Sophie's Socks and Stuff

I did a course with this title this morning. I am quite a rubbish communicator when it comes down to it and when things really matter. I'm fine chatting to other students and friends and can witter on about anything from technical sciency stuff to how drunk I was at the weekend and a whole heap of stuff in between. I just seem to retreat so much in any sort of group situation or speaking to people much older, more learned or whatever. I know what I should be doing to communicate better in these circumstances but I'm just completely inept at actually carrying out what I know and I get so frustrated.