be comfortable with social situations

I’ve been doing some research in this area and came across a very interesting book called “First Impressions – What you don’t know about how others see you” by Ann Demarais and Valerie White. It was amazing, made me look on first impressions at a whole new level! Strongly recommend it to everyone, not just shy people like myself. I know a bunch of so called talkative persons who could use one or two tips. Because talking too much and being self-centred doesn’t necessarily make a better impression than someone who says little. Easy to read as well and I can already feel my social-skills improving :)

Read it!

I never where and I probably never will be outgoing by nature. And perhaps that is not so bad after all. I guess I can become much better at small-talk but that also has to do with the confidence-issue. However, I realized that what I really want to is being comfortable with social situations. I don’t want to be afraid to say what’s on my mind but that doesn’t mean talking non-stop. So what if I might be a little shy as long as I am kind and polite? And why call it shy when you can call it mysterious? ;)

Started an excellent small-talk-conversation with a stranger today. I can’t believe I did that! But it gives such a positive rush when you succeed.

When it comes to athletics my father has always said to look at someone you believe does it well and try to copy their technique. Perhaps it’s advice you can transfer to social skills as well.

I know a few people who I believe have the perfect balance. They are social in a way that makes it impossible to dislike them. Always know what to say and how to say the right thing.

My strategy is to “fake it till you make it”. I’ll just ask myself “what would this person do?” and act like that I am just as good as them.

Good plan!

Working within health-care forces me to communicate every day. Practice makes perfect, or at least better :) After two weeks at work I can already feel a great improvement!

But this is more of polite communication, I also have to practice friendly and banding communication as well.

I am a good listener but I am terrible speaker. To complete this goal I have to
*Overcome my shyness
*Get better at small talk
*Probably visit a speech therapist to be able to use my voice correctly. (People often complain that they don’t hear what I say)

I think that it is so much I am missing out on, making more new friends, having interesting conversations, learning from others etc. It is not too late to improve myself!