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How can I talk to people normally?

226 Answers
Last Updated: 05/07/2022 at 12:45pm
How can I talk to people normally?
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Moderated by

Tanyia Hughes, Adv Dip Psy

Psychotherapist

I have been through a lot in life too, which helps me to be able to empathize with situations, thoughts and feelings that we have. Sometimes, it's not easy just being human.

Top Rated Answers
Profile: MyChemicalKlance
MyChemicalKlance
May 23rd, 2018 12:22am
Don't worry too much about how you talk and just be yourself. Being you is the best thing you can be
Profile: UntilThen
UntilThen
May 24th, 2018 10:45pm
There is no one normal way to talk to people. If you are looking for people to be able to understand you, I would recommend reading and writing more. If you are looking to change how people tell you that you speak, I would ask them what they feel you should change. But also, keep in mind that if they think the issue is the things you enjoy talking about and not the way you talk, you aren't the problem.
Profile: SeekApotheosis50
SeekApotheosis50
May 25th, 2018 11:56pm
“Just be yourself” is such a cliché, I know... but I’ve come to realize that the people in my life who I love, cherish, and enjoy being with, are all types. Some are funny, some are thoughtful, some are the life of the party, some are awkward. Each one has their strengths, quirks, and flaws and that’s why I appreciate them. So if you are weird, awkward, dorky, serious, quiet, intense, shy... when people come to know you they will love you for it.
Anonymous
May 26th, 2018 9:57pm
What do you consider to be normal? The way you talk to people may be perfectly normal. Saying hello, asking how they are doing, and about their day is a good start. Finding common interests is also a good way to have a conversation. If you know them well enough, you can talk to them about their family or job. If you don't know them that well, you can ask less personal questions about their family, job, life without being intrusive. Just be aware of boundaries and people's feelings. Don't yell or be overly critical. Try not to interrupt or talk over other people. Just think about how you would like someone to talk to you.
Profile: Nutellalover16
Nutellalover16
June 6th, 2018 8:24pm
Try to be yourself. Don’t think too much about what they think about you! And be honest. Even though some people may not share your opinion, honesty is key in conversations!
Anonymous
June 13th, 2018 7:40am
people talk all sorts of ways nobody is perfect to talk to someone. one of the biggest problems in this generation nowadays is social communication. somebody speak funny, some people don't make eye-contact when facing people but acknowledge your talking to someone with the best of your ability and practice talking to someone if you feel you need to improve or use a object as though it was a person if it makes you feel you can talk better but be happy about how you talk.
Profile: Charcoalqueen22
Charcoalqueen22
June 22nd, 2018 3:17pm
There is no normal or abnormal way to talk to people. The more you stress about it, the more you would consider yourself isolated from the group. I know it is hard to communicate with people sometimes and especially if one has social anxiety but trust me, if you talk the way you are with them, then you would find genuine and simpler connections in which you can be yourself around them without worrying 24/7 about what to say. So just be you :)
Profile: wonderfullSummer84
wonderfullSummer84
June 29th, 2018 5:18am
Well, honestly that depends on your definition of normal. If by normal you simply mean not stuttering or something like that, speech therapy. If you mean trying not to make tude or inappropriate comments all the time, think about kitten and rainbows or something similar when you talk to people, or try to say beep boop while pinching your nose and then talk. If you just have trouble holding a convo with the people who aren’t robots then think “how would a human respond?” And answer accordingly.
Profile: JacoEM
JacoEM
June 30th, 2018 10:38pm
Just remember that most people are nervous about talking to others. What they want is to feel validated and appreciated. Show kindness to that person, be interested in those persons, always bring a smile to the conversation and you will be an appreciated person to talk to.
Profile: 010Charles101
010Charles101
June 30th, 2018 11:53pm
That's quite a complex question, truly. First of all, what does normal mean? Perhaps it means without nervous mannerism such as a stutter, or a throat-gulp. Perhaps you mean that your choice of conversation tactics or topics aren't in-line with what you observe other people do. Then what is normal, anyway? I think some of the best conversations I've ever had would not be considered normal. Once at a bar, I chanced to meet a few people out on a patio and we proceeded to have nearly a two-discussion about everything from classocal music to astrophysics (of course just ponderances, I'm no astrophysicist) and I remember one of them posing the question, "If all of the musicians and their work disappeared from existence now and in history, but you get to keep one, who would you keep?" Now this is NOT a normal comversation, but it was exquisitely fun! Atypical, NOT normal conversation can truly be womderful. Indeed, if it is atypical is probably more genuine too-you're not adhering to anyone else's guidelines. On nervousness, and barriers to talking to people in general, (normal or not) that's a completely different sort of task. I suppose with anything, practice is key. Try just saying, "hi, how are you?" A pre-programmed starter. As you do this, and listen to many different people's responses you can begin to draw on your experiences and be more creative with your intros and general conversation. If you cannot do this at all, it would be in your best interest to visit a qualified professional.
Profile: Nuki6
Nuki6
July 4th, 2018 10:07pm
You have to get out of your comfort zone and just be yourself. Say what comes in your mind and just don’t try to push conversations and topics you don’t really care about.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2018 5:13am
Try to relax your expressions and start the conversation by asking him/her with how their life is and what they are interested in.
Profile: SamTheBeardGuy
SamTheBeardGuy
July 8th, 2018 9:14pm
First thing to do is understanding that the people around us is exactly like us! They have problems like us, they have things that makes them happy and thinks that makes them sad! And they ALL say silly stuff while talking. They just don't pay attention or just take a joke about it and continue! The problems we notice in ourselves are most of the time not noticed from the other side.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 10:42pm
Practice talking to an animal or pet first so you can guarantee there will be no judgement and you can get a feel for how it is to use your voice.
Profile: wonderfullMelon
wonderfullMelon
July 22nd, 2018 12:08pm
4 tricks to keep a conversation going are: Give a compliment with a cold read "You seem really sporty, do you play volleyball?" Question that creates avalanche because it's a topic that interests them: "So what are the rules for playing professional volleyball?" Make it a game "Where are you from? Wait, let me guess. Boston?" Ask for advice "Can you help me, I can't serve very well in Volleyball, do you have any tips with that?"
Profile: tony4200
tony4200
July 25th, 2018 12:00pm
Talking to people normally should always involve you being honest and your "authentic self." Be an active listener. Listen, don't just wait to talk. Make sure you are heard and that your listener understands you.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 11:23pm
100% be yourself . If they judge you or feel your not "normal" are they worth talking to . Perhaps practice talking to yourself as weird as that sounds it really helps to come up with a natural structure for answers so you dont stutter or sweat when your asked a question .
Profile: Dostoievskyforyou
Dostoievskyforyou
August 3rd, 2018 9:55pm
You dont need to talk normally to people. You can talk on your own way. If anyone dont like the way you are, they're not someone you want to have on your life.
Profile: Praticalsupport
Praticalsupport
August 15th, 2018 2:12am
By learning to love yourself so you can be yourself! When you are confident in who you are then communicating with others becomes easier.
Anonymous
August 23rd, 2018 12:41am
Well, I would take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Then I would start talking. If you can't bring yourself to talk to this person or group of people, then that is ok too. You shouldn't feel pressured to talk to people. If it makes you feel uncomfortable then you shouldn't force yourself to do it. Never let yourself feel pressured. It is not shameful to not be able to talk to people. Social anxiety is just like normal anxiety. You may feel like you are a failure at socializing but you are not. I suffer from this as well. At times it's ok to talk to people, then other days you feel like it would be the end of the world to talk to them. It can be managed slowly. Start by talking to one person everyday.
Profile: phosphenerelief
phosphenerelief
August 26th, 2018 2:47am
Those who have this worry (like myself) often are very introspective and socially anxious, constantly concerned about what they need to say, do etc to fill up the conversation - which overwhelms them. But this is lessened when you acknowledge that a conversation occurs between two or more people - and that you do not have to fill up this time and put in your efforts alone. Furthermore, during your introspection you may worry about what about you and your life you could possibly talk about, and find it difficult to personally identify your interests and knowledgeable areas due to a lack of confidence. However, if you first ask the other person what they're interested in or about their knowledge on something then you are giving them an opportunity to discuss something they're interested in, and often through listing to what they're passionate about will remind you what your interests are. This is also good as it makes the other person feel listened to.
Profile: emluroberts
emluroberts
September 19th, 2018 1:11am
Each and every person has a comfort zone when talking to someone and when someone talks to them. Do what you feel to be natural. There is no such thing as "normal." Normal is a preconceived notion built within yourself. Be yourself and go for it. There will always be a sense of awkwardness. As you continue to talk to those around you it will become easier. While it may become easier, it will never be easy. Don't be afraid of who you are. Have confidence in yourself and your intelligence. You judge yourself harsher than anyone else will judge you. Have fun! Go for it!
Anonymous
January 3rd, 2019 4:29pm
It would probably depend on the word normal in this context, but if you feel abnormal when talking to someone in the sense that you don't feel like you're connecting with that person, it helps to listen more than talk. This allows you to not only catch a mental break from always being the one leading a conversation, but helps in understanding the other person and what they value and care about, even if its the smallest things. In any case of not talking to people "normally" though, reflecting on what you're doing and what kind of person you're talking to can go a long way in figuring out what is so abnormal about the interaction.
Profile: friendlyPeace19
friendlyPeace19
January 19th, 2019 4:29pm
Do not worry about how you think you are coming across. Listen and treat the other person as you would wish to be treated. Most people are not judging you as hard as you are yourself. Do not worry too much about the outcome of the conversation. Just be yourself. It sounds like a cliche, but it works. If you have a lack of self confidence, it may help to take the focus off yourself and put it on the other person. This will make you a great listener as well. Also share appropriately, not to little or too much. Practice also helps. Conversation is an art.
Anonymous
February 9th, 2019 9:06am
To talk to people ”normally, ” you have to be confident in yourself. People are likely to listen to someone who is comfortable to talk to, confident, and natural. Don't try to be someone you aren’t and stick to topics you know best. If you don't know something, don't be afraid to admitt that. After all you have to be yourself to be ”normal.”
Profile: creativeEyes54
creativeEyes54
February 13th, 2019 6:15am
Find people who, while not necessarily share the same interest, are interest in what you say and won’t judge you if you get anxious/misspeak. Especially if you have social anxiety, this can be tricky but know that there are many people who face similar or the same issues who are also looking for people they can talk to normally. It’s also good to talk to strangers in your work/school, most people are friendly and also want to meet knew people! It is mostly an issue of nerves and anxiety, but once you can fully understand that people won’t jusge you for being anxious, and those who do usually aren’t with your time
Profile: braveEagle17
braveEagle17
March 30th, 2019 10:08am
Just relax and be yourself. Take a breath and say to yourself 'I can do this'. Smile and make eye contact to show you are interested in the other person. I find what works best for me when I meet someone for the first time is to ask them questions so I can get to know them and engage with them. This helps me relax as the focus is more on them than on me. The conversation just seems to flow from there. Remember that many people find it hard to talk to people normally in unfamiliar situations. If you are unsure about what questions to ask, start by talking about a topic that is in the news or popular.
Profile: Hanaa00
Hanaa00
April 3rd, 2019 9:38pm
The short answer would be: you can’t. But bare with me. What’s so special about having conversations with others? We get to learn about who they are, what they’re like; their personality stands out and even that itself gives us a certain feeling, an impression, that we only get when we’re around that person and therefore associate it with them. Isn’t that a cool thing? But you know what makes it work that way? Not blending in with what’s expected of us when it comes to regular conversation, not stressing out about whether we’re saying something that fits the little bubble of “normal”. Being you, having YOUR way of talking to people is what makes them find you interesting, remember you and want to talk to you more. Don’t worry about what’s expected of you, just have your own way, even if a completely unconventional one, of expressing yourself.
Anonymous
April 19th, 2019 6:45am
Just by listening and learning more about them. Probably notice the way they talk and see where that goes on. It also depends on what’s their mood we have to respect and try to understand why they are feeling that way. Me personally I’ve always been a better listener then a talker you can learn so much from just listening you start to earn people’s trust and it’s incredible as you start to see their walls go down and they feel comfort in knowing you’re there for them and that someone is actually listening and not bothered to hear about their day as some people might think
Anonymous
June 1st, 2019 7:06am
Being a physician, I have to do a lot of speaking to people. For the longest time I was a nervous wreck.. especially with bad news. I think the best thing you can do right now is simply continue to practice speaking with some people you are comfortable with. Be it your parents, siblings, friends, and then move on to the more challenging people, say the barista at Starbucks, or the cute guy walking down the street. The only way to get better at something is to practice practice practice. You don't want to know how many grapes/bananas I had to stitch up before I was allowed near a patient. :) Have a wonderful day