An introvert's guide to social freedom | Kaspars Breidaks | TEDxRiga

Being social for a shy person is difficult already, let alone in a cold, Northern capital city wrought by a past of social mistrust under communist rule. With all the cards stacked against him, Kaspars Breidaks managed to break through the social barriers by following a set of five principles he put together himself. Highly influenced by his experience with improv, following these principles will lead to a kinder environment to live in, and certainly a good laugh every now and then. People who know Kaspars call him half-man, half-amazing. Kaspars seems to be made of pure positivity, charisma, enthusiasm, and humor. Kaspars is all in one: a radio show host, an actor, a co-founder of the Spiediens improvisation theatre, Improv Comedy Riga, and is a proud member of the "Ohana" European improvisation theater project that brings together 50 experienced improvisers from different cultures, countries, and backgrounds.

[bwabbel]

"It's not about you"

As an overthinking introvert this is the best but also the hardest advice someone has ever told me

[nekez]

1. Say yes to what you feel and think
2. Be vulnerable
3. Don’t try to be interesting, be interested/curious
4. If you want to be appreciated, appreciate others (thank others as often as you can)
5. It’s not about you, don’t take it personally.

[HaloHighlightz]

Tips to train your small talk muscle - without small talk, there is not big talk 9:01

1. Say yes to what you feel or think (9:07)
- for anything to happen, we must accept each other’s ideas

2. We are not machines; it’s okay to be vulnerable (11:17)
- in trying to protect from the bad, walls also keep out the good

3. Stop trying to be interesting and be interesting (12:00)
- make whatever you say worth it by being genuine

4. If you want to be appreciated, appreciate others (12:56)
- cherish time and what you create; don’t go an hour without thanking someone

5. It’s not about you (15:34)
- if it doesn’t go how you planned, it more than likely has nothing to do with you; they may have something going on

[spiralmewtrix]

The things he talked about have helped me immensely with my shyness as well. I especially try to remember that "it isn't about me" and to not dwell too much on when things don't work out.

[ThandekaMalinga]

I started my YouTube Channel for Introverts and those dealing with Anxiety because as an introvert I believe we need more people talking about introversion and anxiety in order to bring awareness and a sense of normalcy.

[Jo_Bond]

Shyness and introversion are two different things. You can be an introvert and not be shy.

[denise]

Great talk!
Lessons in improv helped lift me out of my shyness. It was so much fun that I found myself laughing in ways that gave me confidence to let go, take chances and ty new things. Since. Since then, I no longer fear talking to strangers, and the lessons I learned about having fun have changed my life.

[wesleypavon]

I really loved this!! You don't have an idea about how much I've been struggling with shyness, this was actully life-changing, this a new beginning in my life and thanks for this video!

[Silentpartner]

I congratulate you on facing your shyness. I'm glad you said what you did. I still have a ways to go to face mine. I like that you said, I don't do it to change the world, but I do it for me. I needed to hear that.

[OmegaSwitch]

I recently signed up for my first improv class after going to my first show and hanging out with the improv crew. As a heavily introverted person, I imagine this will be transformative... o_o

[ariettej]

I really enjoyed this. Quite funny! And great message that I'm sure a lot of us relate to. Pulls me out of my head a little bit and puts things into perspective.

[galeno-healthsciencepreven]

Great talk. Living alone is very difficult sometimes. Connection may help create meaning in life.

[temma]

Thanks Kaspars, let's keep shining instead of living in shyness ☀️

[pyang]

I love this!! Brings so much clarity to my introverted shy quiet personality.

[sillygoober]

I love how this is getting recommended to us all during quarantine lmao

[yashwanthy]

"Give your best and dont expect the same".
I really loved your talk
thank you very much

[Martinaify]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and all those valuable tips. The way you presented them was funny and charming, which helps when dealing with such a challenging topic.

[MuhammadAsim-eegk]

This is really Excellent speech i, v ever heard i can relate in every experience he share.Peoples who are suffering with Avoident personality disorder and social anxiety can use these tips to come out of their comfort zone and enjoy their lives with meeting new peoples.

[olgagrinko]

As an introvert from Lithuania I strongly relate to this talk lol
I enjoyed it a lot!

[dzikrakamila]

This is wholesome! Thanks for sharing thiss!!