Smooth Moves: How to Overcome Awkwardness When Meeting New People

Have you ever felt awkward when meeting new people? It happens to the best of us. Even extroverts and social butterflies can feel awkward at first. I was hosting our first friend-matching event last week and I noticed some of the guests were feeling a bit awkward at first. Once I welcomed them, introduced them to other people in the group, and showed them to the event activities, they eased up quickly and started chatting away!

Though it can be uncomfortable at first, it's just a passing feeling that can be moved-past quickly. Here are some tips for next time you're in this situation:

Understanding the Awkwardness of First Meetings

Let’s face it: meeting someone for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience. Whether it’s a blind date, a job interview, or just running into someone new at a social event, the initial awkwardness can be palpable. You might find yourself overthinking every word, gesture, or even the way you smile. But here’s the good news — this feeling is completely common and, most importantly, it can be overcome.

Tips to Break the Ice

One of the most effective ways to move past the initial awkwardness is to focus on making a genuine connection. Start with simple icebreakers. You can comment on the environment or share a lighthearted comment about the situation. For instance, if you’re at a coffee shop, saying something like, “I hope their coffee is better than my small talk!” can lighten the mood. Making light of your own nervousness shows vulnerability and opens the floor for laughter, which helps both parties feel more at ease.

Another strategy is to ask open-ended questions. Instead of a simple "what do you do?", try asking, “What inspired you to choose that career path?” This invites the other person to share their story, which encourages interaction. People generally enjoy talking about themselves, and by showing genuine curiosity, you’ll create a bond that diminishes awkwardness.

Practice Makes Perfect

Remember, the more you expose yourself to these types of social situations, the better you will become at navigating them. Practice is key! Consider attending social events, networking meetups, or even workshops where you can meet new people. Each conversation provides a learning opportunity to develop your social skills, helping you evolve from feeling awkward to feeling confident.

To make things easier, you can also role-play with a friend. Rehearse conversations and get feedback on your tone, body language, and choice of words. This practice can reduce pressure and prepare you for the real deal.

Ultimately, it’s essential to remember that everyone feels a bit awkward at first. The next time you feel that familiar tension creeping in when meeting someone new, just breathe and embrace it! With some effort, a sprinkle of humor, and a genuine interest in the other person, you’ll soon find that initial awkwardness fades away, making way for a rewarding interaction.

Ready to practice at a social event? Check out our upcoming events!