<p>So here's the deal. I am nowhere near shy, maybe even gregarious, around my friends, my family, and when I'm playing basketball :). However, at everything else, I am shy, not very talkative, and somewhat reserved. Sometimes I just have no clue what to say to someone, and I feel I have nothing in common with them. For example, I have to volunteer and find opportunities for my EC's but I just feel shy to talk and ask someone something because...I don't know... just really frustrated right now... :( .How do you strike up a conversation without sounding stupid? Any advice appreciated.</p>
<p>Don’t overthink it. A simple “Hello, how are you doing” can go a long way. The person you approach may also be waiting for someone to approach them. </p>
<p>The more people you approach, the easier it will get.</p>
<p>I am a lot like you livelikeali. I am very talkative (and sometimes even obnoxiously loud) with friends and family but get very intimated when I need to speak to strangers.</p>
<p>I agree with Vkkesyu, don’t overthink it.</p>
<p>I know it’s sometimes hard to push yourself out of your comfort zone and what helps me is to think about how it can be beneficial if you do and detrimental if you don’t.</p>
<p>For instance, with your EC dilemma, if you don’t step up and ask questions you may miss out on some great opportunities.</p>
<p>You will probably regret not trying more than regretting sounding stupid when you ask.</p>
<p>Are your friends more outgoing? If they are, ask them to introduce you to some of their other friends or have them go with you when you start a conversation with somebody new. Have something ready to talk about, and just have your friend there, maybe adding in one thing or two, so that you’re more comfortable.</p>