Breaking the ice, awkward pauses, gift of the gab
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Anonymous
| What books/resources helped you develop easy conversational skills when in a group or meeting new people? I’m so tongue tied and awkward in a group, the thought leaves me anxiety stricken. What are your tricks to becoming more comfortable in your skin? What topics are great at driving conversations. I’m lost here and need help |
Anonymous
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I liked Think Fast, Talk Smart by Matt Abrahams. Along with speaking tips, there are some practical exercises to try. He also has a podcast that I have yet to listen to.
On his website, there's short bonus chapter that you can download. |
Anonymous
| My sister once gave me the most glorious piece of advice. It was an interview I was prepping for, and I was so nervous. She told me “All you’re doing is going to talk to another human. That’s all. Another human that feels all the same things that you do, at one point or another. So go make a connection with that other human and don’t overthink things.” |
Anonymous
| The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People |
Anonymous
| My friend did Toast Masters |
Anonymous
| One tip is people love talking about themselves- ask questions and be curious. |
Anonymous
|
I never used a book. I come up with three things to talk about when I know I'm going to see people. Today it would be the weather (there's a heatwave where I live), Met Gala and Baby Reindeer.
Also, I spent years practicing my small talk on hairstylists, who are basically professional talkers. They are so smooth at talking and I picked up tips from them and learned how to have a little casual back and forth. |