StartupTalky

Tag: body language

  • How to Improve Social Skills and Communicate Effectively?

    Today’s world is all about showing your best social skills and communication skills for marketing yourself. The budding entrepreneurs constantly need to sell themselves and market their business ideas. To bucket up the investors for the business, one needs to attend social gatherings and socialize with people to get them involved in their venture plan. However, in the workplace, these skills can be an essential aspect of staff interaction, planning, and collaboration. In this article, we discuss what social skills are, how to apply them in the workplace and why developing social skills is so important.

    However, it’s very important to impress the person with your witty remarks and steal the show with your knowledge. Many people are not comfortable with the words and not everyone can express their thoughts clearly which forfeits the chance of great investment opportunities from our hands. It is necessary to improve communication and social skills. So in this article, we will talk about ways to improve your social skills and effectively communicate in your workplace.

    What Are Social Skills?
    Methods of Improving Social Skills
    How to Leave a Mark on a Social Gathering?
    What Are Communication Skills?
    Ways to Communicate Effectively in the Workplace

    What Are Social Skills?

    Social skills, also known as interpersonal or soft skills, are used to communicate with others. There are several types of communication skills we use daily including: verbal, nonverbal, written, and visual. Verbal skills involve the spoken language, while nonverbal communication skills include body language, facial expressions, and eye contact. Strong social skills can help you build and maintain successful relationships both professionally and personally and also help you in being a good public speaker.

    Methods of Improving Social Skills

    To be a better communicator, one has to improve their social skills, improving social skills will help you in every aspect of life. Some of the methods to improve Social Skills in life are:

    • Instead of shying away, try to start a conversation with a stranger, your acquaintances and family. Ask an open-ended question that keeps the communication going, the need to engage is extremely important here.
    • Try to broaden your answer, when answering someone’s question. This led to deeper communication and you can practice your conversation skills.
    • Observe the social skills of the people around you, especially your colleagues. You can learn a lot of things from your surroundings. Observing their way of non-verbal and verbal communication will help you in improving yours.
    • Main eye contact while conversing with the opposite person.
    • Just talking is not enough, you need to develop your listening skills as well.
    • Take the help of books, podcasts and YouTube videos to improve your social skills.
    • Be aware of the current events and news of the world, this will give you topics to have start conversations with others.

    How to Leave a Mark on a Social Gathering?

    There isn’t any rocket science behind alluring the people, it is easy to behave in social gatherings. There are some basic rules which you need to regimen before entering any social event. So, draw your attention here.

    Make a Killer First Impression

    When we meet someone for the first time, the very first thought that pops into our mind are to make a long-lasting impression that they stay lifelong with us. The points that will help you to make an ebonics first impression for the audience are –

    • Smile often, will exude positivity. Smiling makes you appear more friendly and gregarious and, others will feel more comfortable in your presence. Don’t smile like a fool, just a little, to look friendly and easily approachable. Smile as you mean it.
    • Make eye contact with the other person while talking and that will define your confidence in the other person. Eye contact displays confidence and is one of the quickest ways to make people gravitate toward you. There is a simple trick to show your strength and social skills that will improve your confidence in the other person. So make eye contact with the person while talking to them with your striving confidence.
    • Your body language should be open to the public. Rigid body language is the definition of nervousness and lack of confidence. The body language should be relaxed and no need to be prim and proper. Positive body language includes good posture, leaning in slightly when someone is speaking (displays interest), and smiling/eye contact. This will helps in improving communication and social skills.

    Be a Good and Patient Listener

    You need to develop good listening qualities in lieu to get the attention of others in a social meet-up. Take time to understand the other person’s view and, only after understanding it reciprocate your answer. Some people confuse listening with hearing. They both are different things you need to understand, what is being communicated to show your interest by:

    • Giving them your full interest and showing that you’re understanding their words.
    • Take time to ask questions on the topic of the discussion.
    • Make valuable remarks on the topic and share your valuable opinion with the person.

    Give Compliments

    Giving compliments to the person while making the introduction will give you the right start. Give genuine compliments where applicable and be honest about them. If you notice something nice about a person don’t be afraid to let them know. Phrases such as “That is a nice shirt by the way. Where did you get it?” or “You have a very admiring personality makes you much more amiable and breeds pleasant social interactions.

    So, these are a few simple tricks to make social gatherings your show. But after reading this topic and observing the experiences you will get to know that confidence is the key element here. This will helps in improving communication and social skills. If you have the right amount of confidence in yourself, then no one can stop you from becoming successful. So, try to embed confidence in your body language and you will see the changes yourself.

    Effective Communication
    Effective Communication

    What Are Communication Skills?

    Communication skills are the activities that make your performance ultimately a good one. Communication skills are very important in every human being’s life it is used in both, as in your personal life and your professional life.

    It is also the abilities of when you give and receive different kinds of information from different sources. When you communicate ideas, feelings, or even any update regarding your work or project. Communication skills involve listening, speaking, observing, and empathizing. Having good communication skills helps to develop your personality and one can also be given the top priorities as a leader. Communication is so important that entire careers and fields are based almost entirely upon communicating, like these 13 communication careers listed here.

    Whether it’s written or spoken, reading, or listening, these skills are crucial in any workplace and can make you a better, more effective, and more efficient employee,

    Ways to Communicate Effectively in the Workplace

    When the employees have good communication skills, superiors can better understand the potential, willingness, talents, and skills of their employees. Some of the ways to communicate effectively are:

    Encourage open discussion: In this, a manager acknowledges his\her employee’s, views which is important. They ask their employees for valuable inputs. Encourage managers to clearly show that they have heard employees’ opinions and engage the employees on a personal level. The managers recognize their employees and acknowledged the employee’s inputs.

    More face-to-face or phone conversations: A face-to-face conversation will last longer as more people talk together, which makes them stronger and better relationships with employees, managers and the boss. As, in a face-to-face conversation one can perceive each other feelings, facial expressions, and body language. Having, eye contact will also help to get an understanding of the communication and good internal networking might help you in the future.

    Be careful when wording emails: When you are writing the mail to your manager or your boss, don’t write like the reader is your best friend. Don’t assume the reader knows who you are and why you are emailing. Don’t use informal language. Don’t forget to proofread for spelling and grammar mistakes. Write in a way that will boost them to open your mail.

    Be aware of body language: Your body language can influence the way others respond to you. It can also impact how they perceive you and your intentions. Being highly aware of your body language can influence your productivity and reputation in your workplace.

    Make meetings meaningful: While making the meetings one should have a clear agenda, so that everyone in the workplace has a clear idea about when and which meetings have to be scheduled at which time.

    Conclusion

    Effective communication is integral in your life. Without communication nothing is possible. One can eliminate unnecessary, unwanted problems and can promote better performance with the help of communication. The ability to communicate depends on your social skills, so before communication improving your social skills is extremely important as well.

    FAQs

    What are 5 essential communication skills?

    The top 5 essential communication skills are:

    • Written Communication
    • Verbal Communication
    • Non-Verbal Communication
    • Active Listening
    • Contextual Communication

    What are the 5 social skills?

    The 7 social skills are:

    • Sharing
    • Listening
    • Maintaining Eye Contact
    • Using Manners
    • Cooperating

    How to start a conversation with someone you don’t know?

    To start a conversation with a stranger, you need to:

    • Introduce yourself.
    • Start with the basics.
    • Be aware of your body language.
    • Disclose free information.
    • Make eye contact.

  • How to Start Conversation With Stranger? | 6 Ways to Start Conversation With Strangers

    The conversation is our primary way of expressing our ideas, opinions, goals, and feelings to those we come into contact with. It is also the primary means of beginning and establishing friendships and relationships. Starting a conversation with someone you have never met before can be stressful and difficult unless you have the right mindset. Starting a conversation with a stranger gives you a whole new experience. It can change your perspective. To start a conversation with a stranger just gather enthusiasm, positivity, and energy. The key to holding a long conversation is F O R D.

    F- Family

    O- Occupation

    R- Recreation

    D- Dreams

    It is an empowering mindset to be able to create a conversation with potentially anyone. The ability to communicate in an informal and friendly manner is essential for every aspect of a person’s business, social, and personal life.

    The problem arises when comfort and confidence are replaced by anxiety and fear. In this article, we will talk about some tips on how you can start conversing with a stranger. So. let’s get started.

    Body Language
    Risk vs Rejection
    Ask Ritual Questions
    Know What to Say by Listening
    Take the Help of Free Information
    Disclose Free Information

    Body Language

    One of our most important communication skills does not come from the tongue, but also from our body. Research has shown that over half of face to face conversation is nonverbal. ‘Body languages’ often communicate our feelings and attitudes before we speak. We are judged quickly by the first signals we give off and if the first impressions are not open and friendly it will be difficult to maintain a good conversation. The following technique will be very much helpful.

    Body language + Tone of voice + Words = Total Communication

    With practice and greater awareness of body language, you will be able to encourage others to approach you and feel comfortable. When you meet a stranger at a party the easiest way to start the conversation is to introduce yourself.

    Risk vs Rejection

    It takes a certain amount of risk to begin a conversation with a stranger. Most shy people don’t start conversations because they fear being rejected. This prevents them from reaching out to others. One thing that keeps in mind is that risk-taking and rejection are part of life. The advantage of being the first to say hello is that it allows you to guide the direction of the conversation, and gives the other person the impression that you are confident, friendly, and open. The more you practice starting a conversation, the better responses you will get. But all the people are not alike. You may be rejected sometimes, use it as a lesson and adjust your approach for next time. If you are rejected don’t automatically assume it’s your fault.

    Ask Ritual Questions

    Ritual questions are easy to answer requests for information. Ritual questions can be used to overcome someone you don’t know and wish to speak to. The easiest way to start a conversation with a stranger is to notice something interesting about the person you wish to speak with. Second, you notice something that the person is carrying. Thirdly you start a conversation is to making a comment or asking a question based on the situation. It is best to focus on positive things rather than complaining about the negative. Ritual questions are good for breaking the fear and starting a conversation. Exchanging ritual information also follows you to prepare to introduce yourself to the other person.

    There are two types of ritual questions one is closed-ended which asks for a yes, no or short answer and another one is open-minded which asks for a more detailed answer.

    Some examples of close-ended ritual questions are listed below:

    • Do you live around here?
    • Do you like food?
    • What time is it?
    • Are you going to the park?
    • When did you get here?
    • Where are you from?
    • Are you enjoying your stay here?
    • Is this your first visit here?

    Some examples of open-minded ritual questions are listed below:

    • How did you find your apartment?
    • In what ways do you think this country (city, college, etc.) has changed?
    • How did you get involved in that line of work?
    • Why did you decide to move there?
    • What brings you to our town?
    • What do you like to do on your days off?

    Know What to Say by Listening

    Know what to say next by listening carefully for keywords, facts, opinions, feelings, and most of all free information. Conversation problems include poor listening, memory, and concentration skills. People speak slowly and with lengthy pauses between thoughts. Asking relevant follow-up questions based on what the other person has said shows you are listening. Close-ended questions help to clarify facts and details. Open-ended questions encourage the speaker to elaborate and suggest that you are interested in the topic.

    A good listener is actively involved in the conversation and can often relate to what the speaker is going to say next. This involvement shows concern and interest, and will usually reinforce facts and details. Conversations are more fun when you get actively involved. By participating, you will improve your listening skills. You link your prior knowledge and experience.

    Take the Help of Free Information

    By taking advantage of free information, you can guide the direction of the conversation. Ask open-minded questions that refer to the free information. Free information is communicated by a person’s clothing, physical features, body language, personal behaviour, and activities, as well as by words. Listen carefully to topics that may wish to avoid discussing.

    Disclose Free Information

    Self-disclosure lets others get to know you on your terms. The information you share with the people you meet determines how they get to know you. Once you take a look at what is being revealed, the details are not secrets that must be kept. After people exchange greetings they usually exchange some basic personal facts. Another self-disclosure provides a background of experiences and information. Revealing personal opinions and preferences on different subjects. In this case, you can reveal your attitudes, values, and concerns. Reveal your goals, struggles and all your skills.

    Conclusion

    Conversing with a stranger may seem intimidating but it is a necessity. It helps you in networking and creating professional relationships for your job or business. Communication is the key to everything, it is the only way that we channel our ideas and thoughts to others. So while conversing with a stranger the above tips will definitely be a help.

    FAQs

    How to start a conversation with someone you don’t know?

    To start a conversation with a stranger, you need to:

    • Introduce yourself.
    • Start with the basics.
    • Be aware of your body language.
    • Disclose free information.
    • Make eye contact.

    What are Communication Skills?

    Communication skills are the activities that make your performance ultimately a good one. Communication skills are very important in every human being’s life it is used in both, your personal life and your professional life.

    How to communicate effectively with your clients?

    Here are the effective ways to communicate with clients:

    • Be a Good Listener.
    • Be Professional.
    • Talk Positively.
    • Bridge The Communication Gap.
    • Speak With Confidence.
    • Do Your Research.
    • Use Their Talk.
    • Right Body Language.
    • Respect Your Client.
    • Wait For a Response.
    • Note How You End The Conversation.

  • 15 Psychological Hacks to Use in the Corporate World

    In the corporate world, where one wrong move can lead you to offload the board, it’s very important to make every move and take every decision after evaluating, to get the right outcome. Body language and the way of speaking are basic psychological traits that one need to focus on while meeting new people for any purpose whatsoever. Communication is a key aspect of any business or organization as it amplifies the relationship to throttle up the results.

    To throw light on the roadmap for the people who are new to the corporate world and to make them a pro in their game, we have compiled a list of psychological hacks to make your work-life somewhat trouble-free. These traits will help you to understand your coworkers and guide you while approaching strangers in social gatherings. So, let’s get started.

    Cool Psychological Hacks to Make Corporate Life Easy

    • One of the most common feelings is nervousness. When you start a conversation with a stranger, even though they are your business client, it is normal to feel a little bit overwhelmed and agitated. At this point try to ease yourself into the conversation. As a matter of fact, this happens because your brain is scared of exposure. In this situation, try to control your mind and ease into the conversation with the client.
    • From our very childhood, we have been taught to not interrupt in between when two people are talking. However, sometimes there comes a situation where one has to interfere. Here comes the technique to analyse body language. Now, before interrupting, look at the feet of the person, if they turn only their torso and not their feet, it means they are in the middle of an important conversation and they don’t want you to interrupt them, if not you can put out your point.
    • Whenever it seems that the conversation got heated and there is a chance of a mammoth argument, then simply stand next to the person and avoid standing in front of such person. Finally, this will automatically reduce their temperament and avoid unwanted turmoil.
    • Be vocal about your needs. If you require any help, then you need to directly approach the person and spell out that you need help. This will reduce loads of drama and delay. So, always adapt to this direct approach not only in the office but also in life.
    • Keep on nodding your head when a person is communicating with you so as to make them feel like you are indulged in their conversation. This will make them realise that you are listening to them and is interested in the topic that they are presenting in front of you. Also, if you want to get a positive response from someone, nod while you talk.
    • If you want to check whether the person is listening to you or not, just fold your arms. It will not only help you to check the concentration level of the person in the conversation but also make them aware that you’re serious about whatever you are spewing.
    • It’s a good trait to remember the other person’s name while conversing. While presenting a project, using the name of your client in the conversation, again and again, makes it more interesting and makes the opposite person feel that they are valuable.
    • Sometimes during addressing the public, you need to let them see your emotions, it also helps in making your speech more indulging and interesting. Pay attention to the small things like taking a pause after a few minutes and engaging the public in the topic by asking them to ask questions if they have any. Try to follow simple tricks to get the attention of the crowd.
    • If you ask someone a question and they only partially answer, just wait, give them some time they will keep talking, when they will feel that you think their opinion is valuable. Don’t change the topic or speak too fast, wait for their reply.
    • Give a person validation and rephrase their words at the end of a conversation. As it gives the other person satisfaction to know that you are listening to their words carefully.
    • Confidence is the key element here. If you are not familiar with the subject of the discussion, don’t let it see in your body language. Keep your confidence intact and handle the situation smartly without losing it, but don’t get overconfident, it can lead to a disaster, just play smart.
    • Don’t get succumb to any pressure. If you want to be persuasive, try and reduce the use of the words ‘I think’ and ‘I believe’.
    • Keep on looking at the people of the group and observe the way they are interacting with each other. This will show the real feelings of the people in the group.
    • Stay active and give a warm reply to the greeting received from the other person, this will make them feel that they are important.
    • When someone insults you, either ignore them or mock them. Never lose your temper, if you do, that is where you lost.

    Conclusion

    These are some of the hacks that can be used to improve your social skills. The corporate world is interesting but it can be harsh as well, one needs to play smart and use the hacks to make their work-life comfortable and easy.

    FAQs

    Are Psychological hacks necessary in the office?

    Psychology is important in the workplace, it helps in understanding the behaviour of the opposite person and also make you stand out in the crowd.

    What are the two psychological hacks that can attract customers?

    • While showcasing your products, try to use the emotional attachment of your customers.
    • Use colour psychology, to implicit emotions in your customers.