Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #socialskills, aggregated by home.social.
If you never know what to do with your hands while you talk, put them to work.
Use your hands while you're talking. Being expressive makes you more interesting.
Gestures help people follow what you mean and keep their eyes on you. Hands in pockets or arms crossed reads as closed off. Keep them between your chest and waist and let them move with your words.
If people drift off when you talk, listen for how much of it is complaining.
Today, stop one complaint from leaving your mouth. That's a win.
Complaints pull the mood down. People remember how they felt around you, and they come back to the people who left them lighter.
If a conversation feels flat, give one specific compliment. Skip "you look nice." Name something they chose or did: "Good call on this place." "You explained that really clearly."
People respond to how you help them feel. A specific compliment tells them you were paying attention.
Rule of thumb: if a stranger could say it, make it more specific.
#softskills #socialskills #makingfriends #confidence #connection