. Often, the hardest part of talking to someone new is getting started. Try introducing yourself, "Hi, we're in the same Biology class", giving a compliment, "That outfit looks great on you", or asking a question, "Do you know when our assignment is due?".

3. Rehearse what to say. When you're ready to try something you've been avoiding because of shyness write down what you want to say beforehand. Rehearse it out loud. Then just do it. Don't worry if it's not exactly like you practised. Be proud that you gave it a go. Next time, it'll be even better because it will be easier.

4. Give yourself a chance. Shy people often worry about failing or how others will judge them. Don't let that keep you from trying. You might feel awkward asking your crush for a first date. That's perfectly natural. Whether your crush says yes — or no — is out of your control. But not asking at all means you'll never get that date. So go for it anyway! Encourage yourself instead of expecting to fail.

5. Develop your assertiveness. Because shy people can be overly concerned with other people’s reactions, they don't want to rock the boat. That doesn't mean they're wimpy or cowardly, just less likely to be assertive. Being assertive means speaking up for yourself when you should, asking for what you want or need or telling other people when they're stepping on your toes.