Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 3: Meeting New People
• Method 2 of 3: Engaging Conversations
• Method 3 of 3: Improving Communication Skills and Increasing Self-Confidence
• Tips
• Warnings

Chatting with people and making friends can be really scary, especially if you're trying to be funny! Most people do not have an innate talent for jokes in every situation, and it is quite normal to have difficulties in social situations. Fortunately, you can improve both your sense of humor and communication skills with a little practice. If you're ready to go out and make a few friends, start by visiting places to meet new people. Also, practice starting a conversation, keeping it going, and no-no inserting funny phrases. Overcome anxiety by improving communication skills and building self-confidence.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Meeting New People

1. 1 Attend local events to get more involved in your city. You can find notifications about various events on the Internet, for example, in Facebook / VK groups or by researching local news sites. You can also find posters on bulletin boards in the library, community center, or local coffee shops. Attend events you like to meet people with common interests.
   • For example, attend art exhibitions, concerts, local movie nights, weekend fairs, and festivals.

   Advice: it will most likely take time for you to meet people who will become good friends to you. However, the more acquaintances you acquire, the more likely you are to find a potential close friend. Just keep going out.

   
   
2. 2 Join a hobby club. Clubs or mugs are a fun way to meet people and start making friends.Look for a club that suits your hobbies. Then attend classes regularly. Hang out with the people you meet there, and chances are, over time, you will become friends with some of them.
   • If you're still in school, look for clubs or clubs after class.
   • Otherwise, search the internet for options. Sites like Meetup.com and VK.com are great for finding local associations too.
3. 3 Sign up for courses at your local community center, nonprofit organization, or university. To do this, contact your local cultural center or university, or use the internet. Choose courses on a topic you like to meet people with similar interests. Then attend all classes to get to know the course participants better.
   • You are unlikely to find friends on your first day of class. However, if you regularly attend your chosen courses, you will be able to get to know other students better, and you may become friends with some of them.
4. 4 Volunteer to help resolve issues that resonate in your soul. As you volunteer, you can meet other like-minded volunteers and community members who need help. This will help you find new friends who already have something in common with you. Look for a nonprofit or activist group that is working on an issue of interest to you. Then attend their events and meetings.
   • For example, volunteer to help a local shelter collect and distribute holiday gifts to families in need, or volunteer at events at a local museum.
5. 5 Join an amateur sports team. Team sports are a great way to make friends because they require interaction with teammates. To find local sports teams, contact a community center, check the library's bulletin board, or search the internet. Join the team you like and play for it.
   • Don't worry if you don't have outstanding athletic ability. Recreational sports are good for people of all skill levels, and teammates can help you improve your performance.
   • You may be able to find a team that suits your skill level or age. For example, a local amateur league might have teams of newbies and seasoned athletes. Likewise, teams can be categorized by age. Contact the organizers to see what options you have.
6. 6 Attend religious or spiritual services to get involved in church life. If you have religious or spiritual beliefs, chances are you can make friends by attending services. Many religious and spiritual organizations run social events for their members to help you meet new people. Find a religious community in your area and then start attending services or events.
   • If you are a non-religious and unspiritual person, you may be able to find a local organization for people with similar beliefs, such as an atheist group.
   • If you have no religious or spiritual beliefs, you can still attend community events hosted by local faith-based organizations. For example, they may host charity events, festivals, holiday celebrations, and carnivals available to the general public.

Method 2 of 3: Engaging Conversations

1. 1 Introduce yourself to start a conversation. State your name and tell us something about yourself. Try to tell the person something that you think is relevant to the current situation. It will help you start conversations with people.
   • You can say: “Hi, I'm Anton. This is the first time I've come to such an event, "- or:" Hi, my name is Alina. I was hoping there would be snacks here. "
2. 2 Compliment the person and try to keep the conversation going. People like to hear nice things about themselves. Plus, if you compliment them, they'll think you're a nice person. Look for reasons to compliment, and then ask clarifying questions to continue the conversation.
   • Say, “Adorable dress! Where did you buy it? " - or: “Your story was so funny. You still haven't figured out who was joking at you? "

   Advice: It's generally best to compliment things that people can control, such as highlighting hair, clothing, skills, and talents. Try not to compliment natural characteristics, such as eye color or pretty face. This can be embarrassing for some people.

   
   
3. 3 Ask a question about the stop or the weather to break the ice. This is an easy way to strike up a casual conversation with new acquaintances. You don't have to say something meaningful. Pick something from your environment and ask a simple question about it. When the person answers, try to continue the conversation.
   • It's okay if the conversation doesn't get you anywhere. It is very similar to fishing: sometimes the interlocutor will "peck" the bait, and sometimes he simply will not be interested in communication.
   • For example, you might ask, "How do you deal with this rainy weather?" - or: "Have you been to this restaurant before?"

   Advice: try to ask open-ended questions because they encourage the other person to continue the conversation. Open-ended questions are not enough to simply answer “yes” or “no,” which makes the conversation easier to maintain.

   
   
4. 4 Show interest in people by asking them questions about themselves. People love to talk about themselves, so showing interest in them is a great way to keep the conversation going. Plus, the person is more likely to like you if you listen to them. Ask the interlocutor open-ended questions, and then listen carefully to his answers.
   • You can ask: "What do you like to do in your free time?", "How do you know Alexey?" - or: "What was the last movie you watched?"
5. 5 Make fun of yourself in a playful manner to make people laugh. Self-deprecating humor will help people feel close to you, and it will show everyone that you don't take yourself too seriously. Joke about your quirks, mistakes, and the things you like, and then laugh with everyone.
   • Let's say you spilled your drink. You can joke like this: "And the reward for the most awkward person in the world goes to ... me."
   • Another example: "I would have come earlier, but I had to call a group of archaeologists to find my shoes because I am so absent-minded."
   • Spice up the conversation with this humor, but don't overdo it. People may feel uncomfortable or perceive you as a negative person if you laugh at yourself too much.
6. 6 Learn to tell funny stories that you can use in conversations. Telling funny stories is a laid-back way to show people that you are funny. Choose stories from your own life or events that happened to your friends. Then practice presenting them in a way that sounds natural.
   • For example, practice in front of a mirror or camcorder as you tell stories.
   • Keep in mind that you can re-tell the same stories to different people, so don't worry about constantly looking for new material.
7. 7 Learn jokes that you can repeat to other people. Coming up with jokes on the go is a rare talent, so it's helpful to have a list prepared. Read jokes online, watch stand-up comedians, or sign up for a joke writing course. Train your serve to convey the climax in time. Here are some jokes to get you started:
   • You can't hit on your pocket, it's a blow below the belt.
   • Have you heard of a new restaurant called Karma? There is no menu - you get what you deserve.
   • I'm good at sleeping. I can do it with my eyes closed.
   • The scariest phrase in social networks after a party: "Your friend tagged you in the photo!"

Method 3 of 3: Improving Communication Skills and Increasing Self-Confidence

1. 1 Identify your best qualities to increase self-esteem. Each person is unique and interesting in its own way. To recognize your amazing qualities, make a list of your talents, skills, and interests. Also, pick your best physique to beat. Over time, this will help you feel more confident.
   • For example, you can write that you play the guitar, love reading thrillers, are partial to cats, and prefer to stay at home rather than go out.
   • Your favorite physique might be your eyes and legs.
2. 2 Use open body language - smile and look people in the eye. When we use open body language, we seem friendlier to people. The easiest way to look more open is to smile, look the other person in the eye, and lift your chin. Also, don't cross your arms. Better keep them on the sides. When walking, maintain good posture by straightening your back and shoulders.
   • While listening to the interlocutor, look at him and nod as he speaks to show that you understand him.
   • When speaking, try to use gestures to engage people in the conversation. It can be helpful to practice with yourself so that you feel natural when you do it with other people.
3. 3 Develop your communication skills gradually so that you have time to adjust to them. It may be difficult for you to learn how to communicate, and that's okay. Start small by simply smiling at the people you pass by in public. Then just try to say hello. When you're ready, start a casual conversation by asking a simple question or making an observation. Finally, try to introduce yourself and ask open-ended questions.
   • Don't worry about how long it will take you to improve your communication skills. Give yourself as much time as it takes.
   • Don't be smart and stick to short interactions at first. After you start to feel more confident, try to keep up the conversation.
4. 4 Focus on the other person, not your phone. If the person feels like you are ignoring him, he will stop talking to you. However, if you pay attention to him, you will become a more interesting and attentive person in his eyes. Mute your phone while chatting, and don't check notifications when talking to someone.
   • If you need to check your phone regularly, take the time to do so. For example, you can step back every hour to view notifications.
   • If you can get an urgent call, set your phone to silent, making the specific number an exception. For example, you may need to answer a call from your child's nanny.
5. 5 Cross the word should / should from your life and do what you really want to do. You may feel like there is a list of things you "should" do, such as getting out of the house more often, attending parties, or making more friends. However, what really matters is what you enjoy. Think about where you feel most comfortable and how you really enjoy spending your time. Then replace the should / should statements with intentions to be happier.
   • Let's say you're an introvert who says to yourself, "I should go to parties more often." If you don't like parties, don't force yourself to attend. You might want to spend an evening at a bookstore or watch a movie instead.
   • Or you are an extrovert who says to yourself, "I should have one best friend, not a bunch of close friends." If your friends make you happy, then the rest doesn't matter.
6. 6 Be yourselfso that people recognize the real you. It's hard to find real friends if you pretend to be someone you are not. Even if people like you, it will be difficult for you to maintain friendship. Better to be honest about who you are so that you can meet those with whom you will be really interesting and comfortable. Also, respect those around you, and chances are they will respect you in return.
   • Give your opinion if you are concerned about a certain issue.
   • Try new hobbies and interests, but don't lie about what you enjoy doing.
   • Wear clothes that make you feel your best, not things that you think will impress other people.

Tips

• Watch comedy and stand-up shows to improve your sense of humor.
• Usually, people are too self-centered to judge others, so don't worry about what others think.
• Don't try to say anything just to look smart or funny. Most people would rather be friends with someone who seems sincere than someone who is just trying to show off. Keep your jokes natural and casual.

Warnings

• When meeting new acquaintances, try to avoid sensitive topics such as politics and religion. It is very easy to offend someone who has the opposite opinion.
• Avoid dirty or offensive jokes so that people will not resent you.