Need some tips on communicating in a group and to people you don't know well?

Question

I have trouble speaking up in a group, so most of the time I sit quietly and only participate when I am called upon. On back of my head I am thinking what others are thinking about me or my questions or response isn't good enough like others in the group. I specially have hard time carrying on a conversation with people who are more knowledgeable then me. Professors I can communicate with pretty well if they are friendly, however people same age as me and professional business person I have hard time talking too. This also bothers me during a presentation, and I sometime end up hesitating. I have taken speech class for a elective but not a whole lot of help. I also know 4 languages so and english is my 2nd language with no accent.

Answer 1

Wow, I just had this same problem last qt. I will suggest a book, 7 Steps to Fearless Speaking by Lilyan Wilder. Excellent! I was in a group project w/3 other students and we had to give an 2 hour presentation. Advice, when giving a 2 hr. presentation prepare for 3 hrs. The most confident speaker will forget or omit a part somewhere.

Answer 2

I think this is the sort of question that can only be resolved over a long-term process. I'd recommend seeing if you can find a Toastmasters group in your local area. It's an organization meant for ordinary people like you and I to practice speaking in front of other people. The purpose is to help everyone out in a non-threatening and friendly environment. Most groups are no larger than maybe 15-20 people. They do charge about $45 a year for membership and material they give you.

Answer 3

There are some things to do and somethings not to do.
Do not:
1) care a fig about what others may think about you, say whatever u feel is right with self confidence.
2)try to be the centre of attention, because this causes others not to listen to u and get offended.
3) intrupt others, let others take their time and if u have a point tell them at the end of their speaking, of course politely and with suitable language.
4) speak too much.
5)speak about sth that u have absoloutly no idea of, because u may sound redicilous and annoying this way.
DO:
1)take turn in speaking
2)let others talk
3)remeber eye contact
4)not offend others
5)try to make use of others part of speakings
6) start ur sentences with : I think.... , In my opinion...., whenever u want to say sth radical.


There r more to say,but try practicing these few on an on in a group talk until u feel better. .

Answer 4

You can think back on what you learned in speech class. Don't look at any one person while you are talking and know that what you have to say is just as important as the next person.

Answer 5

Speak to them as you would a close friend and don't worry about what they think. I used to get bothered 25 yrs ago when my playing and singing in a band was new to me. I learned that you come across as a genuine person when you don't try to be someone you're not. When people would say you didn't play that song right I would hand them my guitar and say "show me how it goes". They would boogie on out of there.
Be yourself and it will work. That's what makes us who we are.

Answer 6

Just smile a lot and ask questions and someone will ask you a question for sure.