In some public settings, even those who are relatively introverted want to join in, but sometimes they feel it’s inappropriate to interrupt others, or they think their ideas are not mature enough and might be laughed at. As a result, they overthink things and get nervous when they speak. In reality, you need to understand that when you need your voice to be heard, what matters is not how well you speak, but letting others know your genuine thoughts. Of course, introverts should also pay attention to practicing their speaking skills. It’s hard for an introvert to talk endlessly, but at the very least, they should ensure they can express their thoughts at critical moments and communicate normally without sweating or panicking.
So, how can one overcome nervousness when speaking?
First, continuously reassure and encourage yourself.
When introverts first practice communicating with others, they inevitably feel uneasy. They fear speaking, and when they do, they often feel like their tongue is out of control. They might say things they shouldn’t or fail to clearly express their true thoughts. You must constantly remind yourself that this is just a learning process—everything is difficult at first. Many people have had negative communication experiences, making them increasingly reluctant to speak, believing that speaking makes them look bad. This mindset only limits them further, making it even harder to speak up. No matter the situation, encourage yourself not to focus too much on the effect of your speech. For beginners, persistence is what matters most.
Second, don’t worry too much about awkward silences.
A sentence spoken can elicit different responses. The most awkward situation is when no one responds because they’re not interested in the topic or no one is willing to answer. In such cases, it’s better to simply change the subject. Introverts fear awkward silences the most—whether others agree or disagree, as long as some are willing to listen, that’s enough. In reality, you place too much importance on your performance and too much desire to be noticed. So, don’t always worry about whether others believe you. The most important thing is that you participate in the conversation and gain experience from it.
Third, always stick to your point.
Some introverts find it hard to speak up and often stop mid-sentence, feeling like they can’t continue. Speaking only halfway is a terrible communication habit that leads to two negative outcomes. First, if others don’t fully understand your meaning, they’re bound to form a biased opinion of you. Second, if you leave your sentence unfinished, others may think you’re being deliberately vague or implying something. If you don’t express yourself completely, it might come across as showing off.
Therefore, if some people feel nervous when speaking in public or during conversations, they should train their courage, boldly express themselves, and ensure they convey their intentions fully. Persist in the completeness of your expression to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings. Try to clearly articulate a point in your own words, explain things thoroughly, and practice multiple times. Before you know it, your conversation skills will take a leap, and you’ll gradually become adept at expressing yourself without feeling nervous about speaking.
