In this article, Mrs. Swati Bhatia, a faculty member of Bada Business, outlines what developing social skills is about as well as how they can affect us positively on a personal and professional level. Developing such skills is not only about what we speak, but the manner in which we speak and how we conduct ourselves with others.
Definition of Social Skills
Social skills are the techniques used and required in interacting with other people. Note that non-verbal techniques such as gestures, body language, and even facial expressions are included. Social interactions demand communication and understanding, for without it, relationships cannot be built. Indeed, humans are a social specie, and throughout history, we have been able to sign without uttering a word.
Social Skills Examples Throughout History
Mute Films:
In the age of films where dialogue was not yet common, expressiveness and body language played a central role in storytelling. Mighty Chaplin is a perfect Absent Speaker who was brilliant in making audiences chuckle without uttering any words.
Cave Dwellers:
Caves men did not possess verbal language and therefore had to resort to other methods. For instance, women were responsible for cooking, and when it was ready, would burn wood. This was a signal to the men in the jungle.
Madhya Pradesh Shehriya Janjati:
During marriages, this tribe, as many, have their special ways of proclaiming the end of food intake by showing the empty plate of bread. This is a remarkable way of conveying a message without speaking.
Factors that Enhance Social Skills
From the singe view of a person’s likeability, a number of factors come into play which makes it easier to interact with people.
Verbal language:
When speaking, the tone, volume and word choice depends on the primary goal they wish to achieve. The right tone and careful selection of words can dramatically improve the effectiveness of communication.
Non-verbal communication:
The posture, facial expressions, and even manner of dressing may betray someone’s feelings or intentions. For instance, when a person constantly stares at their wristwatch, shakes his feet, or checks his cellular phone while you are talking, it shows lack of interest. Being sensitive to these signals can greatly increase your communicative effectiveness.
Advantages of Developing Social Skills
There are various advantages that can arise from improving social skills.
Relationships That Are More and Better:
Having great social skills enables one to establish better work and personal relationships. Individuals are often attracted to good communicators who express interest in them.
Improved Communication:
Great social skills allow you to articulate and listen better, which will ensure you express yourself clearly and captivatingly.
Improved Efficiency and Trust:
When there is an established rapport, people are more willing to trust and be agreeable to you, which is advantageous in many personal and professional situations.
Increased Opportunities for Progressing in One’s Career:
Greater attempts to improve social skills may lead to higher positions in a company or in one’s own business. Employees want to have people who are “team players” because they know that group effort leads to success.
Greater Levels of Happiness:
Having strong social skills helps an individual to be comfortable with a variety of people and boost self-esteem and as one’s general sense of well-being, leading to increased levels of happiness.
It is crucial to monitor progress in student’s behavior and social skills
Implementation of Social Skills
suggests using the L, C, P, L and F formula which can improve one’s social skills. Here’s how to implement the formula:
L – Listening across the board is L. Displaying active listening is critical in being an effective communicator. Demonstrate your interest in people by remembering crucial details in their stories such as their name, which ultimately helps them feel appreciated.
C – Verbal and non-verbal actions make up Communication Skills. A person should maintain eye contact, exhibit proper body movements as well as have the right posture. Conversations should be conducted with breaks in them so that other speakers can contribute as well, and when talking, be aware of how to appropriately end the conversation.
P – People are willing to support the person with a strong positive attitude, as it is synonymous with a Positive Attitude. Being cooperative, tranquil, and steadfastly optimistic will make you easily approachable. Avoiding any form of complaints or negativity is key as these words are synonymous with making one an outcast.
L – Love/Empathy comprises the ability to carry yourself with care and treat people with kindness. Interactions should be done with respect and humility without the need to exhibit superiority over others.
F – Strengthen relationships through Follow-Up of conversations and engagements held with them. For instance, follow up someone’s preference by sending them articles that interest them or simply checking in on how they are doing: these small gestures show genuine care.
Social Skills Improvement Hacks
Deserving Factor:
Before trying to achieve a goal, always ask youself, “Do I deserve this?” If the center of your goals relates to aspiring families or having a great career then you should focus on your character and work ethic.
Opposites Attract:
It can be benificial to turn your goals upside down. If you seek people’s affection try and think from their perspective, what traits do you have that will turn people off to you? Start working on the opposite of where you find yourself now. This should make you more compassionate and less self-centered.
FORD Formula:
Having a hard time starting conversations and meeting new people? This formula should help you with that and it becomes easier with practice.
- F- Family
- O- Occupation
- R- Recreation
- D- Dreams
These subjects enable anyone at any time to be approached for conversation.
Conclusion
Both on a personal and professional level, developing social skills is important. It is possible to improve your interpersonal and communication skills, build relationships, boost your career prospects, and even increase in happiness. Keep in mind, social skills can be acquired and improved upon through practice and positive interactions with people around you. No matter if you are a child learning about social situations or an adult who is trying to improve their social skills, these strategies and formulas can help you to become more socially skilled.
