This article was co-authored by Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW and by wikiHow staff writer, Janice Tieperman. Kelli Miller is a Psychotherapist, Author, and TV/radio host based in Los Angeles, California. Kelli is currently in private practice and specializes in individual and couples' relationships, depression, anxiety, sexuality, communication, parenting, and more. Kelli also facilitates groups for those struggling with alcohol and drug addiction as well as anger management groups. As an author, she received a Next Generation Indie Book Award for her book "Thriving with ADHD: A Workbook for Kids" and also wrote "Professor Kelli's Guide to Finding a Husband". Kelli was a host on LA Talk Radio, a relationship expert for The Examiner, and speaks globally. You can also see her work on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/kellibmiller, Instagram @kellimillertherapy, and her website: www.kellimillertherapy.com. She received her MSW (Masters of Social Work) from the University of Pennsylvania and a BA in Sociology/Health from the University of Florida.
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Good social skills are an important part of building rich friendships, enjoying yourself in public, and succeeding in your career. If you consider yourself to be shy, you might run into some trouble chatting with people you don’t know. Don’t worry—there are plenty of easy, subtle ways to improve your social skills throughout your daily life. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started.
Steps
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QuestionI suffer from SAD (Social Anxiety Disorder). How can I be better at talking to people when I truly can't help it?Paul Chernyak, LPCPaul Chernyak is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Chicago. He graduated from the American School of Professional Psychology in 2011.
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Warnings
- Don’t try to interrupt or take over a conversation with your own stories. Instead, listen attentively to what the other person is saying, and reply afterward.[20]⧼thumbs_response⧽
References
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/smarter-living/adults-guide-to-social-skills.html
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/smarter-living/adults-guide-to-social-skills.html
- ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-attraction-doctor/201112/break-the-ice-how-talk-girls-and-guys-0
- ↑ https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/mar/26/the-perfect-time-to-start-how-book-clubs-are-enduring-and-flourishing-during-covid-19
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/quora/10-simple-habits-that-will-noticeably-improve-your-social-skills.html
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/effective-communication-improving-your-social-skills
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/quora/10-simple-habits-that-will-noticeably-improve-your-social-skills.html
- ↑ https://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/non-verbal-communication/?_ga=2.201985111.718180874.1610740230-479751668.1610740230
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/quora/10-simple-habits-that-will-noticeably-improve-your-social-skills.html
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/effective-communication-improving-your-social-skills
- ↑ https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/23/smarter-living/adults-guide-to-social-skills.html
- ↑ https://www.heretohelp.bc.ca/infosheet/effective-communication-improving-your-social-skills
- ↑ https://www.inc.com/quora/10-simple-habits-that-will-noticeably-improve-your-social-skills.html
- ↑ http://www.anxietycanada.com/articles/assertiveness/?_ga=2.97199321.718180874.1610740230-479751668.1610740230
- ↑ https://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/10/03/i-know-how-youre-feeling-i-read-chekhov/
- ↑ http://www.healthcentral.com/anxiety/search-social-anxiety-283153-5.html
- ↑ Kelli Miller, LCSW, MSW. Psychotherapist. Expert Interview. 11 June 2020.
- ↑ https://adaa.org/supportgroups
- ↑ https://education-connection.org/reading-books-improves-social-skills/
- ↑ https://www.helpguide.org/articles/relationships-communication/effective-communication.htm
About This Article
If you want to practice your social skills, try joining a gym or a book club, or go to a coffee shop, since people in these places are often expecting social interaction. Chat with the people you come into contact with, like the barista, the receptionist at the gym, or the person sitting next to you. Start with casual questions like, “How is your day going?” or “Is it always this busy here?” As you become comfortable doing this, look for other opportunities to strike up conversations with people you meet. Keep reading for tips on extending your conversations!