| So, you want to learn how to navigate the | | | | and whys of communicating, through words, |
| sometimes sticky waters of the social scene, but | | | | through body language, through non-verbal cues |
| don't know where to begin? Don't know what's | | | | and show you how to pick up on these elements |
| necessary and what's a waste of your time? | | | | in other people to bolster your own confidence |
| Everything on Google coming up with advice only | | | | and keep the interaction moving forward. |
| for children? Here's what a social skills training | | | | ICE BREAKERS - Every conversation, every |
| program for you should include: | | | | introduction begins with one person "breaking the |
| CONFIDENCE-BUILDING - You need to believe in | | | | ice" with another, and this simple gesture works in |
| yourself. Most social situations boil down to | | | | nearly every type of social interaction. Any |
| persuading others that you are worth their time | | | | training program will help you craft a mental |
| and effort to associate with. No one wants to | | | | repository of flexible ice breakers for you to use |
| waste their time on someone who themselves | | | | in any situation, and will help you respond |
| doesn't believe is worth the effort. Believe in your | | | | gracefully and adroitly to others attempts to |
| self, and others will follow. | | | | break the ice with you. |
| HOW TO RECOGNIZE SOCIAL SITUATIONS - | | | | MOVING BEYOND SMALL TALK - Any social skills |
| Awkward social interactions usually occur when | | | | training program needs to focus its efforts on |
| one party is suddenly surprised to find themselves | | | | teaching you the crucial skill of making the |
| in the middle of it. They often sneak up on you, | | | | transition from small talk to meaningful connection. |
| be it a conversation at the grocery checkout line | | | | Ice breakers are great, they get you in the door, |
| or chit-chat that happens spur-of-the-moment in | | | | but you need to learn how to steer the |
| class, on the bus, at work, or any of a number of | | | | conversation - and your interaction - to something |
| places. Rarely do such situations come with an | | | | more meaningful. Small talk is not a means unto |
| engraved invitation, and the few that do - parties, | | | | itself, it is merely a means to an end. |
| weddings, etc. - usually go much more smoothly | | | | LISTENING & HEARING ARE NOT THE |
| since you've often prepared ahead of time | | | | SAME THING - Social skills training hinges on |
| subconsciously. A good social skills training | | | | teaching you how to listen to another person, not |
| program will work you through the intricacies of | | | | merely hear what they are saying. The distinction |
| recognizing the types of social situations you find | | | | is crucial. Hearing is passive and relatively |
| yourself in and how to navigate them. | | | | effortless. Listening - processing another's words - |
| COMMUNICATING, VERBAL & NON - Any | | | | is active, it requires effort and skill. |
| program needs to walk you through the hows | | | | |