I want to work in the communications field but I am shy and not very talkative ,what should I do?

The fact you want to be in the communication field and at one point wanted to be a reporter despite being shy says a lot, and it's admirable. It tells me you don't want the shyness to stand in your way, and it doesn't have to. You would be surprised how many successful reporters would describe themselves as shy or introverted.

And being anxious about speaking in public or being in the public eye or communicating with others isn't unusual and it's nothing to be ashamed of. Fear of public speaking is the No. 1 fear, according to many surveys.

I would suggest starting small to see if you like it and to gain some confidence. That's what first propelled me in my career, working at my college newspaper and gaining a little confidence while doing something I enjoyed. It's possible you'll decide you don't enjoy it, and that's fine. Your willingness to confront something you see as a challenge may pay dividends in other ways.

I used to be terrified of flying, but when I was offered a job covering the Chicago Bulls, I knew I would have to overcome this fear to pursue the career I wanted. And I did. And I was always glad I overcame that fear.

Good luck with your decision.

I am also introverted and have excelled as a communications professional. It may certainly present some challenges for you as some will perceive it as lack of confidence, but it is not impossible to be successful in this field while being a more reserved person. You may want to consider looking for companies with more introverts among their staff, or companies that at least appear to value diversity and support employee development. You should also look into joining a group like Toastmasters International. It's a great organization to help with public speaking and building confidence.

HI Jasmine,
I was very shy as a child but I found that I was use that fear to force myself to do things like introduce a speaker at church or ask/answer a question in school although I feared being laughed at. First of all try not to take yourself too seriously. Have the ability to laugh at yourself and celebrate yourself for who you are and what makes you unique. When I got older, I took a class on public speaking which gave me techniques to use to overcome my fear. if your school offers a public speaking, speech or debate class, sign up and watch some of that shyness dissipate. Read everything, newspapers, magazines and be the smartest person in the room. When you have an opinion about something, you are more likely to speak up and contribute to a conversation, debate etc. When people realize that you have a "voice," they will seek you out as an authority in that field or topic. Practice speaking with family and friends. Have them engage you in conversations. Practice making eye contact and smiling, nodding, agreeing and disagreeing. I'm sure in this day and age, there's a YouTube video or channel that addresses this concern. I'm saying all of this to say that you can do anything you set your mind to Jasmine. There are many communications specialists, actors, singers, etc. that are shy people but that has not hindered their success and it will not hinder yours. All the best to you on achieving your dreams to work in Communications Jasmine! You CAN do it!

Jasmine,

I would also recommend a role behind the scenes because it seems as if you're still passionate about the field. In the media, communication is the utmost important skill to have. If you can build on those skills and push yourself to improve, it'll help in the long haul. These skills are constantly being refined throughout your career and day-to-day interactions with people. Be yourself! Good luck!

Hello,
I am in a career that requires a lot of interaction with people. And, I'm an introverted person! While I'm not a reporter, I do interview lots of people. I've learned that as long as I can effectively communicate, through writing or by speaking, I can work past my nerves. I prepare for interviews to ensure I'm not often caught off guard and even use humor to 'destress' a potentially nerve-wracking situation. In fact, I don't view introversion as a flaw at all. I am very comfortable working independently and offer value in team settings too. Embrace your qualities and let them work you!

Just because you are shy, does not mean you cannot have a career in communications. There are so many different jobs that fall under the communications field that maybe you haven't considered. For instance, what about public relations or media relations? You could be the one supplying the media with information/stories. I hate the spotlight on myself but have found through my media relations career, I am not shy when I am speaking/promoting others.

My advice would be to think about exactly what type of situations you are shy in and what you are comfortable with. If you like to be heard but not seen, perhaps you could focus on journalism/writing or radio broadcasting if you don't want to be behind the scene. If you like the creativity part of communications, maybe you'd like social media, digital media, graphic design, etc. The biggest thing is, do not get discouraged or let your fear keep you from your goal.

Start small. Do some local interviews, shadow other people doing interviews, take the time to let yourself get comfortable with the idea. There are also many other parts to the communications field, like writing press releases. Just arm yourself with plenty of information to be the expert on the scene and you will have the confidence it takes to be whatever you want.

Hi there!
You do not have to change your personality at all to work in a job in the communications field. I, myself, and not very outgoing and I have a job at ESPN working in Production on the planning/business side of things. There are so many career options in the "communications" umbrella and that is one of the great things about the field. Do what makes you happy but also don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Even though I am shy, there are opportunities/classes at work where I can enhance my public speaking and interpersonal skills and I am always quick to sign up because that can help me step out of my comfort zone.

Like you I too was shy and unsure of myself. Consider a career behind the camera. But work on the shyness and asseting confidence. It will help you in job interviews and in life. The best thing is to just do it, and not care what anyone thinks. Even if it is doing reports for cable access. Most likely starting out you will look at yourself and think that you s#ck at it. Thats ok, everyone starting out s#cks at something. But if public speaking and putting yourself out there is not what you were meant to do, there's nothing wrong with that and there are plenty of other jobs in the field like producing. All reporting is story telling. Work on dojng that.
Finally look at James Earl Jones. As a boy he had a studder, but when in school an english teacher accused of not writing his own poem but copying soemone else's work. The teacher said to him if it was his own work he could say it out loud to the class. This shy, unsure, boy with a studder became angered. He stood in front of the class, said his poem, and when he did the studder was gone and what is now an iconic voice emerged. So the point being is pushing past your boundaries will be uncomfortable, but its in these valleys of adversity do we find the mountain tops success.