Social skills can make or break your personal and professional relationships.
While some people seem to be born with the gift of gab, the truth is that great social skills can be learned and honed. Here are 15 subtle behaviours that socially savvy people often display. These small actions can significantly improve how you connect with people around you.
1. They make eye contact when speaking.
Eye contact is a powerful communication tool. Socially adept individuals know how to use it effectively, maintaining eye contact to show interest without veering into uncomfortable staring territory. This simple act builds trust and shows you’re fully present in the conversation.
2. They use names in conversation.
Using someone’s name is a small but mighty way to make them feel important and remembered. Socially skilled people make a point of remembering names and using them naturally in conversation. This personal touch can instantly create a stronger connection.
3. They’re active listeners.
Active listening goes beyond just hearing words. It involves fully engaging with what’s being said, asking relevant follow-up questions, and providing thoughtful responses. Great listeners give their full attention to the speaker, making them feel valued and understood.
4. They mirror body language.
Subtle mirroring of someone’s body language can create a sense of rapport and comfort. Socially savvy individuals unconsciously adopt similar postures or gestures to the person they’re talking to, creating a non-verbal connection that enhances communication.
5. They remember small details about people.
Recalling small details from previous conversations shows that you’ve been paying attention and value the relationship. Whether it’s remembering someone’s morning Pret order or asking about a project they mentioned last time, this behaviour makes people feel significant.
6. They know how to exit conversations gracefully.
Source: Unsplash Knowing when and how to end a conversation is an underrated social skill. Socially adept people can wrap up a chat without making it awkward, often by summarising the conversation, expressing gratitude, or smoothly transitioning to a farewell.
7. They use appropriate touch.
A well-timed handshake, pat on the back, or touch on the arm can enhance connection. Socially skilled individuals know how to use touch appropriately and sparingly to build rapport, always being mindful of personal boundaries and cultural differences.
8. They practice empathy.
Source: Unsplash Empathy is at the heart of great social skills. Socially savvy people can put themselves in someone else’s shoes, understanding and validating their feelings. This ability to connect emotionally makes people feel heard and understood, strengthening relationships.
9. They give genuine compliments.
Source: Unsplash A sincere compliment can brighten someone’s day and create an instant connection. Socially adept individuals give specific, heartfelt compliments that show they’ve been paying attention and appreciate the other person’s qualities or efforts.
10. They’re aware of their facial expressions.
Source: Unsplash Our faces often communicate more than our words. Those with great social skills are conscious of their facial expressions, ensuring they match the tone of the conversation. They know how to use a warm smile to put people at ease, or a concerned look to show empathy.
11. They tell engaging stories.
Source: Unsplash Storytelling is a powerful social tool. Skilled socialisers can captivate listeners with interesting anecdotes, knowing how to structure a story for maximum impact and read their audience’s reactions. They use stories to entertain, illustrate points, and create shared experiences.
12. They ask thoughtful questions.
Asking good questions shows interest and keeps conversations flowing. Socially skilled individuals ask open-ended questions that encourage people to share more about themselves, their thoughts, and experiences. This behaviour garners information and makes the other person feel valued.
13. They’re mindful of their tone of voice.
The way we say things is often as important as what we say. Those with great social skills modulate their tone to match the situation, speaking softly for intimate conversations or more energetically in group settings. They’re aware of how their voice can impact the emotional tone of an interaction.
14. They navigate difficult conversations with grace.
Handling awkward or tense situations skilfully is a hallmark of excellent social skills. These individuals know how to address conflicts diplomatically, deliver constructive criticism kindly, and navigate sensitive topics with tact. They can defuse tension and find common ground in challenging conversations.
15. They show genuine interest in people.
Perhaps the most important behaviour is showing authentic interest in the people around you. Socially skilled people are curious about others, asking about their lives, opinions, and experiences. This genuine interest makes people feel valued and creates meaningful connections.
