Here are some that I can swear by: \- think more about your wins, and less about your losses. Its ok to think about your losses and learn from them, but DO NOT dwell on them. Reframe your life in terms of the wins, even if they're small. Trust me, they add up: for eg, you said more than 'hi' to the barista and actually had a conversation, you spoke up in your class/school, you explained something complicated to your homie and they understood it well. \- smile often. your brain doesn't know if you're smiling because you're a happy or if it should make you happy because you're smiling \- gratitude practice. We have tough life, BUT we all have good parts in our life that are worth being grateful for. For me, its my wife, my family, my friends, the beautiful sun that shines from my window, my good health, the fact that I can breathe fresh and clean air, etc...... \- when speaking with someone, empathize with them. 'Empathy' is a loaded word. I recommend reading up more on what it constitutes. A conversation is a two way street, and empathizing with someone is the best way to connect with them at a deeper level Something beautiful starts happening once you start doing these things. You brain gradually starts associating speaking in social situation as a 'positive' thing. Your dread and apprehension slowly starts to melt, and stuttering starts mellowing out as a by-product. All I can say it: Trust the process. It will take some time, but you'll see a positive change.