Do you tend to fade into the woodwork in social situations? Have you ever felt like being a wallflower at parties? Would you like to stand out in the crowd and be noticed for your positive traits?
From wearing unique clothing styles such as Afro-chic clothing to making memorable conversations, you can confidently come out of your shell and be remembered in social situations as the lovely person that you are.
Stand Out in a Good Way
Some people go to great lengths to blend in. The research on neural signatures of social conformity by Haiyan Wu, Yi Luo, and Chunliang Feng at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, offers an indirect explanation as to how human brains are programmed to conform.
According to them, the reward centers of the brain are activated when people are influenced by others to conform. These stimuli lead to permanent changes in the brain’s memory zones that make people want to “fit in.”
On the other hand, Dr. Nathaniel Lambert, in his article “The Overlooked Perks of Standing Out” published in Psychology Today, says that there are also benefits to standing out. He states, “I do believe that there are many instances in which being different can help. Having a noticeable difference can actually get you the job or the position that you are seeking.”
Some social situations may require you to be more convivial. When these situations happen, it can work to your advantage if you know how to put your best foot forward and make a good impression.
Aside from taking professional courses that delve into effective communication skills and teach you about assertiveness and confidence, there are also simple ways on how you can improve your social skills and be favorably memorable to others.
Here are some tips that will leave a pleasant memory of you in the minds of the people you socialize with:
1. Dress to impress
How you dress can influence how people perceive you. Additionally, how you carry yourself wearing the appropriate clothes also adds to people’s general impression of you as a person.
While appearance and looks may not be everything, most people do judge the book by its cover. Harry Winston, the famous American jeweler, is quoted to have said, “People will stare. Make it worth their while.” That is why when you dress, be yourself. Fashion is a tool for expressing your individuality.
There are plenty of fashion choices and it is up to you how to put it together to present the best façade that brings out your personality. Instead of just going with the usual little black dress to a birthday party, why not go for your favorite abaya-inspired dress or Moroccan thobe.
Of course, you still have to observe the dress code, but that doesn’t mean you can’t infuse your personal style in what you wear.
2. Be interesting
You have to be interesting for people to be interested.
Being articulate is one way to stand out in social settings. You don’t have to memorize the whole dictionary or quote Plato, but you can put some flavor into your conversations by coming up with colorful answers. You can also sprinkle your chit-chats with anecdotes, humor, or tidbits of information about your latest hobbies or interests.
3. Give your undivided attention
When mingling in social settings, make sure to focus on the conversation. Avoid fiddling with your phone or letting your eyes and ears wander around. Listening intently to what the other person is saying indicates respect for the speaker.
Giving them your undivided attention will also allow you to make appropriate responses to what they are saying. People will remember how responsive you are to their stories and will most likely extend you the same courtesy in future conversations.
4. Address people by their names
They say that the sweetest sound to a person’s ears is their name. Not everyone is good at remembering names, however. If you want to stand out, make an effort to remember and use people’s names in conversations.
Using people’s names instantly gets their attention, but more than that, it gives them the feeling of being acknowledged. Using a person’s name sporadically in a conversation helps form a connection between you that may lead to pleasant experiences.
5. Read, read, read.
Being well read goes a long way, especially in social situations. Knowledge from reading can provide you with a treasure trove of topics that can liven up a conversation. You can go beyond discussing the weather.
Reading broadens the mind and offers you opportunities to express thoughts in a more informed manner. The nuggets of wisdom or knowledge you cull from reading can help fuel more interesting conversations.
Dare to Be Different
Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” This quote doesn’t just apply to fashion, but also in everyday life. You may not be irreplaceable to every person you meet, but armed with the tips mentioned, you’ll certainly be someone memorable.
Dress for success, read a lot, be articulate, and be genuinely interested in people. Doing so can help you stand out in a good way and be remembered fondly by people with whom you interact.
AUTHOR BIO
Ethiopian-born and Dubai-based fashion designer Feiruza Mudessir discovered her curiosity to mix the traditional with contemporary at a young age, and this has become the trademark of her designs for Finchitua today. With her unique style standpoint, she served the VIP Color Forecast Panel 2017 for Al Jazeera Paints Company and VIP Color Forecast Panel 2019 for Asian Paints Berger. Ms. Mudessir is a shortlisted nominee for the prestigious Fashion Scout London 2018.