Sometimes it’s hard to realize that everyone makes mistakes. Basically – NO one is perfect and NO one is the “best” roleplayer. Folks will have their own two coins on the subject and sometimes be waaaaaaay to judgmental on others. Most of those tend to forget how it was when they first started.

Confidence is an essential key element. Don’t over extend or over do roleplaying, ease into it and get a feel for folks and what’s comfortable for you. Expect to make the occasional goof or mishap. It happens to everyone – really!

One thing that anyone can do is try to learn from both negative and positive experiences (What to avoid, what to improve, what works – what didn’t, etc.).

Find a safe “rp zone” where it’s comfortable and expand from that. Not everyone will be hyper-critical (or should not be). If you encounter negative roleplay, seek nicer folks and enjoy their company (and hopefully some help if you have questions).

I’ve found the most fun in roleplaying small asides with folks and just being IC and see what rolls. Some folks are just as “shy” as you are sometimes, perhaps even more.

My best advice would be to gain confidence, expand on what works and giving folks some grace when it comes to role-playing.

Hope this helps folks!