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Social Skills That Will Help You Succeed In Life
In a world where technology is enhancing our ability to interact with people all over the world, it is simultaneously eroding our ability to connect with people face to face. The ability to connect with others is a skill that you can learn to improve, much like cooking, developing software, or playing a sport. Learning the social skills you’ll need to connect with others will help you succeed in all aspects of your life. Here are 15 social skills you may work on to increase your charisma:
Speak Less and Inquire More
People who are good with people are good at asking questions rather than having the gift of gab. The capacity to ask questions, not in an interrogative manner, but in a way that will help you understand others better and deepen your relationship with them, is one of the utmost significant social skills you can acquire. People enjoy talking about themselves, so asking questions that elicit memories (i.e. “What was it like for you when…?”), elicit an opinion (i.e. “What do you think about…?” ), or seek advice (i.e. “I’m in a difficult spot and would appreciate your thoughts…”) will put you in the driver’s seat by making them the focal point of the conversation.
Rejoice In Their Victories
When someone gives you excellent news, instead of ignoring it, offering good news of your own, or even criticising it, celebrate it by being really happy for them.
Group Settings Must Be Locked In
Many people use group settings as an excuse to step back, check their phones, and tune out the conversation–but not you. In a group environment, pay close attention to what others say, how they say it, and even what they choose not to say to learn how to connect with others. Keep track of who loves to lead the conversation, what topics individuals want to discuss, and whether somebody is being left out.
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Make Eye Contact — Or Don’t Make Eye Contact
Every day, you’re assaulted with distractions vying for one of your most valuable resources: your attention. Making direct eye contact with the person with whom you are speaking is an external sign that you are confident and totally involved with them. Before you jump to judgments, consider whether it is culturally improper for them to make eye contact with you, whether they are scared by you, or whether it makes them uncomfortable.
Use Upbeat Body Language
The way you carry yourself can reflect confidence, generosity, and leadership. Maintain a healthy posture by keeping your head up, shoulders back, and chest out. Dr. Amy Cuddy’s TED Talk, “Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are,” teaches us that the way you carry yourself may influence how you think and feel about yourself–so go big!
Pay Close Attention to the Details
Life is difficult. And many people go through life quietly despondent, with little or no help from family or friends. The issue is that many are so excellent at hiding it that they give the idea that everything in their lives is OK and that they don’t require assistance. Remember that people have lives outside of work, school, and the other locations where you plant them. Simple observation of others’ body language, behaviour, and facial expressions might reveal how things are truly going for them.
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Highlight People’s Positive Qualities
Praise for someone’s strengths is one approach to get the best out of them. Imagine how you’d react if someone approached you and said you, “Just so you know, your ability to [insert strength] is extraordinary.” “I wish I was more like that,” you might say. Praise for someone else is both a statement of your confidence and a huge confidence booster for the other person.
Encourage Others While They Aren’t Present
You can tell a lot about a person’s personality by how they talk about other people when they aren’t around. If you know someone who is continually criticising others behind their backs, you can bet they’re criticising you when you’re not around. When others are not there, be the type of person that speaks well of them.
Pay Attention to Their Voice
Not just what people say, but also how they say it, reveals a lot about them. Know your audience. Some people connect better when you speak loud and rapidly, while others want to be communicated with in a quieter tone.
Make an Effort to Smile More
I’m not suggesting you stroll about with a constant grin from ear to ear–disturbing. That’s what I’m saying is that if you’re having a wonderful day, don’t forget to tell your face. Furthermore, smiling at others causes their brain’s mirror neurons to grin back at you–contagious. Its Great social skills make people personable, and nothing says “Let’s be friends!” like a genuine smile.
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Act Politely (Social Skills That Will Help You Succeed)
It’s simple to connect with someone who has good manners. Simple things like “Please,” “Thank you,” and “You’re Welcome” that your parents taught you as a youngster can go a long way.
Offer Something of Value
You have to contribute something to the table if you want to be at the top of your social skills game. Use what you know or can do to help those around you without expecting anything in return. You will feel the gratifying satisfaction of giving if you share what you’re good at with others.
Don’t Say Anything
People don’t always need to hear what you have to say. “Do I want to be happy or do I want to be right?” question yourself. The next time you want to provide empirical data to a dispute to support your point of view. Most of the time, being happy requires giving up the battle and taking pleasure in other people’s presence.
Keep a Positive Attitude
Negativity is contagious and spreads rapidly; don’t be the person that complains all of the time and spreads negativity to your family, friends, and co-workers. Rather, be the one who can see the bright side of a bad circumstance and keep things in perspective through challenging times. This does not imply being unrealistic or too optimistic; rather, it is being the type of person who can face hardship head on and concentrate on the things within your control.
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Appreciate People’s Positive Qualities
Develop the ability to recognize the positive qualities in others. It’s human nature to tear others down in order to feel better about ourselves; nevertheless, be the person who can see the diamond in the rough, even when they can’t see it themselves.
