Social Anxiety at Networking Events › Circle of Excellence
Circle of Excellence for Social Anxiety at Networking Events
In short: The circle of excellence is a spatial anchor: you imagine a circle on the floor, fill it with a resourceful state, and step into it whenever you need that state. Here is how to apply this neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) technique to social anxiety at networking events, step by step.
If anxiety feels overwhelming or you're in crisis: in the US, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Elsewhere, find a free local helpline at findahelpline.com. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.
Why social anxiety at networking events sticks
Social Anxiety at Networking Events often runs on an automatic inner sentence like "Nobody wants to talk to me, I'll just be awkward". Circle of Excellence works on the structure of that experience rather than arguing with it, which can give you room to respond differently. Context: this most often shows up in career.
Steps
- Imagine a circle on the floor in front of you. Give it a color, and maybe a sound.
- Recall a time you felt the state you'd need for social anxiety at networking events: confident, calm, or focused.
- When that feeling is strong, step into the circle and let the feeling fill it.
- Step out, shake it off, and repeat with another memory to stack the state.
- Think of the coming situation, then step into the circle and notice the state return.
- Imagine picking up the circle and taking it with you into the real situation.
Example script
"My circle is yellow. I remember being truly relaxed and curious, and as it peaks I step in. The circle holds it. Whenever I need it, I step in again."
The reframe
Old frame: "Nobody wants to talk to me, I'll just be awkward"
New frame: Most people in the room feel awkward too and are relieved when someone else starts the conversation.
Other NLP techniques for social anxiety at networking events
- Anchoring for Social Anxiety at Networking Events
- Perceptual Positions for Social Anxiety at Networking Events
- Future Pacing for Social Anxiety at Networking Events
- Pattern Interrupt for Social Anxiety at Networking Events
Circle of Excellence for other problems
- Circle of Excellence for Fear of Public Speaking
- Circle of Excellence for Anxiety Before Job Interviews
- Circle of Excellence for Self-Doubt
Related techniques
Anchoring · Future Pacing · Swish Pattern
FAQ
Does circle of excellence work for social anxiety at networking events?
Many people find circle of excellence a useful structured way to reflect on social anxiety at networking events, but there is little rigorous scientific evidence that NLP techniques work better than chance. Treat it as an experiment: try it a few times and keep what helps.
How long does it take?
Most people can run through these 6 steps in 5 to 15 minutes. Repeating the exercise over several days usually matters more than doing it once perfectly.
What is a good reframe for social anxiety at networking events?
Instead of "Nobody wants to talk to me, I'll just be awkward", try: Most people in the room feel awkward too and are relieved when someone else starts the conversation.
Is this the same as therapy?
No. This is a self-help exercise from neuro-linguistic programming. If social anxiety at networking events is seriously affecting your work, health, or relationships, an evidence-based approach such as cognitive behavioral therapy with a licensed professional is a better first step.
What should I try if this doesn't help?
Try a related technique such as Anchoring, Future Pacing, Swish Pattern, or one of the other approaches for social anxiety at networking events listed on this page.
Printable step-by-step scripts and guided audio for every technique on this site. Not on sale yet.
Background
Developed in NLP by John Grinder and Judith DeLozier; a classic NLP Practitioner exercise.
Sources and further reading
- Neuro-linguistic programming (overview and scientific criticism) - Wikipedia
- Sturt et al. (2012), Neurolinguistic programming: a systematic review of the effects on health outcomes - British Journal of General Practice
- Source materials for NLP methods - Andreas NLP
- NLP skills and protocols list - dailyNLP
- Anxiety disorders - National Institute of Mental Health
- Anxiety - American Psychological Association
Honest note: Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) is a popular personal-development approach, but its scientific evidence base is limited and it is widely criticized as unsupported (Sturt et al., 2012). These exercises are self-reflection tools, not therapy or medical advice. If a problem is seriously affecting your life, please talk to a licensed professional.
Last updated 2026-10-16