The ability to connect with people is a skill, and there are ways you can learn how to do it more effectively.
LifeDaily shares 10 Social Skills That Will Make You Successful In Every Aspect Of Life:
1. Ask more questions
Those who are great with people don’t necessarily have the gift of gab, rather they are great at asking questions. Asking good questions, and ones that aren’t too intrusive, are one of the most important social skills. E.g. “What was it like for you when…?” What do you think about..?”
2. Make eye contact and smile more
Research shows that confident people smile more, as well as make more eye contact. Don’t be afraid to look someone in the eyes when you are having a conversation with them- we have eyes for a reason, and they help us to engage. Be mindful however if it is in someone’s culture to not make a lot of eye contact.
3. Pay attention during group conversations
Group conversations are either an opportunity to take part, and observe, or to tune and zone out on your phone. Next time you are in a group conversation, take advantage of it. Pay attention to who is hogging the spotlight, who is more reserved, and if someone is being excluded from the conversation.
4. Celebrate others’ wins
People feel great when you congratulate them on their wins, and let them know that you think it’s a big deal. You will make someone feel special this way, and it really opens the doors to a great bond. People never forget who cheered them on.
5. Build others up when they aren’t around
You can tell a person’s character by how they talk about people when they aren’t around. If you know someone you constantly talks bad behind people’s backs, you can be sure they’re going to do the same to you. So instead, be the person who speaks highly of others when they aren’t around.
6. Be polite
It’s always easier to connect better with someone who has manners, because it’s the simple things that matter. Like saying “Please,” and “Thank You,” and “You’re welcome.” It may not seem like much of a big deal, but it really goes a long way.
7. Pay attention to the little things
In our busy lives, we often forget that people are going through their own internal struggles. We forget that many people are struggling in quiet desperation with little or no support from family and friends. And outside of work, and school people have lives, so by paying attention to their body language, behavior, and facial expressions, we can get insight into how things are really going for them.
8. Provide value
To provide value, you need to bring something to the table. Use what you know or do to be a benefit to those around you, without asking for anything in return, and share what you’re good at with others.
9. Focus on the bright side of things
No one likes a negative person, so practice being positive and more optimistic. Negativity is contagious, and it spreads throughout a friendship and relationship quicker than you realize. Work on complaining less, and being the most positive person you know.
10. Say nothing
Sometimes it’s better to say nothing at all. And when you speak less, you listen more, giving you the opportunity to learn more about a person than you would if you were going on and on about yourself the whole time.
[Featured Image Credit: stevenaitchison.co.uk]