Connect with us

Life

9 Techniques To Master Your Social Skills

Published

on

9 Techniques To Master Your Social Skills

Let’s face it, not all of us score an “A” when it comes to sociability and likability. Indeed many people cringe at the thought of attending a social gathering or a networking event.

Unfortunately, at times they’re unavoidable.

Whether you’re the introvert that’s quickly drained with obligatory conversations, or would never call yourself a “people-person,” there are behavioral hacks that will trigger rapport and positive responses from others.

Here are nine social techniques, some backed by studies, that will ensure you ace your next social interaction.

 

1. Show your palms

You’d assume the eyes are the first place you look when meeting someone, but it’s the hands. It’s an evolutionary behavior that still persists; a survival mechanism to make sure the other person is not carrying weapons.

So when you meet someone for the first time, keeping your hands visible, and showing your palms will make them comfortable.

 

2. Use their name

It’s the sweetest sound to everyone’s ears. Hearing your own name sparks up portions of your brain. Using the person’s name in a conversation will perk their interest and put a smile on their face. We shouldn’t have to make a note that using it in every sentence is too much.

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.” – Dale Carnegie

3. Novel questions

If you want to guarantee a boring conversation, ask “So, what do you do for a living?” It’s so worn out, yet still so commonly the textbook approach to every conversation. Charisma coach JT Tran suggests asking “If you were a pizza topping, what would you be?”

Novel questions will always evoke a smile and interesting conversations.

 

4. Vary your tone

Charismatic speakers are always adjusting their vocal tone. Think back to that painfully boring lecture, the professor was monotone right? Varying your tone during a conversation will keep the other person engaged and interested in you.

 

5. Hand gestures

A survey of 760 people who rated and watched hundreds of hours of Ted Talks revealed a direct correlation between the number of views and number of hand gestures.

The top Ted Talks that averaged over 7 million views used double the amount of hand gestures as the talks that averaged over 100K views.

Why are people drawn to hand gestures? Because you’re talking to them on two levels: the verbal and nonverbal.

Social Techniques

6. The slight touch

The line between creepy and effective is very thin on this one. The highly charismatic Bill Clinton is a master of strategic social touching. Whether it’s a pat on the back or a touch of the elbow, when done at the right moments can really increase your rapport with a person.

 

7. Stand side-on

Standing directly in front of a person can be perceived as confrontational. You can adjust your positioning as the conversation continues, but initially standing slightly side-on will ensure an interaction starts on the best foot.

“Talk to someone about themselves and they’ll listen for hours.” – Dale Carnegie

8. Eye contact

Psychologists at Aberdeen University found that people were more attracted to faces that maintained eye contact rather than those who averted their eyes.

Of course, intense eye contact would cause anyone uncomfort. Maintaining a consistent amount however will increase likability and attractiveness.

 

9. Smile

Last but definitely not least. There’s a social obligation that comes with a smile, and rarely will it be unreciprocated. With a smile comes the release of happy chemicals. Those happy chemicals will make it difficult for someone not to like you.

 

I hope these techniques are useful. Are there any techniques you would add to this list? Please comment below!

A refugee from Vietnam, raised in Australia, with a BA from Texas, Thai writes for many publications including The Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, and Addicted2Success. A professional chef, international kickboxer, and spiritual teacher, Thai is passionate about helping people become the best version of themselves. Signup for his free weekly Infographics at TheUtopianLife.com | Connect @ThaiWins | On Facebook 

Advertisement
2 Comments

2 Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Change Your Mindset

5 Mental Shifts to Transform Your Life and Unlock Your True Potential

People who have all the skills, all the potential, yet find themselves stuck because of the way they think.

Published

on

Mindset shifts for personal growth
Image Credit: Midjourney

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and be more. But often, the real barrier to success isn’t a lack of talent or opportunity. It’s an overwhelmed, untamed mind. (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

How Sports Quietly Build Kids’ Emotional Intelligence And Why It Matters for Life

Sports create a natural loop of awareness and action that kids carry into real life

Published

on

Emotional intelligence in kids through sports
Image Credit: Midjourney

A missed shot in basketball. A tumble during a gymnastics routine. A tough loss in karate sparring. These moments can feel huge to a child, sparking frustration, embarrassment, or even tears.  (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

The Subtle Signs You’re Losing Yourself And How to Find Your Way Back

What to do when your inner light dims, even when everything looks good on paper.

Published

on

How to reignite your inner light
Image Credit: Midjourney

You did everything “right.” The grades. The jobs. The grind. (more…)

Continue Reading

Life

What the Army Taught Me About Letting Go of Who I Thought I Was

It would become my first real teacher in the art of transformation

Published

on

life after military discharge
Image Credit: Midjourney

Everything is Changing, All the Time

What I thought I was and would continue to be disappeared in a single sentence: “You’re unfit for duty.” (more…)

Continue Reading

Trending