If you're reading this post, it means that you're looking for ways to become more social. I've not always been that social myself until nowadays. It took me a while to figure out what it takes to be social, and what is to be social.
In the past, I thought that I just didn't like to talk, or that I didn't like to meet other people. That was a lie! I love talking and making new friends everywhere I go. The key was breaking out of my shell. Being in a shell is fine, but if want to break out of it, it's also a nice path to take. It has a lot of advantages (and some disadvantages).
If you feel like you struggle to be in conversations because you think you're shy, it can impact your social life and your career.
However, you can improve your social skills, that I experimented, and tested, and it worked, and then you'll be able to be in social events with extra confidence.
Remember that you don't have to please anyone
If you're trying to impress somebody or the group, and you feel nervous about it, just remember that you don't have to. You are you and that's what you need. If the conversation is interesting for you, you can just open yourself by pleasing others with your thoughts.
It all means that you only have to participate in social events that you actually are into. You're talking with these people, or this person because you want to do it, and not that you want to look like the most social person ever.
Start small
Practice your small talk. This is very important if you want to start conversations with someone, or if you want other people to start conversations with you. Say "thank you", often, or open the door for someone. Say also "good morning, good evening"... etc.
One time I was at the mall, and I asked the cashier in one of the shops that I was in if they had some silver bracelets. The guy that I was there, he showed me many pieces, and I just said: "Omg, I love these kinds of stuff". From that, we began to share the same interest, and he showed me his collection of the best stuff he had in a shop, and after, asked me out for a coffee, we talked and talked and then we became friends. To be honest, I was not even that interested in silver bracelets, I just wanted to take a look at it.
It's fun to just go by yourself and see what the day holds for you!
Ask questions and show interest in other people
If you're into talking to someone, or if you get yourself in an occasion that you're able to talk to someone, ask them questions, but not every kind of question. Open-end questions are the best tool in this case.
Encourage others to talk about themselves. Ask questions that require more than yes or no. For example, "what makes you say that?" or "why do you think that"? "How important is that for you?".
Offer honest compliments
You probably want to please everyone. This is fine, but not the best-case scenario. It would be much better if you're honest with yourself, and if you're honest with your words.
Offering honest compliments is a mirror of honesty in your personality.
If your classmate just had a presentation at the university, and you really liked it, you can have the opportunity to say: "You were really at your presentation, congratulations." It will create an impact.
Good manners
Having good manners is important in your social, as it is in your lifestyle.
Practice being polite, generous, kind, showing gratitude and so on. Most people prefer to be around other people with these traits.
Put yourself out there
If you put yourself out there, will be much easier. With experience and time, you will become more social.
Perhaps, you can start by working somewhere where you have to be social, no matter what.
I hope you enjoyed these tips.
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