This piece is part of my 2016–2026 archive migration. Some original formatting, content, and external links may be missing, changed, or not be optimized.
The pandemic impacted many people in multiple ways. One of the area’s people were significantly impacted was their social and communication skills.
We now have many people suffering from anxiety like never before.
“Wake-up call to all countries to step up mental health services and support. In the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global prevalence of anxiety and depression increased by a massive 25%, according to a scientific brief released by the World Health Organization (WHO) today.”
If you’re suffering from social anxiety, no fret. One of the best ways to tackle it is through exposure.
You have to get out there; there’s no way around it.
But you can still get out there with a less direct approach, such as through online events or one-on-one interactions.
The best way to improve your communication is through practice; the more you practice, the more comfortable you become at communicating and interacting with others confidently.
“6 feet away” has been drilled into the minds of the masses for such a long time that we have become used to the distance between our neighbors. Some of you thoroughly enjoy that, but others long for closeness again yet don’t know how to operate in a post-pandemic society.
One thing is for sure, things have changed. If you cough in public now, people will likely think you have COVID-19. If you get too close to someone, they might become irate. We’re also used to not seeing loved ones and friends for greater lengths of time. All of these are choices, though.
10 Ways To Improve Your Social & Communication Skills
Attend online meetups
Attend in-person meetups
Utilize a dating app
Go to in-person networking events
Start random conversations with people at networking events
Read books
Listen to podcasts
Attend a conference
Start a conversation on the elevator
Engage in a conversation with your Uber or Lyft driver
Randomly call a friend
Say “hi” to your neighbors whenever you see them
Start a meetup group based on your interest
Join a dog-walking group
Join a book club
Try speed-meeting friends or dating
Invite some close friends to your home
Sit at the bar when you go to restaurants and strike up a conversation
Say “hi” to the mail or delivery person and wish them a joyous day
Go out somewhere and eat dinner by yourself
Attend a community religious event
Reconnect with old friends you haven’t checked in with for awhile
Go on a tour
Travel internationally
Sign up to volunteer; people tend to be super friendly at these events
Chat with a homeless person
Strike up a conversation with someone waiting in line with you
Go to a cooking class
Learn a new language
Get out of your house more – even if only for a walk
Let people pet your dogs
Getting out of your comfort zone is the key to improving your communication and social skills. The more you get to do this, the more desensitized you’ll become to situations that usually bring discomfort.
This content is for informational purposes only — not professional advice. Consult a qualified professional before making any major decisions.