Not being awkward is not as hard as you think
List of things you can do
So what?
Do you consider yourself socially awkward? I consider myself someone that can be awkward when it comes to socialising in various settings. I fare better when the interaction is one on one but I can definitely be socially awkward when it comes to group settings. In our previous post, we discussed what makes you socially awkward. This post will give you simple things that you can do to be less socially awkward whilst embracing small talks.
Most social interactions involve a degree of small talks. This means that small things matter and can majority affect what the people you’re interacting with think of and perceive you. We’ve put together a list of quick wins that you can choose from to build your arsenal of things you can do the next time you have small talks.
The list
- Determine what you want to achieve before walking into a room to interact;
- Think to yourself that you can improve and be better in order to prop yourself up and give yourself confidence;
- Listen rather than talk;
- If the other person stops talking, ask questions to keep them talking;
- Everyone loves talking about themselves, just ask questions about themselves;
- Remember that awkward silences are only awkward if you make it so;
- If the conversation stops, it’s okay to excuse yourself and walk away;
- Keep things casual, it’s okay not to be serious; and
- Have fun and smile.
My experience
As I mentioned, I get very anxious and feel super awkward in group settings. There are times where I don’t have a choice except to be in that situation. There are two things I do that seems to help. The first thing I do is go to the men’s room and look at myself in the mirror. I prop myself up by smiling at myself, straightening my shoulder and saying to myself that I’m confident and likeable. The second thing I do is smile when people talk about themselves (unless they’re telling a sober story).
What now?
- Do you have any tips or tricks that are useful? We would love to hear about it!
- Pick two or three of our points above and use them the next time you find yourself socially interacting.