If you want people to like you, should you talk more or listen more in conversation? The answer may surprise you!

friendship, communication, connectionJessica GiffordSeptember 2, 2024talking time Comments

99. Break up with a friend. Are you in a friendship that's harmful to your health?

While there are many benefits to friendships, not all are good for you. Sometimes breaking up is the healthiest thing you can do.

97. Be interested. It will draw people to you.

Dale Carnegie said, “To be interesting, be interested.” Good advice, but easier said than done. This post has a few tips.

communication, connectionJessica GiffordJuly 10, 2023be interested, listening skillsComment

93. Speak up/Call in: Addressing behaviors that destroy connection

Reaching a state of greater connection not only requires increasing connection-promoting behaviors, but also stopping connection-destroying behaviors.

communication, connection, inclusionJessica GiffordJune 12, 2023speak up, call in Comments

89. Repair. Learn to have hard conversations.

One of the (many) factors contributing to disconnection is that we avoid addressing conflicts, hurts, and missteps. But we can learn how to have hard conversations and repair relationships.

communication, friendship, connectionJessica GiffordMay 15, 2023Comment

87. People hate small talk, so why do we keep engaging in it?

You can’t just bring people together and expect connection to happen. You need to facilitate it…

connection, relationship-building, communicationJessica GiffordMay 1, 2023small talk, networking, minglingComment

85. Reduce social anxiety or discomfort in 2 seconds

If you’ve ever felt socially anxious, awkward, or like your emotional state gets in the way of connecting, this post is for you.

connection, communication, mental healthJessica GiffordApril 17, 2023self-talk Comments

80. Practice entusiastic greeting to connect instantly

In our interactions with other people, some moments carry more weight than others. Do this to make a positive impression…

connection, communication, friendshipJessica GiffordMarch 13, 2023first impressions, welcome, greetingComment

78. Eye contact can help or harm connection

The gaze, the glare, and the gape … eye contact can make us feel seen, heard, and loved, or it can make us feel creeped out, squirmy, or fearful. Leverage the power of eye contact to build connection.

connection, communication, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordFebruary 27, 2023body language, eye contactComment

74. What to do when you want other people to change

There are times when other people’s behavior frustrates, irritates, or negatively impacts us and we want them to change. But giving a lecture or telling people what to do rarely works. Try these approaches instead.

communication, connection, relationshipsJessica GiffordJanuary 30, 2023lecturing, nagging, behavior changeComment

71. Paraphrase: The secret to making people feel heard

How often do you feel truly heard? That’s the power of the paraphrase! It reflects that you’re listening and “get it.”

68. Avoid toxic positivity

Want to know why “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” makes us feel crappy? Read on…

9. Mirror. It's a secret superpower!

Mirroring can be used to build genuine connection … or to manipulate.

communication, connection, relationship-buildingJessica GiffordOctober 18, 2021mirroring, body languageComment

8. Ask for help

If you find it difficult to ask for help, you’re not alone! But being independent is overrated—we all need support. These are some ways to ask for help and strengthen your support system.

mental health, connection, communicationJessica GiffordOctober 11, 2021ask for help, ask for support, supportComment

7. Introduce Yourself to Put People at Ease

The small act of introducing yourself—or making introductions for others—communicates friendliness, helps people feel included, and even provides a happiness boost.

communication, relationship-building, inclusionJessica GiffordOctober 4, 2021make introductionsComment

5. Ask Good Questions. It increases your likability.

Being curious and asking interesting questions is at the top of the list of what makes people likable. Here are a few questions to spark interesting conversation.

relationship-building, connection, communicationJessica GiffordSeptember 20, 2021Making conversation, ask good questionsComment

3. Appreciate Differences: challenge your hidden biases

We tend to assume other people are like us, but this can get in the way of seeing people for who they are, and truly connecting.

connection, relationship-building, communicationJessica GiffordSeptember 6, 2021differenceComment

101+ ways to create connection and community.

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