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You might not be the life of the party, but that doesn’t mean you can’t become more people-oriented. It’s all about acquainting yourself to become more social.
We know it’s not easy if you’re not used to it, but with a little effort, you can become more extroverted and learn to enjoy socializing. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
Be okay with feeling awkward
When you’re first starting, know that it’s okay to feel awkward. It’s typical to feel a little uncomfortable when you’re trying something new.
Just think about it this way: the more you practice, the more comfortable you will become. And the more comfortable you become, the easier it will be to connect with people. So don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. Step out of your comfort zone and go for it.
Learn how to make small talk
Small talk is the bread and butter of socializing. It’s a way to initiate conversations without getting too deep. And it can be manageable if you know the right techniques.
First, find a common ground. You can talk about the weather, current events, or something as simple as the food you’re eating. Just find something to connect on. Second, ask open-ended questions. This will keep the exchange going and help you learn more about the other person.
Third, use body language to show that you’re interested in what the other person is saying. Nod your head, smile, and make eye contact.
Work on your body language
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When it comes to body language, there are a few things you can do to make yourself more people-oriented. For starters, try leaning in when you’re talking to someone. This shows that you’re interested in what they’re saying.
Also, make sure to keep your arms uncrossed. This will make you look inviting and friendly. And lastly, try to smile as often as possible. A warm smile is the best way to show someone that you’re happy to be talking to them.
Be a good listener
When it comes to socializing, one of the most important things you can do is listen. So many people are so focused on what they’re going to say next that they don’t hear what the other person is saying. As a result, they miss out on all sorts of valuable information.
But being a good listener is hard—it takes practice and patience. It’s not something that comes naturally to everyone. And that’s okay. Just remember that it’s a skill that can be learned, and the more you rehearse, the better you will get.
So how do you go about becoming a better listener? First, try to be present in the conversation. Focus on the other person, and make eye contact. Listen to what they’re saying, and pay attention to their body language. Paraphrase what they’ve said to make sure you understand them correctly. And, don’t interrupt! Let them finish their thought before you speak.
Be more assertive
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You might find that you’re not very good at socializing, and that’s okay. Introverts often struggle with this. But it’s necessary to recognize that this aspect of your personality is just a trait, and it can be changed with proper conditioning.
So how can you familiarize yourself to become more people-oriented? First, start by being more assertive. When you’re proactive, you’re sending the signal that you’re a confident person who’s not afraid to take charge. This is something that will make people respect you and want to listen to what you have to say.
One way to become more assertive is to become more vocal. Speak up in meetings, and don’t be afraid to share your opinion. You can also practice roleplaying with a friend or family member. Pretend that you’re giving a presentation or leading a meeting, and then ask for their feedback.
If you want to be a more people person, start by accepting that you are an introvert and that it’s okay. Begin by attending events that interest you and don’t be afraid to articulate your thoughts. When you feel more comfortable, branch out and attend events with new people. Be yourself and let go of the idea that you need to be someone you’re not. Eventually, you will find that being around people is easy and natural for you.
