THE STRIP
Practical reads on small talk, shyness, social anxiety and quiet confidence — for people who’d rather listen than perform.
All strips
20 Small Talk Tips for Shy People (That Don’t Involve Becoming Someone Else)
Twenty small, doable habits that take small talk from terrifying to “actually, that was fine”.
5 min read →The C.H.A.T. Loop — What to Say After “Hello”
A four-step sequence for starting conversations, keeping them going and moving past the surface.
5 min read →5 Ways to Always Have Something Interesting to Say
Lessons from one of the world’s most-listened-to podcast hosts on keeping conversations flowing.
3 min read →The Uncomfortable Truth — Small Talk Isn’t Complicated. You’re Overthinking It.
Small talk is the simplest conversation there is. Here’s why it feels so hard — and the one change that fixes it.
3 min read →How to Make Small Talk as an Introvert
Why small talk drains you, why it’s still worth it, and how to make it far less exhausting.
4 min read →Small Talk Anxiety — 7 Non-Obvious Techniques That Actually Help
A 60-second pre-chat routine, the safe question ladder, the 3R structure and scripts for the moments that scare you most.
6 min read →Conversation Starters for 9 Everyday Places
Ready-to-use openers and follow-ups for the café, the train, the gym, weddings, work and more.
3 min read →“Why Did I Say That?!” — How to Stop Replaying Every Conversation
The post-conversation spiral is exhausting. Here are six ways to quieten the replay and move on.
3 min read →“I Don’t Know Where to Look” — Eye Contact for Anxious People
Look too long and it’s staring; look away and it’s rude. Here’s how to stop overthinking where your eyes go.
3 min read →“Why Can’t I Just Join In?” — How to Stop Feeling Like an Outsider
Everyone’s laughing and chatting, and you’re stuck behind an invisible wall. Here’s how to get through it.
3 min read →Feeling Tongue-Tied? How to Meet New People When Anxiety Freezes You
Calm your body before you say hello, use the FORD method when your mind goes blank, and stop trying to be impressive.
3 min read →From Panic to Calm — Handling the Physical Side of Social Anxiety
Racing heart, hot face, shaky hands. Why your body reacts this way and seven ways to settle it.
3 min read →“What If I Say Something Stupid?” — Beating the Fear of Judgement
When every conversation feels like a trial you’re destined to lose, these five strategies help you speak up anyway.
3 min read →10 Friendly Confidence Tips for Shy People
No “just be confident” nonsense — ten gentle, practical ways to feel more at ease around people.
3 min read →9 Psychology-Backed Ways to Look (and Feel) More Confident
Posture, voice, words and memory tricks that help you come across as more self-assured — even when you’re nervous inside.
3 min read →Confidence Comes From Competence — Not Affirmations
Why “fake it till you make it” and mirror pep talks rarely last, and what builds confidence that does.
4 min read →