Summary
A racing heart, blushing, feeling sick - most people experience symptoms of shyness in certain situations. But some of us are much shyer than others, and if it gets on top of you, shyness can really limit what you get out of life.
That’s why this week’s listener got in touch with CrowdScience. He wants to know why he’s shy: is it genetic, or more to do with his upbringing? Is there anything he can do to overcome his shyness – and on the other hand, could being shy actually have some benefits?
We find out how much shyness is down to our genes, and why ‘shy types’ might have evolved the first place. A psychologist gives us her top tips for dealing with social anxiety, and we take part in some drama therapy designed to help people break out of their shell. And we ask if quieter, more introverted types are disadvantaged in modern society, where outgoing, extraverted behaviour can bring more tangible rewards.
(Photo: Shy young man hiding behind one eye. Credit: Getty Images)
Transcript
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| 0:00.0 | You're about to listen to a BBC podcast and maybe it's when I had a hand in. |
| 0:04.0 | I'm Tammy Walker and I produce podcasts for the BBC. |
| 0:08.0 | My role is to give new and diverse creators a voice with the opportunity to build a career. |
| 0:12.0 | That's the thing I love about podcasts. |
| 0:14.4 | You start with just a good idea, but then you have the space to see where it goes. |
| 0:18.4 | And doing that at the BBC means we can really run with the best stories |
| 0:21.9 | while developing the most unique audio talent. |
| 0:24.8 | So if you like what you hear, why not check out the huge range of podcast we've got on BBC |
| 0:29.1 | Sounds? |
| 0:31.6 | I think this is the street a few doors down. Okay. I don't think I've done |
| 0:36.9 | something like this for maybe 10 years because the best thing about being an |
| 0:40.9 | adult is you don't have to put yourself in these situations. |
| 0:44.0 | Except for science. Except for science, exactly. |
| 0:48.0 | This is crowd science from the BBC World Service. |
| 0:50.0 | I'm Dacchioni Navanagham and my producer Kathy and I are out in London on a buzzing Saturday night. |
| 0:56.0 | She's taking me to a house party where I'm not going to know anyone. |
| 1:02.0 | Hello. |
| 1:04.0 | Hi, your user's friends? |
| 1:06.0 | Yes. |
| 1:07.0 | Nice to meet you, Rob. |
| 1:08.0 | I'm Dashi. |
| 1:09.0 | That's Kathy. |
... |
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