This month lets look at some top advice on how to improve your social skills. Remember some of the most common sense is often the most uncommon practise, so beware...

(1) Smiling: Yes. I know pretty simple right?? Well what most people forget is that when they think they are smiling they actually look like they want to top themselves. The key here is to get some quality time with a mirror and practise smiling and winking at yourself. You’ll feel like a silly eejit for a bit but you’ll soon realise that particular smiles you have look nicer than others and you’ll notice how a simple smile can make you look way more attractive.

(2) Shaking Hands: Again basic, but still some people crush hands and some people impersonate Gaby the goldfish. The key is firm not too firm and to accompany it with a smile. Imagine you could pass good feelings through your hands to them and try and do it. It can feel like that to them!!!

(3) Name Recall: When being introduced repeat the persons name as you look at them and repeat it inside your head several times as you look at them. The key is to focus on their name instead of talking to yourself about them as they tell you who they are. People get pissed at you when you don’t remember and like you more when you do.

(4) Cheerful: Always appear as cheerful and humorous as possible. People hate people without a sense of humour and dreariness is a heavy quality to carry. The more cheerful you are (within reason… no overly cultish… life is so amazing I love everyone type attitudes) and the more you laugh, the better impression you create.

(5) Listen: Listen to what people literally say… listen to what words they like to use and what expressions. The more you literally hear them, the better you’ll be at responding to them in a way that they understand and appreciate better. Being a good listener is about being able to understand where they are coming from and demonstrate that NOT to become a dead wall.

(6) Praise: The secret to a good compliment is to compliment the person on something unique that a) you actually do like and b) follow it with a short justification. When you are just being honest and you seem not to have any alterior motives, people tend to feel that what you said you believe is true.

(7) Demonstrate Politeness: Wherever you go, treat everyone with the same level of respect whether they are a top business man or a waitress. They deserve to be treated with the same amount of respect and when you do so in front of others you gain credibility and respect yourself. Be polite and courteous and always say hello, thank you and smile at those who serve you.

(8) Get into the right state: The main key to socializing is to get into a comfortable state of mind. When you feel comfortable enough you can make the most akward feeling people become comfortable too!! The stronger state of mind always wins.