What is a good way to get better social skills?

Question

I need to improve my social skills, I am a nice guy and all but I always make a bad first impression on people because I don’t talk until I get to know them. I don’t know why, just nothing comes to my mind.. Any ideas on how to improve this?

Answer 1

Practice practice practice!

Have something ready that is friendly and appropriate in almost any situation, then practice saying it out loud so that it becomes automatic.

Then practice it in social situations when you really don't care! If you have nothing to lose, it's easier to try it out. I'm thinking grocery store, mass transit station, when you're visiting another town, etc. Let the fact that you're unlikely ever to see these people again give you the confidence to give it a whirl.

Answer 2

You might be a bit shy or have issues with trusting people. Try to find things you have in common with strangers or acquaintances. Talk about food, sports, the weather, politics, the new Beyonce video, anything. Give compliments, everyone loves those. People love to talk about themselves so all you need to do is ask questions and soon you will having everyone opening up to you. You seem like a smart guy. I'm sure you'll think of something. I hope I helped. Best of luck.

Answer 3

The best thing you can do is to be around people. Get into a social situation where you have to get to know people, say dancing lessons, something like that. This way you allready share a common interest, and it makes it easier. The more you are in these situations, the easier it will be to be yourself around people. You have to push yourself a little at first, but it doesn't take long untill it's just natural.

Answer 4

Find a Toastmaster's Club! Lots of people need to improve. At Toastmasters' meetings, people from all walks of life use a structured sequence of activities to help each other. Here's a link:

Answer 5

life experience

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