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Thursday, February 21, 2008

UA&P - I am STRONG: Don't be Shy!

Jewelz shares...


5 Ways to Shake Shyness

Having a shy style isn't necessarily a problem. It's perfectly OK to take time to warm up to new people and situations. But shyness blocks some people from being as comfortable or sociable as they'd like to be.
Some people want to feel less shy so they can have more fun socializing and being themselves around others. Here are some tips for overcoming shy feelings:

1. Start small with people you know. Practice social behaviors 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 some conversation starters. Often, the hardest part of talking to someone new is getting started. Think of conversation openers, like introducing yourself ("Hi, I'm Chris, we're in the same English class"), giving a compliment ("That jacket looks great on you"), or asking a question ("Do you know when our report is due?"). Being ready with a conversation starter (or a few) makes it easier to approach someone.

3. Rehearse what to say. When you're ready to try something you've been avoiding because of shyness — like a phone call or a conversation — write down what you want to say beforehand. Rehearse it out loud, maybe even in front of the mirror. Then just do it. Don't worry if it's not exactly like you practiced or if it's not perfect. Few of the things more confident-seeming people do are perfect either. 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. Find group activities where you can be with people who share your interests. Give yourself a chance to practice socializing with these new people, and get to know them slowly. People who are shy often worry about failing or how others will judge them. Worries and feelings like these can keep you from trying. If self-criticism plays a role for you, ask yourself whether you'd be this critical of your best friend. Chances are you'd be much more accepting. So treat yourself like your own best friend. Encourage yourself instead of expecting to fail.

5. Develop your assertiveness. Because shy people can be overly concerned with other peoples' reactions, they don't want to rock the boat. That doesn't mean
they're wimpy or cowardly. But it can mean they are 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.
Most of all, be yourself. It's OK to try out different conversational approaches you see others using. But say and do what fits your style. Being the real you — and daring to let yourself be noticed — is what attracts friends.
Reviewed by: D'Arcy Lyness, PhD
*article taken from
http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/problems/shy_tips.html

Stepping up and speaking out may be tough, especially if you do not know the people around you. There are benefits in taking a step back and listening to people before drawing conclusions, however, overcoming shyness allows you to express yourself to others and be heard. You become more comfortable being yourself.

Share stories on how overcoming shyness helped you. :)

*this blog is in support of the I am STRONG organization by UA&P.

421 comments:

1 – 200 of 421   Newer›   Newest»
Anonymous said...

nice post, jewelz! i always like to b the one to break the ice with a group of people i am meeting fro the first time. i cant stand the tension and the awkward feeling that trying to get the "feel of others" brings.

Anonymous said...

i like making friends..so i think the sooner i break the ice with people i am with for the first time, the better chances i have of making them my new friends!

Anonymous said...

im really shy...i just cant muster the guts to be the one to approach...buth thanks for this!

Anonymous said...

another helpful article! thanks i am STRONG!

Anonymous said...

people understood me more when I spoke up.

Anonymous said...

I feel better around myself... I don't seem to be mysterious to my friends anymore.

Anonymous said...

I feel better around my friends. I don't seem to be mysterious to them anymore.

Anonymous said...

Looking people in the eye while talking is also a good way to communicate better.

Anonymous said...

when shaking hands, grasp the hand firmly to show you mean it.

Anonymous said...

nice post!!! i always say this, this site helps me a lot... im happy that you are giving tips like this because high school life is very difficult

Anonymous said...

totally agree with you

Anonymous said...

i believe that social skills are very important in character building. we as persons always try to improve ourselves and be better. we can only do this by conversing and interacting with other people. jewelz told me about kaizen, the japanese philosophy of improving oneself everyday even the slightest improvement will do. so i encourage everyone to improve your communication skills and get rid of the shyness

Anonymous said...

weh charles!!!! corny mo preo maganda ung entry!!!! maysado kang seryoso hahaha

Anonymous said...

hahaha!!! salamat ha... basahin mo mabuti para di ka na mahiya hahaha.... :)

Anonymous said...

mga ate's and kuya's pwede ba gamitin ito para makausap crush ko?

Anonymous said...

wow just in time.. im meeting my groupmate in school and i've been quiet sine the firs meeting cause im very shy. i dont want to make mistakes.. but i guess this blog has inspired me... actually this is my first comment but i've been an avid reader

Anonymous said...

anonymous na may crush:
syempre! pwede mo to gamitin... pwede ka mag rehearse sa bahay kung ano gusto mo sabihin, tapos pag may nakita kang opportunity na makausap sya, sabihin mo yung na rehearse mo. :)

Anonymous said...

hay expert ako dyan di na ako nahihiya eh

Anonymous said...

i love this site grabe

Anonymous said...

ako kaya ung di nahihiya sa ganyan padamihan pa tayo ng gf eh hahaha

Anonymous said...

There were five Vietnamese students who migrated to the USA. I remember the first time I observed them, they were all shy and they bow their heads. After a couple months, they learned how to communicate. The school has a social skills curriculum. Weeks of training proved to be significant to these group. Before they left the school, they can talk and converse with anyone. You can hardly noticed the shyness they once had. Their self esteem was high and they can even train others because they can relate to it. They used their experiences to share with their peers. Shyness is no longer part of their vocabulary.

Anonymous said...

Overcoming shyness can be done with interacting with your own peers. Lots of practice to enhance your communication skills is paramount. You can participate in group discussion and other school activities. I know because I was also shy at first, but now I have a positive outlook in life.

Anonymous said...

Small group sessions with active listening and participation can be a very effective tool in improving your attitude. Developing excellent communcation skills will offset shyness.

Anonymous said...

Outdoor activities with your friends and even close relatives can help you shy away with shyness. You must participate and keep on trying to improve your social interaction. Dont be afraid to make mistakes, because no one is perfect afterall.

Anonymous said...

I am still shy at times but the most impotant thing is that I can talk to my friends with eased and I am not shy at all. I guess, it defends on what group of people you are with at a particular time. Some well known guess speakers in a huge assembly can still choked while doing thier speech. How much more with a person like me. But what is important to me is that I can communicate with my close friends ND MY Parents.

Anonymous said...

I love your article, it reminds me of myself. I was shy before and can hardly start a conversation with my friend. Reading your article is good way for me to reflect back on my past. I can used to it enhance my communication skills.

Anonymous said...

Shyness is good if you put in the right perspective. Talking too much sometimes defeat the purpose of being a good communicator. A little shyness once in awhile is an effective traits to have rather than being labeled as an arrogant communicator.

Anonymous said...

Reading your article encourages others to enhance their communication skills. Practice, practice, practice, makes it perfect.

Anonymous said...

staying at home, not mingling with ZTE enate Hearing. You can share the laughter because when you watch these politicians, it will encourage you to be better. Perhaps you can reduced your shyness after viewing this senate hearing, It can also improved your listening skills.

Anonymous said...

Everyone of us started shy in the beginning, not unless you were born talking like a parrot already. All of us can still improved our social skills. Not only our shyness but other skills as well.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it courage to face the challenge in front of you, that is accepting the fact that you can do something to change your image into more positive one. Look yourself in the mirror and say, I can do this...

Anonymous said...

A win-win situation, is for you to just go out there and find out what good you can do to help others, and by doing so in return, you will enhamce your ability to do things without being shy about it.

Anonymous said...

Strong determination and focus on the good side of you, the outcome will benefit you away from negative things. Assertiveness, can help you enhance your social skills without thinking negatively.

Anonymous said...

i'm not shy! it's just that sometimes im being introvert.

Anonymous said...

Naaalala ko pa noong mga bata pa kami,kapag may dumarating na panauhin,ay tumatakbo kaming magkakapatid para mag tago dahil nahihiya.Sa malumanay na paraan, kinausap kami ng aming mga magulang na mag sanay na batiin ang mga bisita kahit magandang umaga o magandang gabi.Iyan ang simulain ng magandang asal at nasanay na rin na hindi maging mahiyain.

Becca said...

(: Hey. Great post. I used to be shy too, but i learnt to overcome it. Thanks to http://www.whatcausespanicattacks.com. So far, this webbie has the best tips and techniques to overcome shyness. Do try it.

Anonymous said...

Too shy can be perceived in a different way. If it is persistent and chronic, it could be a symptom of an illness.
If your friend is like this, try to encourage him/her to join a group outing and socialize.

Anonymous said...

Meeting new people can be the first step in slowly depleting the high percentage of shyness.

Anonymous said...

Sa probinsiya walang hiya ang mga tao. Halos lahat sila ay magkakakilala. Kaya, alisin ang hiya, kasi baka maihintulad ka sa damong makahiya!

Anonymous said...

Try this communication exrcise, it may help you and others forget being shy: if you are the facilitator, tell the first person in the group by whispering a word. Then tell that person to whisper what you said to her or him. Continue this sequence until the last person in the group heard it. Then ask the last person what the other person told her or him. Then tell the first person to tell the entire group of what you said in the very beginning. Most of the time the last person received the a different information. It is a good ice breaker. Try it.

Anonymous said...

i'm a very shy person. thank you for helping me!

Anonymous said...

i will try my best to overcome my shyness.. this is only temporary =)

Anonymous said...

i will try my best to overcome my shyness.. this is only temporary =)

Anonymous said...

I used to be a very shy kid. But i went out of my shell when i started believing in my self. Since then, I was able to develop my confidence =)

Anonymous said...

My younger brother was so shy when he was growing -up. Hoever, when he started college, he became one of the stand-out in the debate team. What a turn around.

Anonymous said...

Being shy is good. At least they dont have to pick apart what you say in a group. Ha ha ha.

Anonymous said...

Wow, thank you very much for all your insightful comments!

Anonymous said...

keep smiling...

Anonymous said...

A shy person can be perceived as boring. So get out there shy people and mingle, mingle.. It's good for you.

Anonymous said...

Being shy tends to be a curtain to some people. But in reality, people with character traits as being shy may have an I.Q. higher than the average person.

Anonymous said...

Thank you bruce, that's really true... share your thoughts with everyone so we can all benefit by learning from one another! :)

Anonymous said...

angel, you're right! sometimes we don't know someone else's thoughts unless they say it...

Anonymous said...

pag tahimik ka, mapapanis ang laway mo.

Anonymous said...

hahaha!

Anonymous said...

I'm really shy to recite in class... baka kasi mali yung mga naiisip ko.

Anonymous said...

minsan kung may peer pressure sa school, ayaw ko na rin magsalita kasi baka iba na ang tingin sakin ng mga barkada ko.

Anonymous said...

I think about so many things and in the end, I don't say anything at all... :( Sometimes I get the chance to speak up.

Anonymous said...

mahiyain talaga ako.. hirap kasi magsalita kung hindi mo kakilala.

Anonymous said...

salamat ah!

Anonymous said...

I'm not shy!

Anonymous said...

don't be skirrrd!

Anonymous said...

You shy people-have you tried to get angry with another person? I know that when you get really mad, you tend to yell, shout, and even hit the other person. When you are mouthy, you sont even noticed your shyness. You are just plain loudand not shy at all. Hence, you have the ability to get rid of your shyness afterall.

Anonymous said...

If you want to practice to get rid of your shyness, try to stick your head out of your berdroom window, and just blurt out a loud yell, and say "I am mad at the world, and I am not shy!"

Anonymous said...

Cant stop being loud and talkative? Well, then try to be shy once in awhile, you will feel better.

Anonymous said...

If are shy maybe you need to take a lesson from Kris quino. Try to watch some of her shows, and you will feel confident and perhaps get rid of your shyness. Remember, Kris at one time devulged her sexual activities with Former Paranaque Mayor Marquez, and even broadcast her incurred disease via television! That is plain gutsy and stupid, but then again she is not shy at all to admit it.

Anonymous said...

I fyou are shy and When you are with your friends, you might want to break the ice with a a funny joke. Sometimes laughter is a good way to start a conversation, and it will certainly minimized your shyness.

Anonymous said...

A man that is demonstrating shyness in his behavior will definitely hamper his chances to court a lady of his choice. So when he is in love it is detrimental for him and he is in a disadvantage side of the fence.

Anonymous said...

Cold turkey could be the right description of a shy person.

Anonymous said...

A baboon, that should be the correct way to described a shy man. He dont have two legs to stand on.

Anonymous said...

A shy man might need to swallow a dose of viagra, and might do him good to combat shyness when he is facing the love of his life.

Anonymous said...

Maybe this shy man needs is a parrot toungue transplant! ha ha ha

Anonymous said...

I am a shy man, but having read some of the idotic comments about a shy man, irks the heck out of me. There, I just prooved to you people that even a shy man become irritated and can talk the walk. I guess I am not that shy afterall. I am plain mad.

Anonymous said...

i will try this later.. 8am eastern time!!!! lol :)

Anonymous said...

i think being shy is okay by not too shy coz u cant accomplish anything with high level of shyness

Anonymous said...

i believe you

Anonymous said...

yeah i agree just dont be overconfiden

Anonymous said...

for jewelz
i dislike guys that have to much self confidence!!! haha but ice post by the way

Anonymous said...

to jewelz
i like your posts!!!! its inspirig and i learn a lot from you

Anonymous said...

hey guys can you post more true to life experiences?

Anonymous said...

hey guys a little help pls. i'm a korean and i go here in the philppines to study and study english.. i freshman student in ateneo and im having problem in school looks like my teacher is not paying attention to me or he do not know me.. i cant speak very good english that is why i look at blogs and im glad im here reading your posts

Anonymous said...

hi jewelz!! nice post guess who?

Anonymous said...

hi imciamstrong my cousin charles forced me to view this blog 2 days ago and i regret it!!! haha i regret that im only viewing it now... i will regularly visit this site form now on

Anonymous said...

nice! boost your confidence guys!

Anonymous said...

makes me confident! thanks for the article guys!

Anonymous said...

very helpful article. good job.

Anonymous said...

after reading this it made me feel good.

Anonymous said...

sooo nice!

Anonymous said...

Hey, shy people, go out there and join the EDSA group organization. Make yourself usefull, and in return, you will be surprised that you will find common things with other people, and you wont even noticed that you are shy.

Anonymous said...

Shy people can make friends. There are many shy people around, why not find them and form a group, and have a chat session. These are your peers and dont be afraid because all of you are shy. You will find out that some of you will turn out to be the facilitator and or leader.

Anonymous said...

I love shy people because I feel I am really good when I am around them. I am the only one talking most of the time. Ha ha ha.

Anonymous said...

I like shy people too because they dont argue with you. They just stay quite even when their faces are turning red. Ha ha ha.

Anonymous said...

Shy people are just plain "cold turkey!" They dont realized that they are just the same humans compared to others.

Anonymous said...

I am a shy person at times, but it doesnt mean I am cold turkey!

Anonymous said...

I am a shy person at times, but it doesnt mean I am cold turkey!

Anonymous said...

Somehow some people misunderstood shy people, we are just like you, and even better at times because we dont have a smart mouth.

Anonymous said...

We shy people have the same rights as others such those who brags a lot that they have good communication skills. I think they are just grand standing when they are around with friends.

Anonymous said...

Some of the comments by the shy people are somewhat true, but it does not mean that they are better that people who has a good image.

Anonymous said...

You can say all you want about shy people, but the fact remain that shy people like myself have good qualities, it might not be the talking skills but in some other aspect like in academics.

Anonymous said...

Shy people are beautiful and charismatic. When they open their mouth, they can really express themselves.

Anonymous said...

Most of my friends are shy, and I dont mind at all that I am with them. It makes my surroundings quite and peacefull.

Anonymous said...

Accept the fact that shyness is not positive mostly beacuse you could be miscontrued as impolite.

Anonymous said...

ey, ill recommend this to my friends =) nice, is this original?

Anonymous said...

Shyness is feeling uneasy around people—strangers, those in authority, persons of the opposite sex, or even your peers. It is extreme self-consciousness that affects its victims in a variety of ways. Some get embarrassed; with eyes downcast and heart pounding, they find themselves unable to speak. Others lose their composure and begin to chatter continuously. Yet others find it hard to speak up and voice their opinions or preferences.

Anonymous said...

Actually, though, there are positive aspects to having a measure of shyness. It is akin to modesty and humility.

Anonymous said...

There is further benefit in appearing discreet and unassuming, in not being overbearing and overly aggressive.

Anonymous said...

I can say that is true, kaya may benefit yung pagiging shy, but too much shyness hindi rin maganda

Anonymous said...

A shy person is often valued as a good listener. But when shyness restricts and inhibits us from realizing our full potential and harmfully affects our relationships, work, and feelings, it is time to do something about it!

Anonymous said...

"By withdrawing, not speaking up, or being so preoccupied with self that you don’t pay attention to others, you may leave the impression that you are stuck-up, unfriendly, bored, or even uncaring or ignorant. When your thoughts are on yourself, it is hard to concentrate on the discussion at hand. So you pay less attention to the information you are receiving. Then what you fear most happens—you appear foolish".

This is from the book "Young Pepole Ask"

Anonymous said...

I used to be shy with people na magaganda and gwapo nung bata pa ako... hehehe

Anonymous said...

I usually understand people who are shy, kasi ganun ako dati kaya I do my best to make them feel comfortable when they are around me.

Anonymous said...

Si jewelz noon alam ko medyo shy yan nung mga bata pa kami...

Anonymous said...

When I went to college na I know shyness wouldn't help so I have to work on it

Anonymous said...

Lagi kong iniisip na hindi naman ako mamamatay if i speak up then magkamali hehehe..

Anonymous said...

That's right Aimee

Anonymous said...

You can overcome shyness by

Wanting to change and believing that change is really possible

Anonymous said...

Replacing negative thoughts with positive action

Anonymous said...

Setting realistic and meaningful goals for yourself

Anonymous said...

Knowing how to relax and cope with anxiety

Anonymous said...

you are jewelz

Rehearsing a situation beforehand

Anonymous said...

Gaining confidence by progressively successful experiences

Anonymous said...

Remembering that differences of opinion exist and that others err too

Anonymous said...

Practicing to increase skills and learn new ones

Anonymous said...

Reaching out to show love and to help others

Anonymous said...

Dressing tastefully and acting with confidence

Anonymous said...

Relying on the help that God gives

Anonymous said...

Being involved with Christian meetings and in sharing your faith with others

Anonymous said...

great post jewelz! widen out is also one way of killing shyness

Anonymous said...

i use to be a shy type of person but now im the best salesperson, thanks to my enegey boosters ....

Anonymous said...

could shyness to the boys be a great thing? hmmm let me see

Anonymous said...

get out of you shell!! :)

Anonymous said...

hahaha i am never shy!

Anonymous said...

chill out and smile

Anonymous said...

express yourself! never fear that they will not like you.

Anonymous said...

be smart and join the conversation!

Anonymous said...

speak out... talk your brain out

Anonymous said...

be open and not judgemental.

Anonymous said...

the japanese dont bow because they are shy, its their way of showing respect.

Anonymous said...

i will not be shy. i can develop conversations - good ones all the time

Anonymous said...

join a group that will enhance you character. dance group, singing group or theatrical group.

Anonymous said...

bring it on! nice article on shyness jewelz. you use to be a shy girl but now.... we are so proud of you for coming out of your shell. love you always

Anonymous said...

i love my friends so much that i can give my life to them.

Anonymous said...

meet, greet and treat!

Anonymous said...

basketball - throw your ball and learn to catch it too.

Anonymous said...

take it easy and just express your thoughts

Anonymous said...

pulling away from shyness is bitter sweet... learn to be strong.

Anonymous said...

shyness is the first indication that a person loves you..

Anonymous said...

you can never understand why a person is shy...

Anonymous said...

are you shy? why are you shy?

Anonymous said...

i just finish a task of shyness... would you hire me?

Anonymous said...

i shy away from the world because i feel that im being overcomed by everything around me... i hate it

Anonymous said...

believe you can and conquer

Anonymous said...

enjoy yourself more... be more outgoing

Anonymous said...

bring the fire in you!

Anonymous said...

i wont be shy,, especially for you..

Anonymous said...

i may be mysterious but iam not shy... i just cant express myself easily in the crowd

Anonymous said...

i deal with shyness as i deal with love. its a balance of everything

Anonymous said...

maglaro tayo ng mapawi ang lungkot. mag usap tayo
oven your shell and be my friend

Anonymous said...

imagine me being shy... hahahaha i cant even imagine myself to be shy

Anonymous said...

be yourself and stay calm....

Anonymous said...

dont create your own world... create friends

Anonymous said...

mingle with the crowd ... show yourself off but be nice..

Anonymous said...

be bold...

Anonymous said...

desire to be on top... dream big and be strong

Anonymous said...

share your talents and win a friend

Anonymous said...

dont be shy... dont let anyone make you one..

Anonymous said...

shyness is a sign of weakness be strong

Anonymous said...

be happy and proud

Anonymous said...

cut yourself loose.... conquer your world

Anonymous said...

conquer your world

Anonymous said...

contain your fears and tensions multiply your guts to bring glory

Anonymous said...

choose your friends

Anonymous said...

express your thoughts and emotions

Anonymous said...

get real

Anonymous said...

communicate

Anonymous said...

try good sports and learn to cultivate your worth..

Anonymous said...

gamitin mo ang chat room para di ka mahiya. discuss things that you will learn or of interest.

Anonymous said...

meet me

Anonymous said...

enjoy life

Anonymous said...

your article reminds me of my new friend in britain...

Anonymous said...

lets dance and loosen up

Anonymous said...

let no one make you feel inferior. shyness by the way is an inferiority..

Anonymous said...

when you are shy,,, everything seems blurry

Anonymous said...

inferiority is a state of mind... do away shyness

Anonymous said...

never hesitate but be free

Anonymous said...

join me

Anonymous said...

friends can never be inferior to each other they just submit?!?

Anonymous said...

posh posh posh run run run

Anonymous said...

i will not hide myself from the rest... i will shout and be myself

Anonymous said...

i feel better when im with people than with myself. i guess im not shy

Anonymous said...

i won the toastmaster award first prize... i guess im not shy

Anonymous said...

im proud of myself.

Anonymous said...

show my your worth

Anonymous said...

sing sing a song....
dance dance with all your heart

Anonymous said...

je m'appelle lisha
vous parlez francais?

Anonymous said...

become the person you want to be

Anonymous said...

give me the guts ...
receive the glory

Anonymous said...

laugh with me chat with me

Anonymous said...

join a club!

Anonymous said...

travel and learn

Anonymous said...

fight for your right... shy not

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