Quickest way to move from introvert to extrovert
Are you scared of meeting new people? Do you feel out of place if you go a party where you don't know anyone? Do you find it difficult to settle in a new neighbourhood because you don't know anyone there? You are gregarious with the people you already know but when it comes to strangers, its a completely different story. Don't worry you are not alone.
I also belonged to the above category some time back. With a little help from a close friend I have developed a skill with which I never shy away from talking to new people.
The process would be difficult, embarrassing and I presume you will reject it out rightly. But I will still go ahead and tell you about it.
Here is what you need to do - The next time you go out of the house, first decide that you will talk to one stranger at least. (I told ya, that you will reject the idea)
1) How do you select the person you will talk to ?
We are always attracted to towards people who are like us. In Appearance, background, family, education, occupation, hobbies anything. But except for the appearance you cannot know anything else till you actually get to know about the person. So see around if any one who dresses very similar to you. This is very important as it will be easy for him to relate to you as well.
2) How to start?
Ice breakers make or break and conversation. It is one very important point that segregates a good speaker from an exceptional speaker. But don't panic. For this method you only need a knack of asking stupid questions. Ya you heard me right stupid questions. Like - a very simple address, The person is wearing a company tag but still ask him whether he works for that company. The most amazing questions - Do you work for Infosys? (No, oh I know a person in Infy who looks just like you). You are in for a toss when he says Yes ;)
3) Keep the conversation Going
Always keep in mind open ended questions are the best tool for talking to people. Do not ask yes/no questions, because then you will have to talk too much. You can cover some very generic points like - Family, Occupation, Recreation/Hobby, Money. The best being - traffic and politics :)
Please don't make him feel that you taking his interview. it has to be an conversation. Don't get frustrated or panicky if you find It very difficult for the first time. You can always say you have got a call and just walk away never to come back. He is not going to come after you for wasting his time.
4) How to close
Closing is the most important part. There are very simple tricks that you could use - Phone call, Just a simple gesture like - It was nice meeting you and I would like to take your leave now.
5) How do you know you have succeeded
Whether you passed the test or not depends on the last question that you ask before you part ways. Make sure you tell the person that - It was very nice to meet you. I would love to catch up again with you. Do you have a visiting card with you? Yes I know not everybody carries a visiting card. But with this you are actually asking - Can have your contact number?
Not everybody will share their number with you and you should not force them to. One thing that I tested is - I have always offered my number first. It is becomes obligatory for the other person to share his. (Evil me)
6) The final Exam - Call the person AFTER 24 hrs. This is a test call to know whether he liked meeting you or not. Have a small general chat and keep the phone.
HURRAY - You have passed the exam. But most importantly you made a new friend. Enjoy!!!!
Please do try it out and let me know your experiences.
Keep Talking
I also belonged to the above category some time back. With a little help from a close friend I have developed a skill with which I never shy away from talking to new people.
The process would be difficult, embarrassing and I presume you will reject it out rightly. But I will still go ahead and tell you about it.
Here is what you need to do - The next time you go out of the house, first decide that you will talk to one stranger at least. (I told ya, that you will reject the idea)
1) How do you select the person you will talk to ?
We are always attracted to towards people who are like us. In Appearance, background, family, education, occupation, hobbies anything. But except for the appearance you cannot know anything else till you actually get to know about the person. So see around if any one who dresses very similar to you. This is very important as it will be easy for him to relate to you as well.
2) How to start?
Ice breakers make or break and conversation. It is one very important point that segregates a good speaker from an exceptional speaker. But don't panic. For this method you only need a knack of asking stupid questions. Ya you heard me right stupid questions. Like - a very simple address, The person is wearing a company tag but still ask him whether he works for that company. The most amazing questions - Do you work for Infosys? (No, oh I know a person in Infy who looks just like you). You are in for a toss when he says Yes ;)
3) Keep the conversation Going
Always keep in mind open ended questions are the best tool for talking to people. Do not ask yes/no questions, because then you will have to talk too much. You can cover some very generic points like - Family, Occupation, Recreation/Hobby, Money. The best being - traffic and politics :)
Please don't make him feel that you taking his interview. it has to be an conversation. Don't get frustrated or panicky if you find It very difficult for the first time. You can always say you have got a call and just walk away never to come back. He is not going to come after you for wasting his time.
4) How to close
Closing is the most important part. There are very simple tricks that you could use - Phone call, Just a simple gesture like - It was nice meeting you and I would like to take your leave now.
5) How do you know you have succeeded
Whether you passed the test or not depends on the last question that you ask before you part ways. Make sure you tell the person that - It was very nice to meet you. I would love to catch up again with you. Do you have a visiting card with you? Yes I know not everybody carries a visiting card. But with this you are actually asking - Can have your contact number?
Not everybody will share their number with you and you should not force them to. One thing that I tested is - I have always offered my number first. It is becomes obligatory for the other person to share his. (Evil me)
6) The final Exam - Call the person AFTER 24 hrs. This is a test call to know whether he liked meeting you or not. Have a small general chat and keep the phone.
HURRAY - You have passed the exam. But most importantly you made a new friend. Enjoy!!!!
Please do try it out and let me know your experiences.
Keep Talking
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