I feel the same way. Especially when I'm around people that I don't know very well. My left frontal lobe was injured during an assault and my expressive speech was effected. I have trouble putting my thoughts into words and just knowing what to say. This is constant...It doesn't ever go away completely.

It makes social situations very awkward for me. I'll be on the bus and someone will be having a conversation next to me. Before, I would jump into the conversation if its something that I know about or I'm interested in. Now, I'm scared nothing will come out right and I'll make a fool of myself.

I'm a little more comfortable talking with people that I know. People that know I have a brain injury and understand what I'm going through. But...not entirely. If I start messing up what I'm trying to say...I kinda go into regression and just stop speaking.

Its frustrating for me because I used to be a people person. I loved (and still do) talking to people, sharing my opinion on things and making people laugh.

The only advice I have for you is...If your speech isn't really effected much by your injury....Just go for it. Don't be shy! Chances are your word-finding problem isn't really all that bad. People will probably not even notice it. If you have trouble finding a word...turn it into a joke. That's what I do. Laughter is the best medicine and it can make the most uncomfortable situation so much better.

Good luck and don't be afraid to be YOU.

Nick