People with excellent social skills usually do these 8 things differently

Navigating social situations isn’t always easy. But for those with exceptional social skills, it’s a breeze. They seem to have a knack for saying just the right thing, at the right time, to the right person.
So, what’s their secret? What do they do differently compared to the rest of us?
Well, it turns out that people with great social skills often approach interactions in unique ways. They have their own set of habits and behaviours that set them apart.
In this article, I’m going to reveal the 8 things that people with excellent social skills usually do differently. By understanding these key traits, you too can improve your own social prowess.
1) They actively listen
One of the remarkable things about people with excellent social skills is their ability to listen. But not just any kind of listening – active listening.
Active listening is more than just hearing what the other person is saying. It encompasses fully understanding the speaker’s point of view, asking thoughtful questions, and responding in a way that shows genuine interest.
Most people are prone to waiting for their turn to speak rather than truly listening. But those with great social skills know that real connection comes from understanding others deeply.
This might seem simple, but it’s surprising how many of us forget to do this in our daily conversations. Actively listening allows you to understand the needs and wants of others, foster better relationships and become more likable.
So the next time you’re in a conversation, try to practice active listening. It’s a proven technique for building stronger connections.
2) They pay attention to body language
Body language is a powerful tool in communication. People with excellent social skills often use it to their advantage. They understand that words only account for a small part of the message being conveyed.
I remember a time when I was at a networking event, I noticed a man standing by himself, arms crossed and looking uncomfortable. Instead of avoiding him like most people were doing, I approached him. I mirrored his body language initially then slowly uncrossed my arms and adopted a more relaxed posture. He followed suit and opened up during our conversation.
Paying attention to body language doesn’t just mean observing others but also being aware of your own. A simple shift in posture or facial expression can completely change the tone of a conversation.
People with excellent social skills know this and use it to make others feel comfortable and understood, just like I did at that networking event. It’s all about being perceptive and responsive.
3) They use names frequently
Using a person’s name in conversation is more than just a sign of respect. It also creates a sense of connection and engagement. People with excellent social skills tend to use names more often than most.
Research in brain imaging has shown that hearing our own name activates parts of our brain associated with self-perception and social behavior. This could explain why we feel more positively towards people who use our names when talking to us.
So, the next time you’re in a conversation, try using the other person’s name. It might just make them feel more connected and receptive to what you’re saying. But remember, overdoing it can have the opposite effect, so use this tool judiciously.
4) They are genuine and authentic
People with excellent social skills understand the importance of being genuine in their interactions. They steer clear of superficial conversations and aren’t afraid to show vulnerability.
Instead, they open up about their own experiences, thoughts, and feelings. They know that authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any strong relationship.
Being genuine doesn’t mean oversharing or being overly emotional. Rather, it’s about being true to yourself and allowing others to see that. It’s about showing empathy and understanding towards others’ experiences.
In a world where we’re often encouraged to put on a mask, authenticity can be a breath of fresh air.
5) They show empathy
Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. It’s about putting yourself in someone else’s shoes and seeing the world from their perspective.
People with excellent social skills have an incredible capacity for empathy. They don’t just hear the words that others are saying, but they feel their emotions. They understand their struggles and celebrate their victories.
It’s a beautiful and powerful thing to be seen and understood by another person. It creates a deep bond that is hard to break.
If you can cultivate this level of empathy, you will find that your social interactions become richer and more rewarding. You’ll be able to connect with people on a deeper level, understand their needs, and provide support in meaningful ways.
In a world that can often feel disconnected and cold, a little empathy can go a long way. It’s the glue that holds our social fabric together. And it’s something that people with excellent social skills have in abundance.
6) They know when to be silent
Silence can be a powerful tool in communication. It can give someone the space they need to express themselves, or it can provide a moment of reflection during a heated conversation.
I remember a friend going through a tough break-up. Instead of offering advice or trying to fix things, I chose to remain silent and just be there for her. It wasn’t easy, but that silence allowed her to share her feelings without interruption.
People with excellent social skills understand the power of silence. They know that sometimes, the best thing you can do is to simply listen and let silence do the talking. It’s not about being passive, but offering a comforting presence when words fail.
7) They are adaptable
Being adaptable in a social situation means you’re able to adjust your behavior and approach based on the context and the people involved.
People with excellent social skills have this ability. They can shift gears seamlessly, whether they’re talking to a coworker, a close friend, or a stranger.
They can be professional when the situation calls for it, casual when they’re around friends, and empathetic when someone needs support.
Adaptability also means being open to new ideas, cultures, and ways of thinking. It’s about embracing diversity and learning from others.
So if you want to improve your social skills, try being more adaptable.
8) They respect boundaries
At the heart of all social interactions lies a fundamental principle: respect for boundaries. People with excellent social skills understand this principle and abide by it.
They know when to ask questions and when to stay silent, when to offer advice and when to simply listen. They understand the importance of personal space, both physically and emotionally.
Respecting boundaries means acknowledging that we are all unique individuals with our own needs, preferences, and limits. It’s about treating others with the same respect and consideration that we would want for ourselves.
And while it may not always be easy to navigate these boundaries, doing so is crucial for building healthy, respectful, and meaningful relationships.