159. How to Make (Better) Small Talk

Many of us interpret this silence as an indication that something is wrong; we’re boring, they’re boring, someone’s uncomfortable, there’s nothing else to talk about, etc. But the reality is that silence can not only be pleasurable, but also a useful tool when making conversation with people, especially ones you don’t know very well. So in this episode, I’m gonna teach you to think about and use silence in a more productive way so you can have better conversations with anyone you meet.If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 Intro1:27 How to handle awkward silence17:44 Why is silence so shameful?21:14 See silence in a new light26:34 Use silence to your advantageLink to the video used in this episode 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@young.and.disciplinedynd/video/7415736964780969246?_r=1&_t=8r7lJxjWyA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introverts hate it… extroverts need it… and so many of us don’t know how to do it properly. So in this episode, I’m going to share a simple technique for making small talk, and the mindset you need in order to apply this technique correctly.If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 Intro0:41 How to make (better) small talk1:54 The problem3:14 The solution4:08 Asking open-ended questions11:00 Reflecting and adding17:23 Why this technique works19:05 Common mistakes to avoid21:57 How to start practicing23:54 A personal anecdoteLink to the video used in this episode 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@speakingwithyasir/video/7403802692566469893?_r=1&_t=8r7ELYgsmtf Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of my listeners recently asked me about the steps I took to get better at talking to people in real life. This episode is the response to that question.If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 Intro2:19 Stop socializing with people you don’t like or respect6:30 Stop trying to be perceived in a particular way10:31 Stop expecting a particular outcome14:21 Stop overthinking19:59 Stop taking rejection personally25:10 Approaching people you’re afraid of28:23 Put yourself in situations where you have to be social32:59 Study the art of conversation34:22 Learn from the best40:57 Focus more on them and less on yourself44:04 Embrace the feeling of being misunderstood and disliked Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don’t mind being alone, but seeing how everyone else is always going out with friends makes me feel like a loser… is something wrong with me?If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 The reality of going out alone1:22 Brief intro2:38 Explaining the clip12:26 You don’t look weird16:05 Don’t wait to have funLink to the video used in this episode 👇Video 1: https://www.tiktok.com/@uuhhead/video/7500480893476211998?_t=ZT-8wATBMGq6kF&_r=1Video 2: https://www.tiktok.com/@krizzmaa/video/7343977705668398338?_r=1&_t=ZT-8wATaodxvpOVideo 3: https://www.tiktok.com/@nrmdls/video/7487290556259896619?_r=1&_t=ZT-8wATLfSMLPP Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I’m in the mood to go nowhere… would you like to come with me?If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 ¡YO SOY EL QUE SIENTE, YO SOY EL QUE VIVE!3:52 Showing up at someone’s house unannounced21:50 Must you have a purpose in life?41:53 I’m accepting music recommendations (Eng, Esp, Ptg)47:02 Shoutouts48:07 How did I get better at socializing? (Coming soon)55:40 What to expect in the future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I don’t notice it—until you mention it, bro.If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 Stop apologizing1:06 It’s fear, not humility1:41 You’re calling attention to something insignificant4:14 Self-protection in disguise8:20 It’s communicating, not performingLink to the video used in this episode 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/@parthisdreaming/video/7485770991570799903?_r=1&_t=ZT-8vx8wBQNgMg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Amazing things can happen when you show up consistently.If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 Intro2:00 Greetings4:09 Explaining the clip22:44 Key takeaways29:35 How is this relevant to you?Link to the video used in this episode 👉 https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTjMT29y2/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We all know that people are socializing less than ever before, but is it really just that damn smartphone that’s driving us apart? Or could it be something deeper? What if it’s a number of things? And more importantly, what if there was a way to change it? — We’re talking about all of that and more in this episode.If you want to listen to this show without interruptions from advertisers, get a transcript of every episode, and advanced vocabulary guides to learn more effectively, subscribe to my patreon 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioTimestamps:0:00 Why can’t I talk to anyone?0:22 Brief intro1:33 No more casual convos2:36 What’s this episode about?4:49 Digital communication is the standard8:08 Social anxiety is misunderstood / Not everyone is anti-social19:07 Your phone is your shield23:06 Where are the social spaces?29:40 Summing things up36:40 The solutionLinks to the videos used in this episode👇Clip 1: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2qAn5PP/Clip 2: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT27DnnvH/Clip 3: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZT2tPGC6n/Eminem rap battle from 8-mile 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X9-hxfcklGs Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The idea of a life of freedom and independence has become increasingly popular in recent years… and for good reason. Less drama, less compromise, fewer sacrifices, no heartbreak… there are (and have always been) tons of reasons not to get involved in a committed relationship. But is it possible that avoiding this commitment could actually be the worst thing for your life in the long run? Perhaps choosing to commit to someone is, on some level, an act of self-preservation. Let’s talk about it.Timestamps:0:00 Intro1:02 The end of dating2:09 Explaining the clip13:55 Key takeaways26:56 You don’t have much time28:53 Key takeaways45:51 The reason you need a partner47:37 Key takeaways1:05:58 ConclusionIf you love this podcast and want to show some support, click here 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradioLinks to the videos used in this episode👇Clip 1: https://www.tiktok.com/@characterwaste/video/7420613683128061226?_r=1&_t=8qcyvrHREbeClip 2: https://www.tiktok.com/@purposecompass/video/7433063287903816992?_r=1&_t=8rtDvf7wnXiClip 3: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkmotivation/video/7441154857811184929?_r=1&_t=8rtE9IPydrC Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can you really be "just friends" with someone you're romantically attracted to?Timestamps:0:00 Intro0:40 I’m in love with my best friend1:39 Explaining the clip16:43 Summary18:06 Defining romance19:08 Defining friendship20:18 Defining polyamory23:25 Is she just avoiding responsibility?27:56 Should we blur the lines?29:42 Effects on friendship33:55 How would you feel?36:10 Effects on partnership39:22 How would you feel?42:56 ConclusionIf you love this podcast and want to show some support, click here 👉 https://patreon.com/realenglishradio Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.