Hi Josie - This morning I'm reading up on interpersonal skills in preparing for a job interview tomorrow. Something I read is relevant to what you're saying. Leaving space in what you're saying is a communication skill and an interpersonal skill. It gives other people a chance to think or say something. Seems to me if you're introducing something obscure or unusual, you could introduce it in a phrase or one sentence, even if that is a question like "Have you heard of x?" "I was just learning about x" and that gives other people a chance to say, "Oh, what is that" etc. Or you might find out they are not inquisitive at the moment and there's no point going on.

So - silences, pauses, chunking your thoughts into bite-size pieces to gauge interest. Possibly a solution to this problem you're having.

Oh, and you are judging yourself harshly because you feel embarrassed. I do that, too, but it doesn't mean it's a good thing. Overall, it's not helpful.