How to develop Communication Skills for a person who is very shy ?

Speaking as a person who used to be really shy, and still has the occasional shyness attack I will try to answer this question to the best of my ability.

First off you have to identify what the cause of your shyness is. Are you afraid of rejection? Concerned that there is something wrong with you? Feelings that people are not taking you seriously? There are an infinite number of questions that you could ask yourself.

Once you find the answer you have to realize something that I did. What other people think does not matter. That's it, once you realize that, once you accept it, you will not have any problems.

Imagine the first time you rode a bike, that fear that choked up inside you before you took off on your own for the first time. Then the freedom that was found once you were able to do it, the confidence that you found in yourself.

Part of getting over something that you think may be wrong, is just taking the risk. Here are some tips to developing your communication skills.

1. Practice with someone that you are familiar with.

2. Record yourself telling jokes, or a short story.

3. Listen to your recording and focus on your strengths.

4. Engage in "Small Talk" either at the grocery store or coffee shop.

There are many different possibilities, but in the end it comes down to trial and error. Trying not to sound like someone qouting someone else, but the old saying stays true... "If at first you do not succeed, try, try, try again." .... "You never will know, unless you try."

I hope this helps...