Story by Karysa Brown, Carlton; Edited by Lale Akkin, Mounds View; Illustration by Lindley Johnson, Shakopee
Walking into a room full of strangers and feeling like they cannot speak—this is a scenario many people know all too well. At YIG, even though everyone says others are friendly and welcoming, the fear can still linger. It is easy for them to freeze up when trying to talk to someone new, especially when they are worried about saying the wrong thing or looking foolish. Fortunately, there are simple, effective ways to break through those nerves and start building confidence in no time.
Step 1: Start with Talking to Yourself with a Mirror
One of the best ways for someone to overcome nervousness is to practice talking to themselves in front of a mirror. It may sound strange at first, but it is incredibly effective. The more comfortable one gets hearing their own voice and seeing their facial expressions, the less likely they are to freeze when it is time to talk to someone else. They can start with small conversations—pretend they are telling a funny story or explaining their day at the conference. As they practice, they will notice their confidence grow, and soon it will feel like second nature to talk to others.
Step 2: Prepare Topics that will Help Continue the Conversation
It is easy for some to get stuck thinking they need a perfect script, but that is not the key to good conversation. Instead, one should think about a few topics they can casually bring up—like something funny that happened during the day or an interesting observation around them. Having these topics in the back of their minds could take the pressure off, because they are not searching for something to say at the moment every single time. And when they are more relaxed, conversations flow more naturally, making it easier to also get the other person to help add on.
Step 3: Listen More
Some may feel the pressure to constantly contribute to a conversation, but sometimes the best way to connect with someone is simply to listen. When really focusing on what the other person’s words, it shows that they care and are interested in their ideas. Plus, it gives them the chance to ask meaningful questions that keep the conversation going. They should not worry about interrupting—it is about balance. By staying present and engaged, the other person will feel heard and be more likely to want to talk to them again. This is also how someone can make friends that last a lifetime.
Step 4: Get Involved with Things
When someone is nervous, the last thing they want to do is jump into a group activity. However, group activities are one of the best ways to break the ice and connect with others. Whether it is a game, a workshop, or an icebreaker, these activities take the pressure off of a conversation by giving something to do together. Activities are also a great way to bond over shared experiences. No matter what program area one is in, they should not hold back from social activity—diving in will quickly help build friendships and boost their confidence. It also makes the people around them feel more involved and comfortable as well.
Step 5: Be Patient
Finally, overcoming nerves takes time and no one is expected to be perfect right away. Confidence does not happen overnight. It comes from taking small steps, practicing, and pushing through the discomfort. Every conversation and interaction is an opportunity to improve. Feeling nervous or awkward at first is completely normal. With each experience, delegates can get better at navigating conversations and making meaningful connections.
When feeling nervous about talking to others at YIG, the key is to prepare and practice. One can start by talking to themselves in front of a mirror, listening actively, and joining in on group activities. The more they engage, the more confident they’ll become. They should not worry about being perfect, they just need to be themselves. The people around are probably feeling just as nervous to get to know them, and the best way to form connections is to embrace their own unique strengths. They should take a deep breath, believe in themselves, and enjoy the experience.