It can be difficult to get noticed if you are shy: on the one hand you try to avoid others, but on the other you would like to stand out in a crowd. This is a difficult balance to achieve. If you really want to get noticed, you may have good results working on how to stand out in a crowd, increase your social relationships, and change your thinking about interactions with others and shyness.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Stand Out from the Crowd
Step 1. Be yourself
You don't have to wear a mask to be noticed by others. There is no problem in being introverted or shy: each of us is different from the others and not everyone manages to be extremely sociable and outgoing at all times. Respected for who you are and loved for your uniqueness. Many find shy people to be sweet and attractive: not everyone is attracted to the "soul of the party".
Recognizing one's shyness can indeed increase the positive impression we make on others. Also, by explaining that we are trying to overcome our problem, we can further accentuate the positive effect and get noticed more
Step 2. Wear something flashy and distinctive
Dress to express your personality and inner beauty. Sometimes it can happen that you get stuck in your own way of dressing and forget to explore other ways of expression through clothing and jewelry.
- If you like bright colors, you can wear yellow, orange or pink clothes instead of classic colors like black, brown, blue, gray and white.
- Try not to overdo it by wearing too much makeup or too flashy or indecent clothing: the goal is to be noticed for who we are, not in a negative way.
- If it makes you feel more special or more confident, you can try a new haircut, a new color or a different hairstyle.
Step 3. Come out
Many shy people want to lean against a wall or hole up in the corner of the room. Don't hide behind anything - throw yourself in the middle of the room where you have the best chance of being noticed!
If you are worried about being alone or feeling awkward, find someone you know, get close to them and start interacting
Step 4. Use positive body language
Non-verbal communication is an important part of our communication system. Therefore it is essential to focus on the impression we make with our body.
- Smile and put on other positive facial expressions that show, for example, that you are paying attention. Reflect the emotions of others - this will show that you are understanding.
- Do not cross your arms or legs. Crossed arms and legs express closure and can even be interpreted as a sign that you are angry.
- Instead of trying to make yourself smaller or assume a hunched posture, take up as much space with your body as possible - it's a sign of self-confidence and power.
- Haptic, or communication through touch, is a very useful way to stand out and let other people know that you find them enjoyable. You can use hugs, high-fives, or place your hand on the other's shoulder. Make sure the contact is appropriate and that the other person has no problem being touched.
Method 2 of 3: Increase Social Relations
Step 1. Get in touch with people you know
Confidence is a very important factor to overcome shyness, stand out and get noticed by others. Instead of diving into a situation that includes strangers, try to get noticed by people you already feel comfortable with.
- Talk to a friend about your shyness and concerns about not being noticed.
- Let a friend or family member know that you intend to overcome your problem and ask them for advice on what to do.
Step 2. Be prepared
Having a plan can help make you feel less shy and more confident in interacting with others. Think about the possible interactions you might have in a specific conversation and plan what to say or how to relate to others.
- If the idea of meeting new people or talking to someone you don't know particularly well makes you particularly nervous, prepare an icebreaker. For example, to start a conversation you can find out about a current event by asking the other person their opinion on the latest news. Another option is to talk about the latest movie or TV show you're following - there's a good chance you'll find one you're both interested in.
- Be ready for any situation. When a teacher (or someone else) asks you a question, don't hesitate and don't try to hide. Strange as it may seem, people find it more acceptable to answer confidently, even if incorrectly, rather than hesitating to give a correct answer.
Step 3. Make new acquaintances
You can't get noticed if you avoid interacting with others. Talking to people you don't know is a perfect way to stand out - being sociable will give you an extra chance and will help you overcome some of your shyness.
- Make eye contact and greet with a smile.
- Let the other person know that you find him pleasant or that you think he is an interesting person. Pay attention to what he says and nod or otherwise show that you are listening.
- Ask a question and use the person's name - everyone likes to hear their name spoken.
- Talk about a topic that the other person is interested in or that you particularly like and keep the conversation going.
Step 4. Use social networks
Communicating on the Internet can help you reduce shyness and get noticed.
Facebook offers the chance to meet new people, but don't let the platform do all the work, or your shyness could get worse. Don't rely entirely on the Internet for your social interactions
Step 5. Pretend to be outgoing
Many shy people find that forcing themselves to be outgoing can help manage their shyness. However, this is not a quick fix.
A great way to be confident is to pretend to be. Play a part: it works and, at some point, you won't even have to pretend
Step 6. Do not resort to self-medication
Some people use alcohol or other drugs to feel less inhibited. This can help you be more confident in the short term, but it does not help in any way to solve the problem of shyness or to get you noticed in the long term. If you rely on alcohol or other substances to be a sociable person, they risk becoming your support and even a form of addiction that is difficult to break free.
Step 7. Join a group you are interested in
You can use a group situation to practice.
- Look for one on Meetup.com.
- Take classes in the gym, such as yoga, Zumba, or climbing.
Step 8. See a doctor if necessary
If your shyness is excessive or causes severe social anxiety, which also includes being concerned about the judgment of others, a doctor can help.
- If you have medical insurance, make sure it covers the costs of a visit with a professional therapist.
- If you don't have it, you can go to a center that can offer psychological support services.
Method 3 of 3: Change Your Thinking
Step 1. Change your anxious thoughts
Some shy people may have negative thoughts that make it difficult to get involved in social interactions. Such thoughts are: "Others inhibit me", "I'm not as interesting as other people" or "I find it hard to think what to say when I talk to others".
- Pay attention to the emergence of negative thoughts during interactions with other people. Consider thinking patterns that can produce anxiety or nervousness.
- Work out alternative thoughts for times when you detect the emergence of a negative thought.
Step 2. Reassure yourself
Reassurance or self-affirmation can help you manage shyness in social situations by making you feel more confident and stand out more.
- If you feel shy or nervous, reassure yourself by telling yourself that you can handle the situation.
- If you want to get noticed but feel nervous, take heart and encourage yourself to stand in the middle of the room to overcome your anxiety and reach your goal.
- In moments when you don't feel confident think that you are worthy of love and friendship despite your shyness, because you are an interesting and unique person.
Step 3. Acquire the necessary social skills
In your free moments you can work to improve them. Focus your attention on using smiles and questions and listening.
- You can take a social skills course or group therapy.
- Toastmaster clubs are a useful resource in helping people feel comfortable speaking in public.
