Lower the stakes

Try to identify events that feel like they’d be less stressful for you. For example, events focused on a particular person or group remove you from the centre of attention.

• Be an audience member. If the thought of a ballroom of strangers is overwhelming, consider attending a lecture or panel discussion.
• Find your people. It could mean standing on the periphery, where introverts are more likely to stand.
• Embrace the 10-minute rule.  Tell yourself, ‘I’m going to talk to this person for 10 minutes.’