Boosting Self-Confidence In Social Situations

There are two sorts of shy people: the first have a complete set of social skills but lack the confidence to use them; the second simply don't have a knowledge of social skills. If you have a outlined a system for the development of social ability covering the following areas:

• developing a manner which attracts and holds other people's attention

• developing the confidence to approach feared situations by adopting a particular 'role'

• setting goals

• practicing conversational skills, including: making introductions, initiating and maintaining a conversation, giving and accepting compliments, planning subjects about which you can talk knowledgeably, and ending a conversation or social meeting

• developing the ability to socialize freely and making friends from acquaintances

• handling interpersonal conflicts and becoming more assertive

• planning what to do in different situations

You may object to the idea that one can increase self-confidence by planning "strategies" like these for use in social interactions. However, planning ahead can considerably reduce worried anticipation and anxiety before any situation or event, in addition to controlling your negative expectations about the outcome. If you feel that social skills are one of your weak points, such a program designed to boost your self-confidence may be very helpful.