I am in a Pinch!

Hi,

I don't know what kind of psychological problem I have, but I thought I should post under public speaking.

So, I have this problem which I dislike, especially right after it happens to me. I detest it so badly that depending on the circumstances I become heartbroken and in stress. Okay, to describe my problem, I have trouble talking to unfamiliar people in a normal manner. For instance, I can't ask my instructor a simple question without stuttering several times and I make mistakes in expressing what I want to ask. This makes the instructor feel distant and cold towards me. It makes him think I don't know English. Lately, I even fear speaking just so that this kind of incident doesn't occur. And this is generalized to most people I meet such as classmates, instructors, or receptionist. In the contrary, if I am speaking to my best friends whom I see as equal, I speak very fluently and express my thoughts very well.

Something I else I want to say is that I am usually a person who does't smile unless there is a reason for it. So, I can't just have a big smile on my face because I am speaking to someone or because I am asking a question. Also, I try forcing a smile at times, but it doesn't work as well as a real one.

Another example is when I read any passage. I can read pretty good when I am alone with my close friends but when reading in front of classmates I become terribly embarrassed of how I read because of the mistakes and stuttering I make - I can't pronounce words properly!

My problem, at times, influences me when thanking a bus driver when he or she says "hello" when I enter the bus - can't reply normally as others. And when I am leaving, I can't say thank you properly.

Therefore, is there a technique or something I can do to make me be able to speak to others well?

Thank you for reading!

P.S If there is any question, just post it. I will answer as soon as possible.