Quote:
Originally Posted by Angela  You might get a more positive response if you focus on the person you're speaking to |
I agree with this and I want to add to it. Many times when a person feels like they are bad at interacting with people, that person will focus on the other person, but in the wrong way:
Is this person approving of me? Is this person bored by me?
That is the wrong approach. It feels like you are focusing on the other person, but really it is another way to focus on yourself!
Instead, act as if you have a mission to find out as much as you can about this new person. Pretend you're going to have to take a test later and it's really important. What's their name? Where do they live? What do they like? Are they having a good day?
This little game does two things for you. First, it helps you find out about this person. Which in turn gives you ideas on things to talk about. Second, it distracts you from thinking about yourself. This will allow you to not feel nervous.
That's one way to focus on the other person. Make a game out of it.