Have ever crossed the road to avoid talking to someone yourecognise? Would you love to go to a party and talk confidently to every guest?Do you want to make more friends but lack the confidence to talk to people youdon’t know? Are you nervous about the idea of being at a social event in anothercountry? Don’t worry-we can help you!

You needn’t worry about situations like this if you have goodsocial skills. And they are easy to learn.People with good social skillscommunicate well and know how to have a conversation.It helps if you do alittle advance planning.

Here are a few idea to help you.

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Learn how to do small talk

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Small talk is very important and prepares you for more seriousconversations. Be prepared! Have some low-risk conversation openers ready.Forexample:

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Think of a recent news story-not serious,e.g. a story about afilm star or sports star

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Think of things to tell people about your studies

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Think of “save” things you can ask people’s opinionsabout-music, sport,films,etc.

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Think of topics that you would avoid if you were talking tostrangers-avoid talking about them! That way, you don’t damage your confidence!

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Develop your listening skills

Listening is a skill which most people lack, but communication isa two-way process-it involves speaking AND listening. Always remember-you won’timpress people if you talk too much. Here are some ideas to make you a betterlistener.

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Do…

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show that you are listening by using encouraging noises andgestures-smiling, nodding, saying “uh-huh” and “OK”, etc.

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keep good bye contact

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use positive body language

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ask for more information to show your interest

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Don’t…

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Look at your watch

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Yawn

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Sigh

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Look away from the person who’s talking to you

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Change the subject

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Finish other people’s sentences for them

Always remember the words of Benjamin Disraeli, British PrimeMinister in the 19th century: “Talk to a man about himself, and hewill speak to you for hours!”

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Learn the rules