northern_sky Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I'm taking this self improvement thing seriously, and looking for book recommendations on how to improve my social skills. Of course I want something effective, and smartly written, that doesn't have some bull**** gimmick like "The Secret."
Star Gazer Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 You seem to understand the lay of the land fairly well. It's always seemed to be that you just need to practice more. Get out of your room and apartment more. Get out there and meet people, alone. Strangers. Start up random conversations in line, and the like. Reading a book on skiing isn't really going to do me any good, anymore than reading a book about how to interact with people will help you. You gotta actually do the work, if only by trial and error.
Isolde Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I think it can help to have a role model. It sounds cheesy, but it's probably a more concrete place to start than a book.
Jannah Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I read this book a few years ago (see link below). It doesn't really teach a person how to overcome social awkwardness, it's more about inner peace and balance, all of which contributes to our overall mood(s) and perspective. http://www.amazon.com/You-Can-Happy-Matter-What/dp/1577310640 I might actually read it again, it's a really nice read.
Lemontang Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 Look up the book 'how to win friends and influence people' it's pretty much the best book around.
hydorclops Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I don't know any books but I feel like I can personally vouch for the skills taught in dialectical behavioral therapy. I know you've mentioned DBT before. Google Marsha Linnehan. I think it's good stuff. It is a bunch of skills that you need to practice. Check into it again.
denise_xo Posted January 23, 2011 Posted January 23, 2011 I kind of like this book (text copied from another post I made today): There's a book I like by Patsy Rodenburg called Second Circle (US)/ Presence (UK). She has worked with everything from famous Hollywood actors to business executives and prostitutes on enhancing people's 'stage presence' ('stage' here being literal in the case of actors and more metaphorical for other professional groups), and she gives a set of practical, physical exercises that one can do in order to work on becoming confident and projecting it.
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