How to Socialize

When we're young, we learn basic social skills at home and at school to communicate and get along with others. As we get older, those skills become an art we need to master to socialize successfully at social and business functions. Brush up on the basics to ensure you're well liked and enjoyable to be around. Read on to learn how to socialize.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Develop a talent for small talk and have several topics ready to use as conversation starters. Read a variety of books, magazines and newspapers, watch the news and surf the Internet regularly to keep up on pop culture, local and world events.

2. Be approachable by facing the crowd, "opening" your stance and smiling. If you turn your back on everyone to study the books on a shelf or huddle in the corner with your arms folded, people might think you're in no mood to socialize.

3. Ask open-ended questions to allow the other person to discuss his background, personal stories, work or pastimes. Listen intently and interrupt only to ask clarifying questions. People will think you're an excellent communicator even if all you do is listen.

4. Reveal your sense of humor. Be a little self-deprecating, discuss something funny you saw the day before or bring up a skit or one-liner that you saw on a late-night talk show. Keep your jokes clean unless you know the other person well so there's no chance of offending them.

5. Respect others' personal space when you talk. If you notice the other person folding their arms or taking steps away from you, you may be getting uncomfortably close.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear comfortable clothing that makes you feel good about your appearance. If you're self-conscious, you'll be too busy worrying about how you look to find ways to socialize with new acquaintances.
• Avoid drinking too much at social and business events since the alcohol will impair your judgment and prevent you from expressing yourself clearly and controlling your own actions.