Inability to come up with things to say

[kpp416]

I am fifteen years old and a sophomore in high school. I have trouble finding things to say to people I am not familiar with. I may know them, (classmates, acquaintances, etc.) but my mind draws to a blank. Most people talk about other people (oh the high school drama) so it makes it harder to find somewhere to jump in and include myself in a conversation. I'm not shy, if I had something to say I would say it, but I end up being quiet and awkward. I can't even talk about past boyfriends because my lack of social skills have made it hard to actually be in a relationship, other than platonic. I don't know if it's social anxiety, although i get that anxious feeling thinking about a party with only one I know... or no one i know.

Does anyone know any tips/techniques on making a conversation begin... and last? I mean I try to talk about a homework assignment or the weather to start something, but it lasts ten seconds and then I'm back to square one again.
Help?!

 

[Harleyq]

I wish I could help you. I have this problem too. If the person's very talkative naturally, it's quite easy because they tend to say so much that it's hard not to have a response to something they say. But moderately talkative and quiet people - I can't do it. My mind completely blanks and then later, I want to kick myself cause I start thinking of all these things I could've said.

 

[Harleyq]

Something that can help is asking open ended questions. Remember that people like talking aboot themselves and ask questions relating to things they have done recently.

This is difficult for me. It's something I've known for several years now but I continually finding myself going "What is there to ask about you?" until I'm alone and not anxious anymore.