Delivery And Body Language

More notes on Conversation Skills for people who lack social confidence.

When it comes to interacting with people, everybody is different. I see hundreds of people everyday and hardly any of them has the same level of enthusiasm when talking with each other.

Sometimes I'll see an excited person standing around talking to someone who's just smiling and listening. Sometimes, I'll hear one person telling another person a joke and the other person is acting as if he isn't listening. But, the joker is still laughing anyway. I'll see some people who are grouchy and complaining talking to people who aren't even listening.

I used to believe that a lot of people were just weird.

Most tips on conversation skills will tell to mimic the person you're talking to and look them in the eye and listen attentively, but I believe most people only follow that rule when the conversation moves small-talk to more intimate levels.

Yeah, there are times when you're gonna pay close attention to the person you're talking to and laugh, and chill, and look surprised or whatever, but that should come naturally as you "read" the other person and hear what they have to say.

If you're sitting around joking, be casual and relax.

If the conversation moves to more serious matters, engage and listen so that you don't miss out and feel foolish if they want to discuss this issue again.

And be the same way when you strike-up a conversation.

Use your hands sometimes.

Have good posture at least when you're standing but be relax when you're chilling.

Speak-up and don't mumble.

Be excited to see your friends and friendly faces. Make them feel important and "welcomed" - even if they were there first.

When you're about your business, be serious and engaged.