Managing Conversation Anxiety

What Do You Know?

When we have knowledge about something, we usually love to share it. When we don’t have relevant knowledge, we often want others to think we do. And that can create feelings of anxiety. How can you overcome this? There is usually an opportunity to learn – by listening. Practicing the art of listening is actually a way to gain knowledge so there is no need to present yourself as not knowing or all knowing.

It’s interesting to observe ourselves as we listen and engage in conversations. When, how, and what, triggers feelings of anxiety? It is often brought on by our feelings of inadequacy, not feelings of value.

This self-awareness can offer an opportunity to dissolve our anxiety when we recognize that our behavior is based only on a belief.

Is this belief true? The belief that now is being tested as the adrenaline increases either from the feeling of remaining silent or from the need to contribute. Think of what the gain is to just listen as opposed to having to talk.

Give yourself time in the moment to ask yourself what you know and acknowledge that you have the choice of listening or talking. Is there something of value for you to contribute? Will you contribute more to yourself and others, by simply listening?

Ask yourself what do you know and be honest with what you don’t know.?