Are you glossophobic?

Research shows 77% of Americans are living with glossophobia to some degree. Glossophobia is the fear of public speaking, and it stems from a fear of social situations.

Being uncomfortable talking to new people is a less intense version of glossophobia. However, while it’s less intense, it can still have negative impacts on your life. That’s why in this article, we’ll show you how to boost your confidence so you can conquer any social situation.

Read on to learn how to talk confidently when you’re meeting someone new.

Preplan Questions to Ask

What is it about meeting new people that rattles your confidence? If you’re like most people, you’re probably afraid you won’t know what to say. To help overcome the fear of being speechless, prepare a few questions to ask ahead of time.

Questions are a powerful conversational tool when used the right way. A big part of learning how to talk with confidence is learning how to show people you care.

Asking new people questions about themselves shows them that you’re interested in learning about them. Questions are also a great way to keep the conversation alive when it’s dying down.

Of course, you’ll want to avoid sounding like you’re interrogating your new friends. Instead, think of 2-3 questions that you would feel comfortable answering yourself. It’s likely that after the new people answer your questions, they’ll ask you the same things.

Slow Down Your Speech

When you’re meeting new people, do you find yourself rambling? Rambling, or speaking too quickly, can be a sign of nervous energy.

Instead of feeding the nervous energy with more rambles, you’ll want to slow down your speech. By slowing down your speech, you’ll give yourself a chance to think about the things you’re saying.

Next, remember, a conversation is a two-way street. You don’t have to do all of the talking! Let the new people you’re meeting carry some of the weight of the conversation.

Finally, when the other people are talking make sure you’re listening. If you’re nervous, it can be easy to get caught up in thinking about what you’ll say next.

However, if you’re not listening to what the other person is saying, the conversation will suffer. Instead of rushing through a new encounter, slow down, take speaking breaks, and listen.

Notice Your Body Language

How do you normally carry yourself on a day-to-day basis? Are you someone who strides elegantly into a room, demanding attention? Or are you a more reserved person, that doesn’t tend to take up a lot of space?

Over the next few days, pay attention to what your natural body language looks like. Next, when you’re meeting new people, take a moment to notice how your body language changes.

You may find that you’re doing stuff you would normally never do if you weren’t uncomfortable. Once you notice your body language is off, do something about it!

For instance, are your arms crossed, even though you normally wouldn’t cross your arms? Simply uncrossing your arms while you’re meeting new people could be the small change that makes all the difference.

Your body language sends signals to your brain that let you know how to feel. If your body language is telling your brain to feel uncomfortable, it’ll be hard to speak with confidence. Instead, focus on carrying yourself the way you normally would when you’re feeling your best!

Control Your Thoughts

The first step in learning how to talk confidently is learning how to control your mind. When you let your thoughts run wild, it’s easy to work yourself up into a nervous state.

A mind is a powerful tool, but it’s not a great leader. Don’t let your mind lead you, or tell you what you should be feeling.

Instead, it’s best to learn how to make your mind work for you. If you know ahead of time that you’re going to be meeting new people, you have the added benefit of being able to prepare your mind.

How to Clear Your Mind

You can either sit in your vehicle while it’s parked or anywhere you feel comfortable closing your eyes. Once you’re alone, set a timer for 5 minutes. Next, close your eyes and begin to inhale and exhale through your nose.

Your only job is to pay attention to the breath coming in and out of your nose. Notice how it tickles your upper lip. Notice how the breath rises and falls.

You’ll also notice that all sorts of thoughts start competing for your attention. You may accidentally get caught up thinking about this or that. However, once you realize you’re paying attention to your thoughts instead of your breath, let the thoughts go.

This exercise is a type of meditation that will help you learn how to be present. When you’re meeting new people for the first time, do this exercise right beforehand. You’ll notice a major change in your ability to be yourself.

Dress to Impress Yourself

Have you ever heard of the concept of enclothed cognition? Researchers found that when you wear certain clothes, it evokes specific feelings. That’s why dressing to impress yourself, it’s a wonderful way to boost your confidence when meeting new people.

Don’t worry about wearing an outfit that will make everybody else happy. Instead, pick an outfit that makes you feel powerful, and comfortable at the same time.

Know-How to Talk Confidently

Now you know how to talk confidently when you’re meeting people for the first time. What one of our tips will you be using to boost your confidence?

Will you be dressing in an outfit that makes you feel strong? Or are you planning on slowing your role, and letting the natural rhythm of the conversation work for you?

Whatever tip you choose to use, don’t wait to try it out! For more ways to be the best you possible, check out another one of our articles.

Do you have trouble talking confidently?

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