Annoying Social Anxiety Symptoms

[pats_fan_nh]

Does anyone feel like they have trouble physically getting the words out when speaking to people? I already have social anxiety I believe and this makes it much worse. Whats funny (and crazy maybe?:)) is when I'm alone I practice talking out loud and am fine. But, when the symptom is actually happening I feel like the person/people I am talking with can see that I'm struggling to get the words out and may think I am drunk or something. If anyone has or does experience this have you found a 'magic' trick to overcome this?

[pauly j]

I don't have social anxiety, but I do get lost of words at times.  I am a salesperson, and for me, I must have my words down pat.  What I do if I find myself at a lost of words is, I will just say, "What's the word I'm looking for?", or "What is it that I am trying to say?" or "Its been a long day, my mind is drawing a blank!"(this helps buy some time until you find the word you were looking for).  If worse comes to worse, just completely change the subject by saying, "So, How is your day going?"  (This takes the burden off of you, and now the ball is in their court to come back with an answer!) Oftentimes, If you just admit to it, most people will understand.  People are forgiving.  I'm sure it happens to the best of us. 

I honestly had it happen today, and I still made the sale, ha ha!

pauly j

[Ronnie07]

Does anyone feel like they have trouble physically getting the words out when speaking to people? I already have social anxiety I believe and this makes it much worse. Whats funny (and crazy maybe?:)) is when I'm alone I practice talking out loud and am fine. But, when the symptom is actually happening I feel like the person/people I am talking with can see that I'm struggling to get the words out and may think I am drunk or something. If anyone has or does experience this have you found a 'magic' trick to overcome this?

Hi Pats,

This sounds like me as well. Do you get short of breath as well? I basically get short of breath when im talking to people I don't know very well or in work situations. I think about being short of breath & it makes it worse. I only seem to have been like the past 5 or so years but it's really effecting my confidence, particularly at work.