How Easy Do You Find It to Talk to Other People?
Talking
to people who are new acquaintances is something most people admit is something
they find difficult. For some people, talking to people, they don’t know, can
create so much stress they prefer to stay home or only talk to family and
friends, rather than face the stress of a social gathering or business meeting.
Most
people can usually deal with the simple conversations and can introduce
themselves, but then find it difficult to keep the conversation flowing. If you
feel like this, it’s important to know that you are not the only one; you are
one of a majority of people. Even people, who seem confident, often hide their
fear behind the curtain of being the “life of the party.” Social interaction is
such an important part of most careers and life events, learning how to talk
easily among strangers and friends alike, is an excellent skill to attain.
Becoming
a confident person in public doesn’t need to be so stressful; however it does
take practice and lots of it. Here are a few helpful ways to help you achieve
the self-confidence you want.
You may also like: Get rid of the clutter in your life
1.
Go prepared with some open questions: In his book ‘How to Win Friends and Influence
People” Dale Carnegie reminded readers that if you ask the right questions, you
don’t need to say much. Others will do all the talking. , and feel they have
found a new friend, even if you don’t say too much.
Open questions are those questions that ask
a question that needs more than a yes or no answer. Ask questions appropriate to the group. If
its work related, after introducing yourself, ask someone about his or her work
and what he or she finds most satisfying about it. If it’s a mother’s group,
ask your fellow mother about their children. If it’s a book club, ask a member
about the books they enjoy reading most.
Each of these questions will open up more
questions for you to ask, and as you listen, you will find something else to
ask them or you will find that people will naturally reciprocate with similar
questions, so you won’t be left wondering what to talk about next.
2.
Watch Your Body Language: Try to maintain an open and friendly stance
at all times. Smile when talking to people and try not to cross your arms. Look
at people and nod your head when they speak to you.
Showing
interest in what people say naturally attracts people and encourages them to
talk to you and show you the same interest you show them. People respond to
people who are interested in them and showing interest in others is the
simplest way of breaking the ice and developing self-confidence.
Read also:
Dealing with information overload
Are you a positive thinker?
Fractional relaxing for self mastery
