Use these tips to learn how to be less socially awkward at work.

Humans are social beings with an innate desire to connect and be accepted by others. However, being social doesn't come easy to everyone. Some might feel socially awkward often, whereas others might feel it infrequently. Regardless of the frequency, social awkwardness is uncomfortable and sometimes difficult to bounce back from. 

In this post, we cover what social awkwardness is with examples and tips on how to be less socially awkward moving forward. 

How to be less socially awkward: What is social awkwardness?

Social awkwardness occurs when our desire to be liked or accepted by others at any given moment is threatened. It takes root when you feel like you're not meeting typical social etiquette standards, missing important social cues, or doing something that embarrasses you. When you feel socially awkward, you tend to increase your self-monitoring, avoid situations, change your behavior to be more accepted, and regularly question your actions. 

How to be less socially awkward: what causes someone to be socially awkward?

What could cause you to be socially awkward? It could be that you're innately shy. On the other hand, it may just be that you feel awkward when you're with people you don't know. Perhaps you feel awkward when you're unsure of the proper rules or procedures, but you still need to function and interact with others at the moment. 

Many people feel socially awkward because they're caught off guard for some reason and unsure of how to move forward in the situation. For example, 

  1. Being asked a question in front of a group of leaders and not knowing the answer 

  2. A stranger coming up to you at a networking event who tries to strike up a conversation

How to be less socially awkward: Examples of social awkwardness at work

No one is exempt from a socially awkward moment from time to time. You might trip up a set of stairs in front of a group of people, slip and fall down on the sidewalk in public, mess up a few lines of a presentation, or walk out of the bathroom with toilet paper stuck on your shoe. Yes, it happens to everyone! 

The following scenarios are common examples of why you might feel socially awkward at work. 

  • Forgetting someone's name

  • Being asked an inappropriate question (e.g., about personal details, politics, religion)

  • Challenging conversations with a manager or employee about performance

  • Technical failure during a presentation

  • Forgetting about and missing an important meeting

  • Running behind or late

  • Being put on the spot at a networking event

How to be less socially awkward: Tips and tricks 

Here are seven tips on how to be less socially awkward. 

Understand why you feel socially awkward

Think back on times when you've felt socially awkward and ask yourself the following types of questions: 

  • Is there a common theme? Do you feel socially awkward in specific types of situations, like during networking events, at company social outings, giving presentations, or when meeting new people?

  • Have you ever felt that way in the past with a parent, friend, teacher, etc? Sometimes, your past experiences can trigger you in the present moment, helping you to better understand why you feel how you do today. 

Suppose you end up pinpointing a common theme or set of circumstances that cause you to feel socially awkward. In that case, you'll be in a better position to develop a game plan to handle those types of situations moving forward. 

Plan ahead of time

If you're going into a situation that you know could be socially awkward, do some legwork ahead of time. 

  • Consider what you're going to say if the potential awkwardness is going to come from a conversation

  • If you feel all eyes will be on you, think about what you might want to wear to ensure you feel as confident as possible

  • You can also use grounding tools before and during the event or situation 

Use grounding techniques

When you begin to feel overwhelmed with any type of strong emotion, it can be helpful to take a moment and ground. Grounding involves using one or more of your senses and helps your brain know you're okay and safe. This, in turn, helps your system calm down, allowing you to remain focused in the moment. 

Here are some grounding tools to consider:

  • Textured stickers. Textured sensory stickers are great to have in your pocket. When you start to feel anxious or awkward, all you have to do is discreetly put your hand in your pocket and rub the sticker. Noticing its texture through your sense of touch can help ground you and keep you focused. Do an online search for “textured stickers” for lots of options.  

  • Breathing exercises. Slow breathing is an excellent way to calm down. Breathing in slowly to four counts, holding for four counts, breathing out slowly for four counts, and holding for four counts – referred to as square or box breathing – is a quick go-to when needed.

  • Moving your body. Simply shifting your body positioning can help to calm and ground you. If you're sitting, consider standing, for example. If you're standing, maybe reposition your footing or sway a little bit from side to side. 

Turn your attention to the other person

When you feel socially awkward in a moment, it can be helpful to turn your attention to the other person or people you're with. Doing so takes the focus off of you and places it on the other person. Ask a question, for example, about how they are or the types of projects they're currently working on. From there, intently listen to their responses to continue placing your focus on them. 

Own and remain present to the awkwardness

Again, social awkwardness is a shared experience. When you're feeling socially awkward, acknowledge it. Simply acknowledging that you're feeling socially awkward can help you remain present in the moment, allowing you to better decide on the next best action to take to move beyond the awkwardness. 

Choose how to respond

Though you might not be able to prevent moments of social awkwardness, you do get to choose how you respond in those moments. You can choose to ignore the social awkwardness as if it's not happening. At the same time, you could choose to laugh at yourself in the moment. What better way to move past challenges than to poke fun and laugh at ourselves? Laughter can help to ease the tension between people during socially awkward moments, bringing things back to equilibrium. 

Celebrate moving past it

Once you've moved past a socially awkward experience, don't forget to celebrate the fact that you made it through! You survived, which is a good reminder that, though socially awkward moments are uncomfortable, they're not the end of the world. 

How to be less socially awkward: keep your head held high

Now you know how to be less socially awkward. That said, feeling socially awkward from time to time is inevitable. Just remember that you're human and well-equipped with the tools to keep moving, regardless!

Don't let your resume be a factor linked to social awkwardness. Submit it for a free resume review and receive tips to ensure it works to land you the interview today! 

Recommended reading:

Related Articles: