With the autumn meeting and conference schedule in full swing, the air is frequently buzzing with new scientific advances and applications. The plenaries and panel talks are invigorating and inspiring. Then come the anticipated, yet dreaded, cocktail hours and receptions.
A great opportunity to engage in further discussion and to forge new connections for future collaborations, the social aspects of conferences are also a huge source of anxiety for some. Although attendance isn't mandatory, many people feel pressured to attend - and, once there, are awkward and unsure of themselves, marveling at the conversational ease displayed by the extrovert in the center of the room.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. While there is no instant cure for social anxiety, Forbes contributor Megan Bruneau has 5 Hacks For Overcoming Social Anxiety and Networking Like a Pro that you can begin implementing today. Don't be discouraged or skeptical of the beginning step, "Change Your Relationship to Anxiety" (as if you need help being aware of it!). The small steps advised in the article center mostly around mental preparation, like remembering that anxious thoughts are not "objective truths." We found that what's in this resource can be applied to many other aspects of life, not just large scientific conferences.