speaking with confidence?

Question

I have a job were I am one out of three people in my office. I have never been good at initiating conversations. I find that when I begin to speak I always say or do something stupid. Sometimes I even get tounge tied and I just feel stupid. I don't think that I am a imature person, its just that I can't think of anything to talk about, so I always end up sounding uneducated. Do any of you know any books that I may be able to read that can help me buil confidence and help with my verbal skills. Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

How to Win Friends & Influence People

Good book. Good luck ;)

Answer 2

I was where you are right now. I was terrified to initiate a conversation. It stems from feeling that you have nothing important to say or to contribute; that you are interrupting or interfering in the conversation between two other people.

None of that is true. Every time you speak, you are saying something important. It might be giving someone information they need or just confirming that what they are saying or doing is okay. You are a valuable and precious person, just as we all are. Stop thinking that you are less than them and you will be fine.

Getting comfortable talking to other people just takes practice. You're doing it right here, writing to other people. In person, you might try asking a question as a conversation starter. When they reply, thank them for their help. It doesn't have to be a long conversation, but keep talking if it leads to more.

You will do great. Just take it all in little steps and don't be hard on yourself if it still sometimes seems awkward. Just try again. It will get easier. One day you'll look back and laugh at how shy and ill at ease you were. I did.