In a world where social skills are found wanting and lots of people social anxiety especially introverts, it is wrong to say social skills are inbuilt. Social skills can be learned, taught and exercised. Social skills has to do with the ability to communicate and interact with one another either verbally or non-verbally. It can be classified into; Verbal, Non-verbal and Areas of Expression.
In Verbal Social Skills, Your Tone of Voice, Volume of Speech and Choice of Words are considered important.
For instance, if you are approaching someone you admire and want to be friends with;
- First, your tone of voice should be one that's nothing to the ear such that it compels the person to give you a a listening ear.
- Secondly, why let everyone around you know very single word that proceeds out of you mouth when the person you are converting with is right beside you? Your Volume of speech is an important factor as well during communication.
- If your Choice of words are wrong, then the essence of communication is vain. Your words should show your real intents and portray the best if you rather than tear down walls. However, depending on the scenario, your tone, volume of speech and choice of words should be able to relate the information you want to give out accurately.
Facial Expressions, Gestures, Body Language, Eye Contact are Non-verbal Social skills. Did you know that the clothes you wear,it's colours and even your haircut can tell people the kind of person you are? That's a non-verbal skill.
In your workspace, your areas of expression are interpersonal and interpersonal. It implies that:
- You should understand that peoples opinion do vary as well their feelings and needs, that is called EMPATHY.
- You need to be an active listener
- You need to possess the ability to work as a team with your colleagues
- You should be able to make effective decisions if need be
- You need to be trusted and highly dependable
- You must be patient with your colleagues
As earlier stated, these skills can be acquired, learned or even improved on. Some of the ways to improve your social skills include:
- Attending Workshops and Online Classes
- Developing your Listening Skills
- Asking Open-ended questions
- Requesting Constructive criticism from your close friends
- Observe the colleagues social skills and learn from them
- Start small,one step at a time
Good socializing skills build good relationships, increases productivity, advances ones career above all it makes one happy with himself.
I employ you all to check out for flaws and improve your socializing methods today