If shyness is an illness, then why do so many who have a fear of speaking in front of an audience get over the fear by joining Toastmasters? I’ve seen many shy people join Toastmasters and become confident after a period of time. If shyness was a illness, then no matter how long one is in Toastmasters, members would not be able to minimize or reduce their shyness.

I know. I grew up extremely shy and introverted. First, I have a high arched palate causing me to have a hereditary speech impediment. That bothered me some, but it was when in high school, my Englsh teacher ridiculed me in class that I simply never raised my hands to volunteer an answer for more than 30 years. I rarely communicated with others, particularly if I was in groups of 5 or more.

For me, shyness is part of your environment and how you were taught to deal with adversities. If you have parents who were strong, inspiring and giving you positive feedback all the time, more than likely you would not be shy. On the other hand, if your parents were themselves, rather shy, non-talkative, negative, etc. then you would be more likely to be shy. A case in point is the movie, “Back to the Future.”

For more about my point of view with the ADHD labels visit my blog, Enjoy Life, Overcome Anxiety at http://www.drjeanette.com/2006/12/get-labeled-with-adhd-or-get-help-with
“Get Labeled with ADHD or Get Help with ADHD?”

How shy do you feel when exposed? “Very shy,” is the real answer. Any real person is shy when it comes to being open.

The only person who does not admit they are shy is the one who is removed and loves to label the other.

Thank goodness, the ones who use labels are a dying breed. People would rather go to an uplifting coach instead of a labeling psychotherapist! The days of labels are numbered.