The Social Skills Guidebook: Manage Shyness, Improve Your Conversations, and Make Friends, Without Giving Up Who You Are

The last month I’ve been reading several different books on social skills. I’ve been looking for something to provide my students in a course I teach on conversation skills. I decided to go with The Social Skills Guidebook. It’s comprehensive and written by someone who combines his background in behavioral science with his own experience. I’ve followed Chris MacLeod's blog for a long time, that’s why I decided to read this book. I have great respect for his insight and knowledge. I learned more than a couple new things reading this book.It starts off where a book like this should start off: Tackling mental barriers to socializing. This chapter is thorough and goes through several mindsets. It thoroughly covers shyness, anxiety and insecurities.For a long time, I resisted the idea of improving socially as this would make me “fake”. I know I’m not alone feeling like that, so I appreciate that the core premise of this book isn’t to become someone else, but rather to improve certain aspects of who you already “are”.Chris MacLeod writes in the book:“You don’t need to completely change who you are to become more socially successful either; you can leave your interests, values, and personality traits intact.You just need to fill in the skills or confidence gaps that are currently holding you back. Then you’ll be a more socially polished version of yourself. The goal of this book is to give you the tools you need to become socially happy in whatever way works for you, whether that involves partying all the time with a dozen casual acquaintances or mostly keeping to yourself except to occasionally meet with a few really close friends.It doesn’t want to turn you into someone who acts fake so they can appeal to as many people as possible.“In the second chapter, the book goes into detail on making conversation. This chapter isn’t just about how to avoid awkward silence and know what to say next - even if this is a big part of it - but also includes things like being more fun and becoming a better listener.The remainder of the book is dedicated to building and developing friendships.This is not for you if you just want a quick fix. But I would recommend this book if you want a detailed, comprehensive guide from someone with a both personal and professional experience within the area.

I really like the book but, make sure you practice what you read people.

I thought this book was very good. It is well written and contains some good and useful advice. Would recommend to anyone.

Good tips.

Very good doesn't just cover conversation techniques but what could be your limiting mindset as well .

One thing I learned from the book is that not to be afraid to interrupt others in a group conversation. However, I do not think it is worth the price. Good effort by the writer.

Quite obvious stuff really, not really helpful though. Doesn’t address any reasons why. The things in this book are what people automatically and naturally and intuitively do when they are feeling ok.

Well laid out and easy to read,discovering some of the causes of social anxiety and covering lots of of ideas and suggestions to overcome the stresses and fears of meeting people and making friends.