Hello, I’m a pretty easy person to talk with and didn’t feel like my social skills are lacking until today and now I want tips on how to be better at this scenario. I train kick boxing and there is a kid that come in once and a while and say the most random off topic things. I don’t think he has had many social interactions with people not family and he is home schooled. He will say things and the people around him are just stuck most of the time and don’t know what to say. I typically strive to be the first person to talk in an awkward group environment but this kid is really putting me to the test. Any tips on talking through a conversation like this?
Sorry if it didn’t make a lot of sense. This is the best way I could explain it.
Thanks in advanced
1 comment
Hey OP, I can imagine how awkward that would be!
When people say random off-topic statements I usually call it out by saying & asking “that’s interesting, what do you mean by that?” – their response usually lets me in on their train of thought. If I want to explore a bit further I would encourage them to share more by saying something along the lines of “I’d like to know more about that!”
From the kids perspective with limited social interactions, they may see you and the kickboxing class as an outlet where they feel safe to say what’s on their mind. They may not be entirely aware that their statements are causing awkwardness within the group – if it’s affecting the class perhaps you can provide them or their parent / guardian with gentle feedback casually before or after class, not to discourage them from socialising but to make them aware of the effect of the statements they use when socialising.
Good luck, I hope this helps you out!