Cookies on the Business Insider India website

Business Insider India has updated its Privacy and Cookie policy. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the better experience on our website. If you continue without changing your settings, we\'ll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies on the Business Insider India website. However, you can change your cookie setting at any time by clicking on our Cookie Policy at any time. You can also see our Privacy Policy.

How to get a shy person to open up to you in 5 minutes or less

Natalie WaltersMar 30, 2016, 22:24 IST

Flickr/Arturo Donate

Flickr/Arturo DonateTaking the time to approach a shy person and help them break out of their shell can be incredibly rewarding for both parties.

If you notice someone standing alone at a networking event, they might need you to start the conversation.

John Stoker, president of DialogueWORKS and author of "Overcoming Fake Talk," says that 40% or more of the population would classify as "shy," meaning they may be comfortable sitting in a conference session, but they're not comfortable talking to you first at a social event.

Why? Because they're afraid of rejection, he explains - and they will do anything to keep from being singled out.

So how do you approach a shy person (who you don't know) and put them at ease? Follow the six steps below: