Social skills are the skills we use to communicate and interact with each other, both verbally and non-verbally, through language, gestures, body language, and our personal appearance. Humans are sociable creatures and we have developed many ways to communicate our messages, thoughts, and feelings with others. It is something vital for us and that is why we attach so much importance to it from birth.
Communication is essential for human beings and is achieved through good social skills. What is said is influenced by verbal language and the way we speak (tone of voice, volume of speech, and the words we choose), as well as more subtle messages such as body language, gestures, and other non-verbal communication methods.
There are people who are better "social partners" than others, for this reason there are extensive studies on the nature and function of interpersonal interaction. Social skills development is about being aware of how we communicate with others, the messages we send, and how communication methods can be improved to make the way we communicate more efficient and effective.
Advantages of having good social skills
Better social relationships
Having a good way of communicating with others will make you have more friends. As you develop your social skills, you become more charismatic, a trait that anyone would like. People are more interested in charismatic people, as they are (or at least seem to be) more interested in themselves and others.
Most people know that you can't get very far in life without strong interpersonal relationships. Focusing on relationships will help you get a job, get a promotion, and make new friends. Well-honed social skills can increase your happiness and satisfaction by giving you a better perspective in life. In addition, having good relationships with other people will also help you reduce stress already increase self-esteem.
Better comunication
Connecting with people and working in large groups will help you have better communication skills. After all, you can't have great social skills without good communication skills and Being able to convey your thoughts and ideas may be the most important skill you develop in life.
It is a good idea that if you think you have poor communication or that your social skills are not what you want, that you force situations to be able to talk to other people. In this way you can practice more, it can be in a cafeteria, with the supermarket clerk, etc.
Greater efficiency
If you are good with people, you can more easily avoid being with people that you don't like as much as others. And also, others will be good to you. Some people fear social interactions because they do not want to spend time with people who do not have similar interests and points of view ... or they even fear being with people who are bad people.
It is much easier to attend a meeting at work or a party in your personal life if you know at least some of the people who will be there. If you find yourself in a social situation and you don't want to spend time with a particular person because you don't like or can't help them with a particular problem, a good set of social skills will allow you Politely convey what you need to spend time with other people in the meeting.
Improve your outlook in life
The most valuable jobs have a 'personal component' and the most lucrative positions often involve a great deal of time spent interacting with employees, the media, and others. It is rare that a person can remain isolated in their office and still excel at their job.
Most companies are looking for people with a particular, tactical skill set - the ability to work well in a team and influence and motivate people to get things done.
You will be happier in general
Getting along and understanding people will help you open many doors that are personal and related to your profession or in general in your personal relationships. Having the confidence to start a conversation at a work-related conference can lead to a new job offer with a higher salary. A smile and a "hello" in a social situation can lead to a friendship ... and a friendship can provide you with valuable contacts in your life.
If you get along with the people around you, you will feel more happiness because you will realize that not everyone is bad or wants to take advantage of others. What's more, they want to help. Although if you meet toxic people along the way of your life, then it will be a good idea that you know how to get toxic people out of your life so that they do not drain your energy.
Characteristics of social skills
To better understand what social skills are do not miss these characteristics that define them very well:
- Social skills are directed toward a social goal or goal.
- Socially qualified behaviors are interrelated in the sense that a person can use more than one type of behavior at the same time, for the same objective.
- Social skills must be appropriate to the communication situation. Different social skills will be used for professional communication and others for personal communication.
- Social skills can be identified as certain types of behavior by which a person can be judged based on their social ability.
- Social skills can be taught, practiced, and learned.
- Social skills must be under the cognitive control of the individual; learning them involves learning when to use particular behaviors, as well as what behaviors to use or how to use them.
Once you have all this in your mind, then, you will know that you can really improve your social skills and that doing it will have a great impact on your life and on the lives of the people around you.