If I want to participate in a group conversation, how do I know when I can talk, and what to say so I don't make a fool of myself?
16 Answers
Last Updated: 09/03/2018 at 10:25am
Moderated by
Tracy-Kate Teleke, PsyD, M.A., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist
I assist adults and couples in CA experiencing relationship challenges and interpersonal struggles including anxiety, depression, and a myriad of other life challenges.
Top Rated Answers
Anonymous
February 24th, 2015 4:18am
You can talk when ever you feel comfortable to do so, there is no pressure to say anything, but if you see a comment from someone which you can relate to, then feel free to say something, you will not be judged, you will be supported.
Anonymous
March 3rd, 2015 4:03am
Participating in a group char may be a difficult task. You might want to start over by talking to only one person who seems to greet you and once you get more acquainted with the subject of the discussion you can proceed more easily.
Anonymous
May 4th, 2015 10:53pm
Most people just like it when you be yourself. Chances are that they wont think you are making a fool of yourself. Whenever you feel it is right, just go ahead and say whatever is on your mind :)
If you're meaning a group conversation on 7 Cups Of Tea, just go for it. Head first, introduce yourself, say hello ect, you'll never make a fool of yourself. We're all non-judging people and we care. (: Just follow the chatroom guildlines and relax.
youll know when its the right time to say something (: just make sure its positive and think before you say it and you should be a ok
Be yourself . if the people in the group are your friends they shouldnt judge you. and anytime its quite its the best time to talk
I think the best way to approach a group conversation is to just listen for pauses or a subject that you feel comfortable commenting on. It can be kind of awkward just jumping into a conversation, but if they're talking about something you can comment on, go ahead and jump in!
Make sure to not interrupt the person speaking at the moment, speak within the subject they are discussing, and don't be afraid of being a fool, sometimes being a fool is what makes the good memories :)
Try to remember that if you are among friends you can never make a fool of yourself. Just be yourself, and talk when it feels right.
You are able to talk at any pace you like. Some like to jump right in, others prefer to hold back for a bit before they begin. Say what's on your mind, there is no wrong way to express yourself!
we are all here to help, listen and observe each others problems. you won't be judged here.your in a safe place
Anonymous
January 25th, 2016 4:31pm
Stop worrying. Conversations are a free thing, full of life and movement and sillyness and comfortableness. If you want to participate in a group conversation (on 7Cups), just log on, say 'hey' or 'what's up' and then just join in. Whenever you have something to say, just say it. Everybody else is just as weird and foolish as you are and we all say something weird or at the wrong time. People just go with it. It's not that big of a deal. :)
Anonymous
July 26th, 2016 3:28am
You can only be a fool if you feel like a fool. If you want to talk. You should talk at a time you think is fine to talk.
Anonymous
August 15th, 2016 11:47pm
You can talk whenever there is a pause in the conversation or it feels like a good time! And say whatever you want! You could try responding to what others said and relating to their topic.
Anonymous
January 1st, 2018 1:55pm
Don't worry so much about it. Say what comes naturally to you. It might be helpful to remark upon what is being currently said and elaborate on it to help create a nice flow of conversation. But it's probably more important to know who you're talking to and knowing what they're comfortable with, so as to be aware of what not to say as well.
Social skills are all about having the good flow. Flow is not a random word: a group conversation is a big stream made by little personal streams merging all together. To ease the process you can visualize group communication as a river with waterfalls, other little rivers, muddy zones where communication stagnates and so on. You know your goal is to let the river flow and add some value (your value) to the group conversation. Speak when you feel the river needs more water, add your personal remarks, be welcoming towards "new rivers" merging. Try to keep up with the pace of the conversation, adjusting your rhythm accordingly.
Talk to an expert therapist
I'm so glad you're taking this step! My clients have my full attention in...
Talk to Alisha NowRelated Questions: If I want to participate in a group conversation, how do I know when I can talk, and what to say so I don't make a fool of myself?
How do I get over feeling that everyone is going to leave me?Everything in my life is messed up. Motivation works temporarily and I'm not suicidal but feel it's pointless to live like this. What should I do to feel hopeful? How can I get what I need from my doctor? I feel extremely sick whenever I leave my house, what can I do? I have trouble with my school work due to procrastinating. And my anxiety always gets in the way. How do I get things done?A family member thinks I am lying about where I am going but I'm not, what should I do?How do I know if I did the right thing?Is it hard to think critically about something you love?How do I overcome the fear of cashiers?How can I convince myself that my friends don't hate me? I have this irrational fear that they actually hate me.