​​​Social skills deficits are not just about being anti-social. They involve difficulties or challenges in communication, understanding proper social behaviours and following cues in interactions. 

Individuals lacking social skills may struggle with aspects like making eye-contact and asserting themselves. They may find it hard to start and maintain conversations, or respond to compliments. 

Possible reasons for these challenges include lack of focus, trouble learning, and memory problems due to mental health issues. They may also avoid social situations due to feelings of anxiety and stress.​​​

In general, these challenges can sometimes affect one's social life, school performance and relationships, and overall social integration.

​To overcome these challenges, therapeutic approaches such as social skills training and occupational therapy may be useful. Those who wish to improve their interpersonal skills, and who have a primary psychiatric diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder or social anxiety disorder may benefit from social skills training.​ 

Gradual exposure to social interactions, being self-aware and seeking support can also help to build confidence and improve verbal and non-verbal communication.


​​It is helpful for a person to examine their past communication with others and evaluate their thoughts and feelings, as well as conversations where they might have lacked assertiveness and confidence. Here are some general tips for practice.

Body language: Avoid moving your hands too much while talking and maintain an upright posture. Keep facial expressions relaxed and appropriate to the conversation.

Eye contact: Maintain eye contact with the person you are speaking with in a relaxed manner.

Language: Use "I" statements to express thoughts and feelings. Verbal communication can be done in a calm, clear and direct tone, which helps to build trust and rapport.​


​Being praised or placed in the centre of attention, even though it is positive, may be anxiety-provoking for people with social anxiety. But we can learn to accept and give compliments gracefully as they can help others feel good and contribute to better relationships.




​Social anxiety stems from negative thinking. Identifying and recognising that these thoughts are dysfunctional is the first step in improving your ability to introduce yourself to strangers. It would be important to reframe these thoughts by substituting them with practical ones. For instance, feeling nervous is a common emotion that many people experience when they are introduced to a roomful of strangers!



​Acti​ve listening is a way of listening and responding to another person that improves mutual understanding. It can help a person feel heard and cared about, and that what they are saying is important.