What to Read If You Want to Improve Your Social Skills

"1. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than in two years by trying to get people interested in you.” “Talk in terms of the other person’s interests.” “Remember that a person’s name is to that person the sweetest sound.” “Give honest and sincere appreciation.” “Be hearty in your approbation and lavish in your praise.” 2. The Charisma Myth by Olivia Fox Cabane “Charisma can be learned, not just inherited.” “Presence is the core of charisma.” “Confidence and warmth are key ingredients.” “Power without warmth breeds fear.” “Visualizing success can make it real.”"

"3. Captivate: The Science of Succeeding with People by Vanessa Van Edwards “First impressions are made within milliseconds.” “People love talking about themselves—ask questions that invite it.” “You don’t have to be the most interesting person in the room—just the most interested.” “Microexpressions reveal the truth behind the words.” “Charisma is a skill, not a trait.” 4. The Like Switch by Jack Schafer “The friendship formula: proximity + frequency + duration + intensity.” “The easiest way to make a friend is to smile.” “Mirroring builds subconscious trust.” “Light touches increase warmth and familiarity.” “Nonverbal cues speak louder than words.”"

"5. Difficult Conversations by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen “Every difficult conversation is really three conversations: what happened, feelings, and identity.” “Blame is the enemy of understanding.” “Listen for what’s underneath the words.” “You can be curious instead of defensive.” “Saying ‘I don’t know’ is powerful.” 6. The Fine Art of Small Talk by Debra Fine “Small talk is the doorway to connection.” “Start with openers that show interest in others.” “Remember the name, remember the person.” “Know how to gracefully exit a conversation.” “Curiosity keeps conversations alive.”"

"7. Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell “We default to truth—we assume people mean what they say.” “Understanding context is essential.” “Miscommunication often comes from assuming too much.” “We are not as good at reading others as we think.” “The truth is complicated.” 8. How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes “Smile slowly—it’s more genuine.” “Use the ‘big baby pivot’ to include others in conversations.” “Name-dropping done right shows connection, not arrogance.” “Echo their words to build rapport.” “Don’t break eye contact too soon.”"

"9. Social Intelligence by Daniel Goleman “The brain is wired to connect.” “Empathy is the foundation of social skill.” “Mirror neurons help us feel what others feel.” “Attunement is sensing another’s emotional state and responding appropriately.” “Social skill is emotional intelligence in action.” 10. Reclaiming Conversation by Sherry Turkle “Face-to-face conversation builds empathy.” “Digital distraction weakens deep connection.” “Real conversation is messy—and that’s okay.” “Solitude is essential to reflection and better relationships.” “Listening is the most radical act of connection.”"