Written and published by Rachel Green.
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In this edition:
- Wake up your social skills.
- Latest news: Be a Bundle of Energy.
- Top tips on how to wake up your social skills.
- Boost your social skills: Buy a set of "Be a winner at dinner" CDs and receive a second set absolutely free.
- Laugh your socks off.
1. Why social skills matter.
Our lives involve people. It is almost impossible not to meet people every day, people you know well, people who are acquaintances and men and women who are complete strangers. How you relate to these people can have a big impact on your daily life. Do you greet and meet in a way that leaves both of you feeling good, or do you leave with a sense of unease or awkwardness or even downright irritation and anger? The impact of a simple casual meeting can alter your mood for the day. So how can you interact with people and do it well? Read on to the tips section to find out.
2. Latest news: “Be a Bundle of Energy” special offer and media article.
The brand new “Energy for living” CD set is completely finished and selling really well. It is an energy make-over for women. The women buying it in recent workshops have bought both the Energy CDs and the Midlife and Happiness book. So I have put together a special offer “Be a bundle of energy” where you can save over $23 if you buy the book, the Energy CD and the Relaxation CD at the same time; and you get a free E-book too. Just go to the Book and CD store and order the “Be a bundle of Energy” special offer to benefit from this. Click here to order now!
Amy Richardson, a journalist, has written a great article about the CDs and the tips on them. I thought you might enjoy her opening paragraphs in “Office Professional”. Here is how she started the article:
“It's little wonder that Green is often asked about her vigour: the pint-sized dynamo positively crackles with energy despite having a schedule that often involves spending eight or nine hours on her feet for her public speaking engagements. After realising from the constant queries that tiredness is a prevalent problem, particularly among women, Green has decided to share some of her personal tips for maintaining her verve ...”
Well, I don’t think I’ve been called a “pint-sized dynamo” before but I think it is hilarious (and brilliant!) If you’d like to read the whole article go to http://www.officeprofessional.com.au
3. Top tips on how to wake up your social skills.
There is so much I can say on this but I have just selected five of the many possible tips based on my experiences over Christmas and the New year.
Tip A: Introduce people to each other.
How many times have you met people when they are with someone else but not known who they are? For example, I met a colleague in the street when he was with another man. We had a chat and the other man stood next to him without saying anything or without being introduced. In the end, I introduced myself. If you are with someone introduce the other people. If this doesn't happen and you are left wondering who the person is ask who he or she is and invite him or her into the conversation, "Hi I am Rachel, I don't believe we have met". If someone says this to you, say who you are in return. "Hi Rachel, I am Richard, I work with Bernard." Be willing to take the initiative.
Tip B: Introduce people by name.
When you introduce people give their names. For example, I was introduced, a number of times, to people’s parents over Christmas. What did people say to me but, "... and this is my Mum" or "This is my Father." I would be left standing there thinking do I say "Hello Mum?" No, I had to ask, "... and apart from being John's Mum, do you have a name?" Always introduce people by giving their names, e.g. "This is my Mum, Florence," or "This is my Dad, Bill Smithers." This makes it easier for everyone.
Tip C: Be interested in people.
Social skills are not just a technique - they are a way of connecting with people - real people. You therefore need to have, or to develop, a genuine interest in people to have a real conversation with them and to be socially skilled. It is no good saying "I hate small talk" as "small talk" is about people. If you don't like "small talk" either you are saying "I don't like people", or else you haven't understood how valuable it is in forming relationships. Some people tell me they don't like "small talk" because it doesn't cover the topics they are most interested in. I say in response, "conversation is not just about you or what you find interesting, it is also about the other people and your finding out about them and what their interests are. The interest can be found in the person not just in the topic."
Tip D: Make "small talk" fascinating.
"Small talk" can be fascinating - if you have the heart and the skill to make it so. Instead of just talking trivia, make a conversation work by genuinely trying to get to know the person. Then "small talk" can lead to "deeper talk". Have a variety of topics you can introduce, engage people by asking open-ended questions, explore their comments further, be willing to say something about yourself ... all of these can lead to interesting and valuable social interactions.
Tip E: Follow-up on what people say.
Follow-up on what people say. Comment on their comments. Ask for further information. Explore their point of view more. Do not just leave people with no response. I had someone at Christmas who went through the motions of conversation with me but who paid no attention to my answers, did not comment on what was said and as far as I could work out wasn't at all interested in my inofrmation. She was just going through a routine. There was no connection and no life in the conversation. It was a waste of time. She needed to wake up her social skills or go home!
4. How you can learn more social skills.
Be a winner at dinner: How to chat and network with confidence and skill.
If you've ever run out of things to say when you meet people, or got stuck in a boring conversation, or felt awkward talking to people, then take hope! These 3 CDs and booklet give you the essential keys to overcoming all these problems. You'll learn how to make interesting conversations, talk easily to people, including strangers, and to exit politely. Never be lost for words again. I have personally used and developed all the strategies on these CDs, so I know they work. In addition, you get to hear what the ideas sound like in conversation, by listening to the eight people I took into the recording studio with me. I also answer their questions about conversation.
Click here to order now! Only $75.00, with no extra for postage, world-wide.
Bonus: If you buy these CDs on the website no later than Wednesday 7th March 2007, then you will receive a second copy of the CDs for FREE, worth $75. To be eligible for the free copy you must order through our On-line Book and CD store and add on the order form under the comments section "A free RR copy". Don't miss out - hurry as this offer closes, Wednesday 7th March 2007. This offer is ONLY available to Rachel's Reflections Readers.
5. Laugh your socks off.
Thanks to Tony Lobo, for this funny insight.
In Year 1981
- Prince Charles got married
- Liverpool crowned Champions of Europe
- Australia lost the Ashes
- Pope Died
In Year 2005
- Prince Charles got married (again)
- Liverpool crowned Champions of Europe (again)
- Australia lost the Ashes (again)
- Pope Died (again)
Moral of the story -
In future, if Prince Charles decides to re-marry....
... please warn the Pope!
If you have some clean jokes we can use, please send your contributions to
May you find your social interactions rewarding.
Until next fortnight,
With kindness,
Rachel.
Further information for you
If you'd like me to speak at your function on happiness, emotional intelligence, confidence, staying calm with negative people or a similar topic; or run an in-house seminar; or provide 1-1 coaching; e-mail or call +61 8 9390 1188.
Learn in your own time.
There are five CD sets, a printed book and 4 Electronic books to help you, including the NEW! CD set on "How to have abundant energy." Please order in our online book and CD store - we have a secure server: click here.
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Disclaimer: The information in this newsletter is of a general nature and may not suit everyone or every situation. While every care has been taken to ensure it is useful and appropriate, no responsibility can be taken for the results gained from its implementation.
Please seek individual professional guidance for any difficulties you may have with your communication, health, inter-personal relationships or psychological well-being. Thank you.
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