10 Ways to Improve Social Skills to be Sociable Anytime

by Daisy Dao

Hi! This two-lettered word might seem everyday business to many of us. But, sometimes, it becomes a great deal, and we tend to find it difficult to say hi.

Whether we show it or not, somehow, we all love to have people around us to talk to and enjoy their company. However, being with a friend is a give and take the business where you put some input, and the other put some. If you cannot socialize with people and continue a conversation, making friends or keeping them for long might be difficult.

Why is being social important? - Link

While we live in 2023, it needs to be understood that being social is as important as having breakfast in the morning (yeah, many of us skip it despite it being the best part of the day). Just like a healthy breakfast in the morning provides you support to work energetically, a good social circle supports you in your personal and professional life.

You might not realize the importance of a social circle while you're in college, yet it proves its worth in professional life. A helpful and intellectual bunch of people around you help you grow and reach the heights you have always wanted. It is among the laws of the universe that the thirsty has to go to the river; you would have to approach people you want to be friends with. But how would you do it if you are not social yourself?

Being outgoing and friendly is considered to be an excellent trait by companies while hiring new candidates. The reason being extroverted people seem more confident than introverts. And you wouldn't surely want to be missing out on any golden opportunity just because you are not social. To be an introvert is no issue if you have the necessary social skills to mesmerize the other person. A few tips can help you come out of your bubble and instill confidence in you so you can be the person who doesn't only say hi but lights up the room with their conversation.

Why is being social important?
Why is being social important?

How to improve social skills

Improving social skills or being more sociable is no rocket science. However, your drive and flexibility to develop social skills and mold your nature a little are needed. Once you are sure that you want to be outgoing while with some people, practicing these few tricks will be a great help.

1. Compliment more

"Thank you," "Have a nice day," "Pleased to meet you," and "You look great" are some of the phrases all of us love to hear. When you pass a compliment to someone, there are high chances that they would respond to you, and you might be able to strike a conversation. Complimenting anyone is one of the most effortless ways of making new friends, introducing yourself to others without making it obvious, and being more sociable. Additionally, giving compliments might also mean receiving compliments. So, that's a bonus!

2. Smile

It is said that a smile is a curve that sets everything straight. How difficult would it be for a smile to change your life too?

Smile
Smile

It is a general observation that people are more open to talking to someone who smiles. It shows people that you are more welcoming, and they would want to talk to you. It lets people think of you having a kind heart, and they do not hesitate to share their problems with you, which can definitely lead to more people in your circle. While they share their problems with you, you would also be sure that you have somebody's back. Smiles are contagious and appealing, thus helping you participate in conversations more often without saying anything.

3. Step out of your house

Stepping out of your house is the most crucial when it comes to being social because talking to your mom or being kind to your dog does not really count as social. Being social usually involves being around people who you do not meet often or people who you choose to be a part of your life. To have a social circle, you need to step out of your house with a smile and talk to people. Your motivation comes into play at this point, where sometimes you do not want to go out and meet anyone. It is totally okay, sometimes. But, when you are already trying to be pleasant and cordial, going out and engaging people is necessary.

4. Start small talk

"How are you," "How have you been, lately" can be among the most straightforward questions yet giving you the most to talk about. When you come across a person you haven't seen in a while and begin with these basic questions; the other person might have a lot to tell. Moreover, that individual might counter-question, letting you share your part of the story.

Small talk is an excellent way to start a conversation when you do not have anything, in particular, to talk about. Chances are there that you might not have to speak, and the other person would engage you in the talk themselves.

5. Be a listener

The world is short of listeners and over-populated with speakers . You open the social media and find everyone sharing their stories and talking about themselves. Some people do not like to communicate their stories or misfortunes with everyone. They just need a shoulder to cry on and to have a few words of sympathy. You can be that person to lend them your shoulder and time to listen to them and make them feel better. Many social connections are based on emotions and little words of kindness and help you converse in a more friendly way.

Be a listener
Be a listener

6. Work on your body language

Many behavioral experts around the world believe that body language is there even before we learn to speak, and that is why it holds crucial importance in conversations. And yes, your body language can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker just depending on how you present yourself. When you are meeting new people, you wouldn't know if they get influenced by body language. A lot of people judge your body language while you talk to them or approach them . Having a more "open" body language would lead you to more honest, meaningful conversations when people feel that you have good intentions for them or give away "Good Vibes."

7. Participate in events

Events and gatherings around you can be a great way to interact with people and make friends. If you do not like going out on your own or meeting new people, take a friend along. Additionally, it is even a better option if you talk to people where they know any of your close acquaintances. You can ask your relative or friend to introduce you to them (though we appreciate you do it yourself). This might make you feel more homely and comfortable with the person you are talking to.

8. Get the anxiety off your shoulders

One of the most common causes of being less sociable is social anxiety. If you don't feel like answering calls or going out a lot, we understand you. Yet, circumstances arise when you know the missing of people in your life. It is the right time to say bye-bye to the anxiety and ask it to shoo away!

Understandably, it isn't as easy as it sounds, but it can be. Brush off the anxiety and the negative thoughts while stepping out of your house. And go out with the idea of seeing people and meeting them with warmth.

9. Read books

Several books on the internet are available that help you improve your social skills. They guide you with the minor details that could help you be more friendly, outgoing, and social. We are mentioning some of the highly-rated books for you, yet it is advised to read the reviews themselves and choose the one you find the best.

Though, it must be remembered that these books can only provide you a guideline about being social and are not magic. You need to practice these skills and tricks repeatedly to get the best out of it.

10. Be yourself

All these tips and tricks can only be helpful if you do not hesitate to be yourself. That is why we said that being an introvert is not a problem, but you only need to understand how to interact with a particular set of people. Confidence is the best jewel for anyone to wear, and you can be successful only if you are confident about who you are. Connect to people and be social without changing who you are. Sometimes changing a few habits is necessary, but it must not change who you are.

Social skills are a need of the hour in the 21st century as they are essential in professional life too. Yet, the importance of being social and communicable in personal life cannot be overlooked either. Practice daily to get hold of social skills and not be non-social anymore!

About Daisy Dao

Daisy grew up on the beautiful Honolulu island where she often found herself spending most of her day enjoying the ocean scent in sea waves. As such, Daisy came to appreciate the art of cooking seafood. She has experimented with baking, roasting, broiling, poaching, grilling (and every other cooking technique you can think of); and with all kinds of spices too. Now she is ready to present her experience: the art of cooking healthy food without any pre-packaged ingredients; food product recommendations for people who need a bit more guidance on what goes into their bodies; how to maintain an active lifestyle without having to give up your favorite foods!


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