It can be challenging to be outgoing and social, especially if you have an introverted personality. The only way to overcome this fear is by developing and practicing various aspects of your social skills. Consider these six tips to improve your social skills.
1. Participate in Social Activities
Walking up to someone new can be challenging, especially if you don’t have anything in common. One way to ensure you can practice finding commonalities is by attending social events. Most of the time, you’ll have a topic to discuss. These conversations could lead to a friendship or friendly acquaintance. Each instance of dialogue will give you the experience to start up the next one more easily.
School is one of the best places to put social skills to work. Think about when you were a kid. You may not remember how your first friendship started, but initially, you talked to your pal and vice versa. The same dynamic can occur in adulthood as you attend social events.
You can also consider taking college or hobby classes, such as cooking or painting. You’ll be able to whip up a conversation in no time, even if it’s just to ask for help.
2. Listen to Others
One great way to keep a conversation going is by listening to what is being said and asking questions along the way. However, be careful not to ask too many questions, as it may appear that you’re acting robotic rather than caring what the person has to say. This dynamic is true in leadership development situations where your role primarily ensures people feel heard and understood but is even more evident when you are simply trying to be social.
You’ll also want to show you’re paying attention by nodding or making affirmation statements. In essence, you’ll want to give a thought in response. For example, if another person tells you they grew up in Alaska, you might want to say, “That must have been hard living somewhere that is so cold most of the year.” You can also offer an opinion, but try not to be rude or offensive.
3. Avoid Being Negative
Negativity is an easy rabbit hole to fall into these days. It’s a normal human reaction to have negative emotions. This reality is part of why humans seek out positive friendships. They look for companions who are kind, loving, and happy. Since negativity expressed without restraint can tend to bring people down, it’s only reasonable to be intentional with how much of that negativity comes out in your first interactions with others as you work on being sociable.
If you complain frequently or see the downsides of every situation, you will push people away. Instead, try talking about things that make you happy. Others will chime in, and you’ll feel cheerful and hopeful rather than glum.
4. Try Not To Linger
Friends can’t chat forever. Maybe you have that one pal you dread seeing anywhere because you know you’ll be talking for too long. Don’t be that type of person. Pay attention to your pal’s body language and verbal cues to tell you whether your buddy is ready to say goodbye and continue with the day.
5. Remember Who People Are
Meeting many people at one time can make it difficult to remember names or faces. However, if you have a one-on-one encounter, try to recall that person’s name and a little bit about them.
Don’t take these meetings for granted. You could find someone just like you who could make a great friend, but you’ll never know if you don’t remember anything about that person!
6. Put Away Your Phone
People use their phones constantly, whether they’re playing games or texting. Paying attention to your phone rather than the people around you negatively impacts your ability to be social. You must put the electronics away to connect with others and verbally communicate. This step may seem awkward initially, but taking the initiative to start conversations will soon make talking much more comfortable.
By practicing these skills, you’ll improve at approaching others and starting discussions. You’ll learn to engage in meaningful topics and small talk, which are essential in interactions. Start 2022 off right by being a more social person.