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
Depends on your definition of normal. Talking to people, especially new people, can be stressful and difficult. Socials skills are in fact that; they are skills. You need to practice and develop them. Observe other people and take note of their body language, eye contact, and the topics that they talk about. Try to get involved into conversations more and hopefully it will become easier for you. You could always practice with a close friend or even in the mirror when alone at home. There are also plenty of YouTube videos and books available online that may help you. All the best!
Anonymous
July 5th, 2019 3:23am
Put yourself in their shoes. Reflect their words. Try mirroring. Like following their gestures. And repeating their words. But not obviously. For someone that you just met, you could talk about their favorites instead of what they hate to building a connection.
If they say : "I like Math, but I hate history."
You replied with : "So you like Math. But most people would say otherwise. Why do you like Math?"
This way you'll be able to let them talk about things they like. People usually also take pride in things they're good at. So if you're talking to adults, talk about their jobs.
Then, use facial expressions. Nods or responds to what they say. Be yourself. Let them know what you like, and so on.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2019 8:59am
Honestly speaking, there is no normal way to talk to people. Often, we see people easily interacting with those around them, and it makes us a bit jealous as to why we can't do the same. If we were to take another example, we could say a family dinner, or a large party. We can't talk to the person in front of us because we feel as if we'd be boring or annoying to them. We have been taught that first impressions are absolutely important, but they can be changed. Keeping that in mind, and knowing that the person in front of you also feels the exact same feelings you feel, I'm sure you will be able to easily interact with them. And even if it doesn't work out, it's okay. You don't have to talk with everyone you see. A bit of greeting goes a long way.
Anonymous
July 17th, 2019 2:29am
An excellent question. I'll tell you the secret. Ready?
You wake up, you wipe your butt, you live a great life. Except, it's boring to you. You know everything there is about it. It's like watching the same movie 100 times. Guess, what? The ending and the plot are always the same.
So now you run into a stranger. What's this? Can you imagine for a moment - you are him or her. Can you imagine what they have seen? What struggles are they facing? It's like they are their own superhero. You are the side character and that is OK.
Ask them, find out what makes them who they are (are they stressed about work, what makes them stressed?) Identify with their emotions and you'll get secrets. Yep, you heard it right. Secrets.
This works in real life. When you complete a connection with someone, they will drop their barrier. They will tell you something so personal, it will shock you. It's up to you to make them feel special and interesting and THEN, not judge them. Just be there. Listen.
Do you know what makes YOU interesting? Being interested in others. You know your own story, just save it and ask them for theirs.
"Spend more time being interested - not interesting."
I find it easier to talk to a person when we have common interests as then the conversation seems to flow without me realising. At first it's kind of hard due to me having to ask questions to find out, but after I can adapt. Also I think the longer you speak to a person the more comfortable you become around them as talking with them then becomes a normal thing. However if you become awkward or slip up don't take that as failing because at first you can't expect things to be easy, but the more you try the better you will get. I hope this helps you out.
Anonymous
August 16th, 2019 1:49pm
Talking to people can be hard, and coming across normally is harder but with practice and determination, you can achieve it! I hate talking in public but all you need is a tiny bit of confidence and the push of adrenaline and off you go! You need to push down your own barriers and defeat fear. It's very easy to get locked inside your own mind but if you keep trying and keep focusing on making an effort talking to people, It will help. I have been in your shoes, and I know it's hard but you have to keep trying.
Talking normally is based on the local norm. In France for example it is not uncommon for girls to kiss eachother on the cheek upon meeting, as most other countries in the world shake hands or simply just say hi. What you have to do is to be observant of the people around you and the social norms that apply, while still sticking true to yourself, your own thoughts and emotions. Keep your individuality. Somethings may be appropriate to say at the workplace, while other may be normal at the local coffe shop, some things is normal at parties, others are not. Depending on you workplace, environment, group of friends, country, or family. Observe, learn, behave. This is how you would be able to speak normally, to people around you.
Anonymous
September 18th, 2019 7:08pm
There is no way to talk to people normally. The best way is to be yourself and find people with common interests. It is definitely difficult to build up the courage to talk to someone, especially with some individuals not being as kind as others. Maybe try to talk to people when you have something to say, instead of worrying. If you are worried that people might be judging you by the way you talk, just remember that your friends and family were strangers at one point and conversations and talking was what pulled you all close together!
I hope this helped in some way.
Anonymous
October 19th, 2019 3:07pm
First, it seems like one could watch for social cues from other people's interactions and use them as a framework in order to gain more comfort with talking to people.
However, I wouldn't take that so far as to compromise my personal uniqueness and character.
Also, at some point it might help to realize the inherent challenge in the word "normal". I like to think of it as the "myth of normalcy" and it is this notion that there exists a true "normal person". If anything, that word seems to reference some loose average of all of us - all of us having beautiful irregularities and asymmetries!
being yourself is the most important thing you can do. if you speak to others in a way that is authentic to you, you talk "normally" by default. confidence is the key to strong relationships, so by embracing who you are, you are socially the best you can be.
"normal" is quite a normative defenition. I assume you mean "confidently".
Confidence is complicated to build, and it is also important not to be overconfident, because people don't tend to like people who think more of themselves than they are actually are.
I feel more confident when talking to others if I am really proficient at the topic we are discussing, or if I have experience/seniority. I don't have to fear of making mistakes or embarassing myself. When you are confident in your abilities it makes things much easier. Sometimes accomplishments can help us feel more confident.
It is also important to differentiate between confidence and self esteem, because you may have one but not the other.
To start a conversation say hi and ask how they’re doing and all of that, try to relax and be calm and keep it at the back of your head that no one’s gonna bite you. If you’re the shy type try to make eye contacts but not so much so that you don’t loose your words, try and also smile to lighten up the conversation. If it’s a text it’s better cos you don’t have to see the person’s facial expression, bottom line is just be free and be yourself and try to enjoy the conversation and try not to be rude.
"Normal" is so subjective it shouldn't exist as a term. When talking to people for the first time especially, I find it easiest to start by asking other people the questions and get them talking. Chiming in with my own experience where it makes sense, and finding common ground such as shared interests and experiences. Try not to worry too much about what is "normal", just be yourself and try to respect other people's physical and social boundaries. You can also always politely excuse yourself as the conversations comes to an end and try again later, or with someone else. Sometimes I try to have a conversation and it just flops, fails completely. Doesn't make me a failure! I just try again when I am ready.
Anonymous
March 20th, 2020 1:32pm
There is no "normal" way to talk to people, you are doing your best regardless of how you are talking to people. But if talking to people without panicking is something that you struggle with, checking the facts around whether or not they would hurt you or if they would judge you, and if they would not then just trying to remind yourself of that! Regardless, you are doing amazing and I am so so proud of you for trying to beat whatever your struggle is, you got this and you are super brave and strong for living this life.
I have a friend that gets anxious about talking to people and big crowds. Its easier for some people to do the talking and other to be talked to. The easiest way to walk up and talk to someone is to simply do it. I would practice at busy place like Walmart or target(wait until social distancing is over) and just walk up and talk to people. Another easy way for me to walk to someone and talk is pretend I am the CEO of a new company and pretend you're looking for workers. Your approach will be more confident but you have to play the part per se.
Anonymous
April 16th, 2020 9:13am
You may be suffering from social anxiety. You probably already know the answer but are reluctant to do it.
You can continuously do it and simply get better at it. It's true what they say about practice making it perfect. :) The best thing you can do for yourself is believing in yourself.
Taking baby steps is great - you don't have to jump in it right away. Take your time to get comfortable with others and expand from your comfort zone.
Something you can do to help you ease out of discomfort is observing others before you try to socialize 'normally'. It decreases the likelihood of saying something out of the ordinary.
Also, make sure to take care of yourself so that you are not anxious - which means eating right and sleeping enough.
Anonymous
April 30th, 2020 2:00pm
A quick guide:
1. Recognize that you are trying to get to know people: that's a really important aspect of this! You care and therefore, you share (information about yourself so that you can foster healthy relationships) ;)
2. Greet them, say your name and ask theirs. It shows you have interest and is just expected. If you knew this person earlier, then ask how their day is going.
3. This is the hard part: ask questions. If they told you their day was bad, ask why. Good, ask why. Ask questions.
3a. Say they mention that they read a book. What book was it? Do you like it? If not, what other hobbies do you like?
4. Essentially, use questions to act as a bridge for another part of the conversation.
5. They'll eventually ask you questions, unless they're rather self-absorbed. Answer it as you would normally; they might seem uncomfortable but most do. The ones that truly are will let you know.
That's all I got. If there's any questions, feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!
-Khan
Based on my personal experience many people view "normal" conversation differently. I'd say having a positive outlook and expressing ideas in a way thats true to you can allow for a positive conversation. Remember that it takes more than one person to have a conversation so do not put to much pressure on yourself! Stay engaged, ask questions, and try to get the other person to share their thoughts to keep the conversation going. You are capable of great thing and when talking to people it is important to remember to not put too much pressure on yourself! Good luck
How do we define “normal� We are all different and unique in our own way and what is normal to one person may be different to another person’s definition of normal. It is our own individual normalities that make us all amazingly different in this world! If you try too hard to talk in a way that conforms to someone else’s “normal†then you are at risk of losing your true self in conversation. Be your own normal as that is the only normal we truly know inside out and the only normal that is important in your own life!
treat them like you would talk to a friend! :D care like you would for a friend; be casual, chill like a chit chat :D Be ok even if it don't go well; you don't always get along with everyone anyway! try talking to them about topics that interest them like their hobbies, what makes them happy.. :D
ask them how they are.. what makes them feel that way..
share something about yourself so others can open up too and trust you.
take time to know each other. no pressure in the first conversation as relationships take time to build up!
“The most basic and powerful way to connect to another person is to listen. Just listen. Perhaps the most important thing we ever give each other is our attention…. A loving silence often has far more power to heal and to connect than the most well-intentioned words. â€
When you’re quick to judge people and situations, you hinder the natural process of communication.
The next time you find yourself talking to someone, step back and truthfully assess your beliefs when interacting. Try to put yourself in the shoes of the speaker. People love to be seen and heard so when you empathize with them, they will feel comfortable in your presence.
When empathic listening becomes a habit, you’ll be able to better understand people’s struggles and why they do what they do.
Anonymous
June 21st, 2020 9:32am
be yourself and talk about stuff that interests you. do not fake it-it never ends well. just talk about casual stuff and if your guys energies match, you wont realise when you guys are getting along well. if you run out of things to talk about then bring up your feelings or how your childhood as been-just-be yourself,, even if things are getting awkward or if they seem to judge you-get comfortable with them and let them feel that way too. dont stress too much-they are just like you and who knows they might be wondering the same thing as you. chill it out, love.
I don’t understand what you mean by “normallyâ€. However, I can give you some personal “tips†of how to talk to people without letting your insecurities or anxiety overcomes you.
1. Understand that EVERYONE is a little bit anxious when talking to other people, especially strangers. It’s not only you.
2. Talking to people you feel connected or comfortable can give you extra confidence.
3. Avoid conversations with people you don’t like or make you feel uncomfortable.
4. Comfort hasn’t to do with not being anxious. Being comfortable with someone -for me personally- means enjoying the conversation, saying what I really want to say -being honest-, be considerate about others needs and vice versa, be ready to listen to others and discuss, etc.
5. Remember that through a face-to-face discussion you ALWAYS can learn more things about yourself, others and about things.
6. You can start talking with people about things you find interesting. This will make you feel less anxious about the conversation.
Good luck! You got this!!! :)
Anonymous
July 15th, 2020 1:48pm
I don't know what you mean by normally, but I'll just tell you how I deal with it (not a very socialising type). If I don't really know the other person, I tend to treat them like I would treat my neighbour aunty (a very Indian term but basically someone I can't be impolite or odd with even if I want to.) I just try to be polite and interested and let them do most of the talking. Make eye-contact often, smile and be involved (nod your head, laugh). And a little bit here and there (This is easier when you relate to the topic of course... But otherwise maybe go with something like "oh yeah?") This works pretty well for most people, except maybe the kind who don't like to talk much.
By just being ourselves we can come into a situation more relaxed. We know that we have something to offer based on our past experiences. Some of those experiences match the experiences of others. We can find resonance there. We know that similarities are more common than differences - that's our commonality. We find that the more we have in common the more comfortable we feel. It's based on that knowledge that allows us to speak to people more normally. It gives us an opportunity to come from the heart and be real.
Anonymous
August 14th, 2020 3:23am
Personally, there is no way to speak to people normally. Everyone has their own ways of being nice, if we were all the same then life would be boring! When I talk to new people I just act like myself, if I seem to weird so be it but I do not believe in changing your persona just to appeal to others. Most importantly do not hide your weirdness! From what I learned through history, most of the most influential figures from the past were considered weird like Einstein and even big actors on the big screen. Be yourself!
Talking to people normally is kind of a misnomer. Learning to approach strangers really just takes practice. You just need to keep doing it. Work is often the best place to practice this skill. Interacting with multiple people per day will certainly give lots of practice working with all kinds of different customers in all kinds of fields.
Talking to people normally is really just a force of habit that is not so common these days because there are many alternatives to speaking in person. Jobs that still offer this chance are certainly boons for the working class in America.
Remember that often, other people want to talk to you 'normally' as well! It is natural to feel a bit anxious talking to people. Even if it feels out of your comfort zone, a great way to develop confidence in your ability to talk to people is simply by practicing. This doesn't have to be full-on conversations to begin; instead, it might look more like asking the barista how their day is going when you go for a coffee, or asking your neighbour how their summer is going. If you start small and get confidence over time, you may eventually find yourself not even thinking about talking 'normally' in conversation!
Smiling.
when we smile, it’s the instant ice breaker. And it’s so simple to do. So practice letting your smile “fill your face.â€
Slow down.
When we’re nervous, we tend to speed up the way we talk. When we slow down though, it gives people time to connect with you.
Change your tone.
peak with more energy — and it did WONDERS. Try taking whatever level you’re at when you normally talk, and add 50% more energy into your voice. What feels weird to you is NORMAL to everyone else.
Note their reactions and your reactions. Did the person you’re talking to start smiling and laughing because of your energy? Or did they retreat because you made them uncomfortable? How did you feel while you were smiling or talking slowly?
Anonymous
November 14th, 2020 3:28pm
It's helpful to act like you're simply talking to a friend, but maybe a friend that you don't know too well.
Never assume you know where they're at, and always ask open ended questions to ensure that you get as much of a genuine answer as possible. If you start asking close-ended questions, the person might feel pressured to simply agree with what they think the "correct" answer is to your question. So, instead of "Did that make you feel sad?", use "how did that make you feel?"
Compassionate boundaries + no assumptions = successful conversation.
And empathy, empathy, empathy!! We don't have to understand to be able to help.
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