What should I do if I feel out of place in a room?
So if you're feeling out of your element, take a deep breath and survey the room. What's one thing that you can do? Can you say hello to someone, ask a simple question, or find somewhere nice to stand? The fact that you don't know the room doesn't mean that you shouldn't be in the room. Instead of worrying about making a great impression on everybody, try focusing on getting to know the people and the environment.
What to do when you feel out of place
First of all, slow down. Take a deep breath, scan the room and determine the purpose of the event. Is everyone networking? Waiting for a presentation? Socializing? Once you know what is going on, finding a way to engage becomes easier.
Identify one small step. It can be as simple as saying hi to the host, asking someone how they know the host, or commenting on something in the room. A simple opener is often better than agonizing over what to say.
Figure out where you can find a home base. This could mean standing by an open group of people, sitting somewhere that you have visibility of the action, or perhaps you're able to lend a hand on some minor task. Don't just stand off to the side and check your phone over and over again, because this will make you feel even further from other people.
But, being unfamiliar doesn't always mean you're unwanted. Others might be nervous, too. Or they might be busy, focused on the people they are already talking with. And even if others are aware of your presence, you don't have to convince them that you belong there. All you need to do is show up at whatever level you feel comfortable with.
If the conversation doesn't seem to be going anywhere, politely thank them and excuse yourself. Talk to someone else or take a break for a few minutes. When you're finished, reflect on what worked well and what you might want to change for next time. Confidence generally grows from getting comfortable having normal conversations in unfamiliar situations, not from always being "on" or saying exactly the right thing.