LIFE

Having well-rounded social skills is a big part of being a successful human being Why? Well, if you find it easier to talk to new people, you'll usually have an easier time going after what you want. Strong social skills can assist you when interviewing for a job, giving a class presentation, meeting new people at a party and in *plenty* of other locations and scenarios.

If your social skills are so-so or you're all, "What the heck even are social skills?" read on for tips on how to gain 'em or improve what you've already got.

Listen up

"The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention." -Rachel Naomi Remen

That quote could not be more true, and if there is one communication skill you should aim to master, it's listening. Having strong listening skills can provide many benefits for you as an employee, a student and just a person in general. As a student, listening skills allow you to gain and retain essential information for performing well in school. As an employee, actively listening when your employers are talking to you is very important. This means that you smile, nod, agree or perform other slight body language movements to show them that you are engaged in the conversation and interested in what they have to say.

Practice politeness

This tip goes back to the simple things your parents taught you when you were a child. A little “please and thank you," "you’re welcome," "yes sir/ma'am" and "no sir/ma'am" can go a very long way. 

Develop emotional intelligence 

This involves knowing how to act or respond to another person's emotions in a particular situation. Essentially, this means that you have empathy, which is very important when developing strong relationships. To develop a better emotional intelligence, push yourself to actively notice when others are particularly sad or happy. Then, if they need it, help them in a way that you would want to be treated. This could be as simple as recognizing when someone is upset and giving them advice, a shoulder to cry on or even just a hug.

Be optimistic

It may be obvious, but people don't generally like being around sad people. We're actually naturally drawn to those who appear happy and free of stress. Having a sunny disposition or positive outlook will attract those around you who are also optimistic. Striving to maintain a cheerful mindset—even when you aren't 110 percent—is a powerful skill that eventually evolves into happy feelings and behavior.

Keep your cool in sticky situations

The ability to stay calm in social situations (especially stressful ones) is a very valuable skill. If you’re anxious or nervous, then it's much harder to think and speak clearly to others. To keep your cool in a heated sitch, take deep breaths or a few minutes in private to gather your thoughts. Ultimately when you're interacting with others, try to appear calm. If your body and face send the immediate message that you’re nervous it will be more difficult for those around you to relax.

Be assertive 

Assertive communication is an honest expression of one’s own needs, wants and feelings while respecting those of another person. You *may* think that being assertive means being bossy and rude. While some may give the word those connotations, being assertive actually just means that you are self-assured and confident. So when you communicate in an assertive manner, you more clearly understand and recognize your feelings, improve your decision making skills and gain respect from others.

Together, these skills will assist you in forming strong and lasting relationships with others in both your personal and professional lives.

What social skill will you improve upon this week? Sound off in the comments.

by Cecelia Yost | 10/18/2016