Having a goal will also help you know where to direct your efforts. For instance, if you’re networking for your career, you might decide to attend more conferences.
Talking about the weather is always a safe option, since everybody deals with the weather on a daily basis. Other good topics of conversation include work, family, and food. Keep your conversation topics light, relatable, and neutral. [3] X Expert Source Eddy BallerDating Coach Expert Interview. 7 February 2020. Avoid talking about personal or touchy topics such as religion and health. Stick with things like “How do you know the host?” or “I haven’t seen your family in a while. How are they?”
You can practice small talk with classmates, co-workers, or the person behind you in the checkout line. Set a goal to make conversation with one stranger each day. This can be with the cashier at the grocery store or the mail carrier. Consider getting a job that helps you develop your social skills. Waiting tables, bartending, and working retail are a few options that give you plenty of opportunities to talk with people. [6] X Research source
This strategy works especially well for meeting new people at work.
You can politely turn down an invitation by saying, “Thanks for asking me, but I’ve already got plans for that night. ” Don’t be afraid to say no. Be assertive if someone invites you to an event you are not sure you can handle.
Deep breathing exercises are a simple and effective way to calm down when you’re feeling tense. Another way to relieve tension in a social situation might be repeating a mantra in your head. Try something like “I am the picture of calm” or “I can successfully navigate social situations. " In addition, avoid closed-off body language that drives people away like crossing your arms or orienting your body away from the speaker. This sends the message that you want to leave. Instead leave your arms at your sides, make occasional eye contact, and turn towards the person you’re speaking to.
Ask open-ended questions that require more than a yes or no answer. For example, you could ask a new acquaintance, “What was your favorite part of your trip to New Zealand?” or “Why did you decide to move here?”
Make up an excuse ahead of time if you feel awkward about leaving early. For instance, you could tell people you have to feed your pet or get up early for work the next day.
Having a few good friends and a wide circle of casual acquaintances is a better strategy than trying to befriend everyone in your life.
Don’t rush into personal conversations with a friend you’ve just met – this might scare them off. Instead, let it happen naturally as you get to know each other better.
