An Introvert's Guide To Making Meeting New People Less Scary | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

From One Introvert To Another, Here Are 5 Things I've Learned That Makes Meeting New People Less Scary

Putting yourself out there doesn't have to be painful if you use these five tips.

101
From One Introvert To Another, Here Are 5 Things I've Learned That Makes Meeting New People Less Scary
https://unsplash.com/photos/nF8xhLMmg0c

In This Article:

Whether for school, sorority life, or my involvement with student media, I'm meeting new people all the time, and it's harder on some days than others. I've picked up a few strategies along the way to make your interactions easier and more enjoyable.

1. Put your phone down.

unsplash.com

Millennials are said to have poor conversation skills from too much time spent texting. Please don't prove that stereotype true, and especially not when you're meeting someone for the first time. Your phone is something you use to schedule a coffee date, not something to hide behind while you're there. Stopping to check your texts in the middle of a conversation may come off as scattered, or that you don't care what the other person has to say. If you need to take a call or keep track of the time, let the other person know in advance. Besides, you might miss a key connection point if you're too busy scrolling through Instagram to notice.

2. Have three go-to topics...

unsplash.com

Whether it's a job interview or a casual meet-up, going into a conversation unprepared will only heighten your nerves. Memorize a list of three talking points that you can spend a long time discussing and will give the other person a clear sense of who you are. Make sure these topics are widely applicable so the other person feels included, too. For example, if I'm meeting a fellow student or someone similar in age, I'm most likely to talk about my major, campus involvement, and travel experiences.

3. ...and three deeper-level questions.

unsplash.com

Done with the go-to topics, or ready to get to know someone on a deeper level? Don't be afraid to ask a few (reasonably) personal questions. What's at the top of their bucket list? What's their favorite emoji, or their absolute dream job? Your curiosity will spark the other person's interest and show that you genuinely care.

4. Follow up.

unsplash.com

People are proven to like you more if you as follow-up questions. So go ahead, ask away! If the other person makes a statement, don't just leave them hanging. A quick "Oh! Tell me more," is so easy, and will take a lot of the pressure off you.

5. Engage, meaningfully.

unsplash.com

If you do what you love, you should have no problem talking about it. Engaging your interests will give you tons of talking material and even heighten your confidence. Explain what you've learned from 14 years of competitive gymnastics, and don't be shy about your love for Nicolas Sparks movies. Who knows? You might meet someone who's just as obsessed with The Longest Ride as you are.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

4400
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774766
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

1276
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments