I get anxious around people too. I fear I will appear to be an idiot.

Medication has really slowed me down. I 'lose' words mid conversation and get muddled easily. I am in a constant state of embarrassment. I described this all to my psychiatrist as that I have been dumbed down and lost a significant portion of my IQ.

If I must go out, I 'prepare' before hand. I find a current topic I am comfortable talking about. During the rest of the event I simply follow along (even that is difficult).

I will admit I go out infrequently. When I do I rarely initiate conversation. This is really difficult on me as I was once a very outgoing person who had a lot to say.