By Toria Sheffield
Simple conversation can sometimes be, well, kind of hard. Especially for those of us on the shyer end of the spectrum or who aren’t super comfortable with new people. It’s why knowing ways to become more likable can actually majorly help us out when it comes to socializing in new environments, like at parties or networking events.
I used to be one of the shyest kids in my class growing up, and I honestly feel like that shy kid is still who I am deep down at the core. However, a few major developmental experiences (i.e being forced to go to sleep away camp five summers in a row) eventually working at a job that entailed a ton of social events and client interactions, taught me that when it comes to appearing charming and extroverted, you can absolutely fake it ’til you make it.
And the thing is, socializing is like a muscle — the more you do it, the easier it gets. I now genuinely hardly think twice about attending a work function or hosting an event where I don’t know many people. Friends who met me as an adult are genuinely shocked to know I was shy growing up, and usually assume I’m 100 percent an extrovert. That’s how much you can truly change the energy you give off.
If you’re looking to up your socializing game, here are 11 hacks for being super likable in conversation:
