When you’re out and about meeting new people, at a cocktail party or happy hour, the most effective trick you can use is to change your mindset.
Instead of wondering what you are going to tell all these people, go in and think about how you can make the people around you feel more comfortable.
How to meet new people (even if you are an introvert)?
Susan Cain, co-founder of Quiet Revolution: The biggest misconception about introverts is that they are antisocial. They are not antisocial or dislike of people. They are just sociable in a different way. Introverts generally prefer several closer friendships.
People sometimes ask me how do I make new friends when I’m an introvert? The answer is more or less the same as for extroverted people.
It is easier for us to make friends with people we feel a connection with. With people who look like soulmates to us in the way we see the world or share our interests and passions.
Don’t force yourself to be friends with someone you don’t like. Look for the ones you like.
If you feel that you are too introverted and that limits you, you will be much stronger when you come to terms with who you are. I see it all the time.
Paradoxically, the greater the inner peace, the greater the strength in situations that take place in the outside world, such as a job interview or a negotiation.
If you need this peace of mind, one solution is to look for role models, people who you think have similar personalities to yours and who behave the way you want to behave.
I went through a real change when it comes to public speaking because I was terrified of it. It was so terrible for me that I saw no way to overcome this fear.
I have some advice for all of you who feel this way, whether it’s public speaking or some other kind of fear. To overcome this fear, you have to face it. Do it in very small, manageable steps.
Don’t start with a Ted Talk speech. You have to start very slowly. For example, you can join the Toastmasters club.
Sign up for a local section where you will be surrounded by supportive people, safe and not counting the mistakes you make. Slowly the fear will recede and finally you will be able to show your personality too.
Imagine throwing a party and approaching someone. Your job is to make these people feel good. This attitude will change your way of being and your body language.
If you combine this with the idea that every human being has at least one – and usually more – fascinating qualities and your job is to use your natural curiosity to find out what that trait is, then this approach will serve you well.
It can be helpful to prepare some topics for the conversation or questions, but ultimately it’s about changing your mindset.
Crowd. Piotr Nalazek
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