Social Anxiety: 2 Questions That May Help Reduce Your Social Anxiety by Jennifer Coken

Anxious around people? Here are two questions I use that help me relax, get to know people, make new friends and identify new business contacts:

• When meeting someone new I ask, “What’s new with you THIS WEEK?” Asking what’s new in the past week gives people a recent experience they can talk about. Who doesn’t love talking about themselves? If they don’t have an answer then try question No. 2.

• “Anything new in your life to celebrate?” This gives people an opportunity to be in the space of gratitude and happiness. According to Dr. Marianna Pochelli, “thinking positive, happy, hopeful, optimistic, joyful thoughts decreases cortisol and produces serotonin, which creates a sense of well-being. This helps your brain function at peak capacity.” What a great way for people to remember you, as someone who made them feel happier. Only that’s the trick; you simply asked a question that led them to create their own happiness. Cool, eh?

Remember, before you ask those questions, have your own answers because inevitably the person you are talking to will ask you the same.

Get more tips about social anxiety via JenCoken.com.