Hi Sun!
that also used to happen to me when I was a PWS.
Some things that have helped me a lot are:
– Smiling before speaking. Might seem silly, but it does make a difference. You’re focusing on keeping a smile instead of words.
– Hand gestures. Be more expressive.
– Keep it short. Ask questions instead of talking about yourself. Try to learn something from the people you’re talking to. You’ll be liked more (people love to talk about themselves), and, as a listener, you won’t feel pressure. (By the way, have you read Dale Carnegie’s “How to make friends and influence people”? If not, it’s a must-read)
– Try to speak as soon as you have an urge to say something, don’t give time to your brain to plan your next sentence. As soon as you have the kernel of an idea, start speaking. Your brain is fully capable of forming sentences “without your help”. You can also think of a Crutch (but focus on using that Crutch 100%) instead of your words. Or try both things at the same time!
Start practicing these things with the people you feel most comfortable with, and step by step, expand your comfort zones to people or situations you feel A BIT more pressure, and keep doing this until you feel no pressure in almost any situation. It will take some time but it’s so much worth it…
.
