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eLearning Series: Self Confidence
How Do I Improve My Self Confidence?
Having
Self Confidence in Social Situations
Some people just make it seem so easy. They're
cool and confident in front of everyone they meet. For so many
people, though, social situations are uncomfortable and awkward.
They shy away from new people and unfamiliar situations. Perhaps
they just haven't taken the necessary steps to becoming more
confident in social situations.
Simply
being friendly can go a long way towards feeling more confident
in any social situation. Greet everyone you meet
with a smile and a handshake. While not everyone likes small
talk, exchanging pleasantries about the weather and how you're
feeling are classic ways to get a conversation started. Look
for opportunities to meet new people until these actions become
second nature.
One way to feel more confident in social situations is to
always have a topic of conversation ready. Taking a few minutes
to peruse the newspaper every day or watching a half-hour news
program can provide ideas. However, if you're going to plan
your conversation topics around the latest news, stick to non-controversial
subjects. For the sake of socializing, you'll want to take
note of who's likely to make it to the Super Bowl instead of
contemplating the prospect of peace in the Middle East. Don't
forget about the power of pop culture and celebrity gossip
to keep a conversation going.
In addition to giving you ways to start conversations, if
you're well-informed about the latest news, you'll also be
able to follow and take part in others' conversations more
easily. Another simple step to talking to others more comfortably
and confidently is to work on your listening skills. Maintain
eye contact with the person who is speaking. There is nothing
quite as rude as looking around the party like you're searching
for someone more interesting to talk to while otherwise engaged
in conversation. Nodding or making small noises of agreement
or sympathy can be another way to show that you're listening
and interested. You should also ask questions as this keeps
the conversation flowing.
Now once you're well-informed and asking questions, make sure
that you don't turn this into a disadvantage by monopolizing
the conversation when speaking.
When two people are talking, there should be a give
and take,
not a monologue.
No one likes conversing with someone who only seems interested
in talking about himself, and you'll soon find yourself alone.
If you're about to enter an unfamiliar social situation, it
pays to do your homework. If you're going to an art show, brush
up on the featured artist's work so you will have tidbits of
information to offer others. If you're attending a charitable
event, learn a few things about the non-profit organization
so you have a relevant topic of conversation. You can even
do your homework when it comes to other people. Ask the host
of a party you're going to attend a few questions about your
fellow guests to make it easier to start a conversation and
to make the whole affair more comfortable.
Sometimes all it takes to feel more confident in a new social
situation is to bring along a friend. This isn't always possible,
but it can be less daunting to break into an unfamiliar situation
when you know at least one other person in the room. Don't
use your friend as a crutch, though. You want to mingle with
others, not stand off to the side only talking to each other.
As with so many things, practice makes perfect. You'll feel
more secure in social situations if you simply get out more
often. Attend company functions and don't shy away from invitations
from friends and family. Once you're at an event, put yourself
in the middle of the action. Strike up a conversation, join
in a game, and take a step on the road to more self-confidence.
If you have difficulty in social situations, you're not going
to experience an overnight change. But if you continue to work
on being friendly, starting conversations and being a good
listener, you'll see the benefits of your hard work, and maybe
some day you'll be one of the envied ones who always look cool
and confident.
Click here to discover my current SolveYourProblem recommendation and choice pick for the fastest, easiest and best self-confidence solution you'll find anywhere. Get it and reward yourself with a happier, more confident life.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2006
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