There's nothing wrong with wanting to be a good conversationalist. Some teens are just naturally shy and inclusive.

Your best bet is to start small. Talk to people you're already comfortable around. The more successful conversations you have, the less shy you become. And before I go ever further, STOP APOLOGIZING! No one's doing you a favor by talking with you, it's somewhat of an exercise in relationship building.

I've read somewhere "Apologizing merely demonstrates your lack of professionalism and confidence. It's also annoying and juvenile."

Here's 3 summarized tips to get you going:

1) Ask a question. Joining some people already in a conversation can be awkward. The best way to do this is to ask a question to the group after getting the basic idea of the conversation.

2) Listen. The other end of socializing. Pretty much a give-in if you want to get better in coversations.

3) Say their name. Easy as that - people like to hear their own name said in a casual tone. Saying their name makes them feel like you know them.

__________________


And you and I climb, crossing the shapes of the morning.
And you and I reach over the sun for the river.
And you and I climb, clearer, towards the movement.
And you and I called over valleys of endless seas.

Yes - And You and I