Even though my Myers-Briggs results say I am an extrovert, I still have problems when it comes to talking to people I have never met before. Starting a new semester with new classes can be stressful, especially if I know that none of my friends will be with me.
Each semester I promise myself that I will go out of my way to be a little more outgoing and make more friends. Luckily, I have been able to finish each semester with at least one new friend from every class — so basically I’ve learned a thing or two. Here are a few tips to help you put yourself out there.
Make a good first impression
When you walk into class, pick a seat right next to somebody else. Yes, there will probably be a lot of seats open, but this is an easy way to get out of your comfort zone and be a little more social. If you sit next to somebody and introduce yourself, you’re already coming off as more outgoing and friendly. You’re also letting the other person know that you are willing to get to know them.
Utilize group conversations
Don’t be afraid to join a conversation. If a group of people in class is talking about their favorite TV show, they probably won’t be mad if you join in. Group conversations are the easiest to navigate because you don’t always have to be the one talking. You can chime in when something pops into your head, but you don’t have to worry if you can’t think of anything to say.
Don’t think about it too much
A lot of times people get anxious because they are thinking too much about how to start a conversation or what to say next. If you’re too focused on what to say, you might miss a good opportunity to expand on the conversation because you weren’t actually listening to what the other person was saying. Listening to the other person is the best way to keep a conversation flowing.
Take it step by step
If you’re a shy person, putting yourself out in the open can definitely be a daunting task. A little nervousness is normal, but don’t push yourself too hard to where you feel extremely uncomfortable. Take small steps and build yourself up to where you want to be. The more you do it, the more confident you will become.
Becoming a more outgoing person is something that takes time and effort. You can’t expect to become a social butterfly in just a couple of days. The important part is that you continue to work at it and, of course, have fun. Good luck out there.
Caption (Permission from J. Kopec): Sometimes putting yourself out there can be challenging in college, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t overcome.
