Are you a people person or more of an introvert? A people person is someone who easily and quickly gets to know new people and wins them over.

Call it charm, call it charisma, or just call it great interpersonal skills. If you’re a people person, it becomes much easier to make friends and work together with others.

Some of us are born this way, others struggle when it comes to meeting and connecting with those around them. If you fall into the latter category, there’s good news.

Being, or better becoming, a people person is something that can be learned. Simply copying what people persons do will get you quite a bit closer. What it comes down to in terms of behavior is this:

Listen And Observe

Start by sitting back and observing. Learn what you can about the people around you without ever making contact with them. This should come much easier to you if you’re an introvert, or socially awkward than going out there and making small talk.

Don’t be afraid to start your day or evening by simply paying attention and learning about those around you.

It will become much easier to have a meaningful conversation later, or even come up with a good conversation opener or ice breaker if you know a little something about the other person.

Look Them In The Eye, Use Names, Check Body Language

Next, it’s time to plunge in and actually talk to people. Make sure you make plenty of eye contact. This one simple little habit conveys that you don’t have anything to hide and that creates trust and connection.

Another great quick tip is to use the other person’s name frequently. We love hearing the sound of our name. Use it to your advantage.

Last but not least, pay attention to your body language. Make sure it’s open and inviting. Don’t cross your arms or hunch over. Make sure your body is open and inviting.

Body language often speaks louder than words. Make sure it’s saying the right things.

Practice, Practice, Practice

In the end, what it comes down to, is practice. You can read a lot of books, and take a lot of courses on being charming and getting along with people. There is lots of literature on building a team and becoming a good leader at work.

Much of that has to do with interpersonal relationships. But there’s only so much you can learn from a book. Don’t forget to practice what you’re learning, and just practicing social interactions in general.

The more you practice, the better you’ll get and the easier it will become.

See also:

Be here now, a guide to happiness
Be more daring, there’s nothing to lose
How to think big and succeed