Hi!
We've all heard about the fear of public speaking, but how about the everyday casual social settings in our day to day life? Do you freeze and clam up when confronted with speaking at a dinner party, a work meeting, casual classroom discussion... or anything that involves having the spotlight and attention on you? Do you just want to relax and enjoy meeting new people! Let's overcome our shyness and anxiety together and get comfortable and confident with speaking in front of each other.

Remember, this is a peer group so what you get out of each workshop
depends mainly on your efforts.

At the beginning of each meeting, we plan on going around the room and have everyone introduce themselves (for about a minute) to the group, (even if you already know everyone and they know you, it's good practice). 100% participation is encouraged, but if all you can muster is giving your name then that is fine. Then the workshop activities truly begin. Of course there may be themed workshops periodically, however, giving everyone the freedom to choose their own activity (with time limits so everyone has a turn) seems the best way to maximize overall progress. We hope to have a variety of activities that everyone can choose to
participate in, each with a slightly different goal in mind.

* Does giving a speech tie your tongue in knots? Get some practice, without any pressure to perform, by talking to the group about something of your own choice (or even a random topic you're given on the spot!).

* Have trouble thinking quickly under pressure? See how you respond to a challenge like: given two minutes, see how many countries you can name that begin with the letter "C".

* Intimidated by being the centre of attention? Try standing in front of the group with all eyes on you, while being completely silent. If that's too much for you, instead of being silent how about a few fun rounds of "20 questions".

* Want to try being under pressure while the centre of attention? Act out a few rounds of "charades" (given topics by the event host).

* Have difficulties with small-talk? Pair up with someone and chat for a while.

* Want to practice being more outgoing? Greet and welcome each new arrival at one of the workshop meetups.

* Want practice running a meeting? Try moderating a discussion / debate within the group, or perhaps even facilitate activities within a shyness workshop meetup.

And of course we're open to suggestions and requests.

...

If you're not sure what you want to try, describe what type of issues you want to work on and we will try to suggest something appropriate. After you've just completed an exercise, remember to ask for feedback to see how great everyone thought you did! :-)

Challenge yourself with a friendly, fun and encouraging group of fellow shy people, while encouraging others as they challenge themselves.