If someone {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(大笑) at you in public, that bad experience may have influenced(影响) your confidence. If being shy is a {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(问题) for you, don't worry too much! It's not difficult to become more confident—it just takes lots of practice.

    First, {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(交流) with your friends and family as often as possible. Instead of just listening, make sure you give your opinions, too.

    Next, move on to speaking in larger {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(组) or in small ones of strangers. If you get {#blank#}7{#/blank#}(紧张的), it's a good idea to stop and take a deep breath—that will help you relax.

    Finally, try to be more {#blank#}8{#/blank#}(活跃的). Try putting your hand up in class to volunteer your opinion. If you make a {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(凌乱) one day, don't give up; it gets easier with time. Just remember: your voice counts just as much as anyone else's! Also, you need to {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(参加) some competitions at your school, which will make you outgoing.

    Good luck, Thomas, and let me know how you get on!

Best wishes,

Karen