How can I become more confident?

Question

Whenever I go in front of a crowd(or my class) to present something, I get really nervous and start to shake. And, I've never had the guts to ask anyone out, and I guess people have seen that I'm not very self confident and never ask me out. Its also hard for me to make friends, because I'm too worried about what they would think of me. In my past, i've been made fun of so much and I guess I just don't want that to happen again.

Answer 1

just go streaking you won't worry what other people think afterwards and smone might ask you out after that

Answer 2

All of those things are very normal feelings.  The fear of rejection is very strong and so is the fear of embarrasment for most people.

My advise would be to try to let go of the past.  For me, the best thing was to be grateful for all of the people who influenced me...even the ones who hurt me.  I focus on being grateful for how they made me stronger, instead of being angry.  

Love yourself and everyone around you will you too.  You'll start attracting more positive loving people.  Start telling yourself all day long that you love and accept yourself.  The power of possitive thinking is an amazing thing.  I know it sounds a little cheesy, and at first it kind of feels like you're lying to yourself.  But stick with it, because it really really works! You'll start to believe it and you'll start to live a life based in love and confidence in yourself.  Don't give up if it doesn't happen over night.  It's like your planting a seed...it takes time to grow, but it always will.

Once you start really focusing on yourself, you'll forget the fear of what other people will think of you.  Then, they can really get to know you and what you have to offer to the relationship!

Confidence will also help you to be more comfortable in front of groups.  Realizing that everyone gets nervous can help too.  The audience is exactly like you, they are not judging you...they are interested in what you have to say.  Practice helps, too of course.

Answer 3

Join clubs/groups. Talk to people you wouldnt normally talk to so you  get more freinds. Good luck =]

Answer 4

Yes, you are not out of the ordinary.  Being made fun of is not fun.  I know. I've had it happen.  Best to ignore it and move on.

You get confident by being successful and noticing it, even congratulating yourself.

So my advice is to go slow.  Become friends with one or two, carefully chosen, nice people.

Become a learner, so that you have something to talk about with others.

When you have a speech to make, practice it a lot, until you get even bored with it.  Get it down cold.  It'll help you be  more confident when you deliver it.  It won't eliminate all nervousness but it will help. If you can, practicing giving the speech in front of a friend. Simulate the conditions when you will give the speech for real.

Meanwhile, get this book, and DO the written exercises--not hard, just take some work.  Well worth it.  It's powerful.

http://www.amazon.com/Ten-Days-Self-Este...