How to Help Someone Be Less Socially Awkward: 10 Practical Strategies

Social awkwardness is more common than many people realize. Whether it stems from anxiety, lack of experience, or self-consciousness, social awkwardness can make everyday interactions stressful. If you know someone who struggles socially—whether a friend, family member, or coworker—you may want to help them feel more comfortable and confident in social situations. This article offers 10 practical and compassionate strategies to help someone be less socially awkward and more socially fluent.

1. Understand What Causes Their Social Awkwardness

The first step in helping someone is understanding the root of their social discomfort. Social awkwardness can be caused by:

1. Social anxiety or shyness
2. Lack of practice in social settings
3. Low self-esteem
4. Fear of judgment or rejection
5. Neurodivergence (e.g., autism or ADHD)

Being empathetic and non-judgmental creates a safe environment where the person feels supported rather than scrutinized.

2. Be a Positive Role Model

One of the most powerful ways to help someone socially is by modeling confident and respectful behavior. Pay attention to:

• How you initiate conversations
• How you listen and respond
• Body language and facial expressions

When someone sees these behaviors in action consistently, they begin to mirror them. It provides a real-life example of effective communication.

3. Offer Gentle, Constructive Feedback

If the person is open to improvement, offer kind and helpful suggestions. Timing and tone matter—never criticize them in front of others or make them feel embarrassed. Instead, say things like:

• “You did great in that conversation. Maybe next time, try asking a follow-up question to keep it going.”
• “Your story was funny! Slowing down a bit might help people follow it better.”

The key is to focus on what they did well, then offer one small suggestion.

4. Practice Together in Safe Environments

Create low-pressure opportunities to practice social skills. Invite them to small gatherings, game nights, or coffee meetups. In these settings, they can gradually become more comfortable without feeling overwhelmed.

You might even role-play common situations—like introducing themselves, joining a group conversation, or making small talk—so they feel more prepared.

5. Teach the Basics of Social Cues

People who are socially awkward often miss subtle signals, like when to end a conversation or when someone is uncomfortable. Help them understand:

• Eye contact: not staring, but showing engagement
• Body language: open posture, nodding, leaning in
• Tone and timing: adjusting speech volume, not interrupting

You can explain these gently through examples or even use videos or TV scenes to demonstrate social dos and don’ts.

6. Encourage Self-Awareness and Reflection

Ask questions that promote reflection, such as:

• “How did that conversation feel to you?”
• “What part made you nervous?”
• “Was there anything you wish you said differently?”

This helps them process interactions and identify patterns. Encourage journaling about their social experiences so they can track progress and build confidence.

7. Support Their Interests and Hobbies

Helping someone connect through shared interests makes socializing easier and more natural. Encourage them to join clubs, online communities, or local groups that align with their passions—whether it’s art, gaming, sports, or volunteering.

Having a common topic to talk about reduces the pressure and helps build genuine relationships.

8. Normalize Mistakes and Laugh Them Off

Everyone makes social blunders—say the wrong thing, forget someone’s name, or tell a bad joke. Remind the person that these moments are human and not a big deal.

If they fumble, you can say, “That happens to me all the time,” or “No worries, I thought it was funny!” This reduces their fear of failure and encourages resilience.

9. Celebrate Small Wins

Did they start a conversation? Speak up in a group? Make a new friend? Acknowledge their progress. Even tiny steps are worth celebrating. You might say:

• “You handled that really well!”
• “I noticed you asked that guy about his weekend—that was awesome.”

Positive reinforcement builds self-esteem and encourages them to keep trying.

10. Recommend Professional Help if Needed

Sometimes, social awkwardness is part of a larger issue like social anxiety disorder, autism spectrum disorder, or trauma. If the person is seriously struggling—e.g., avoiding social interaction entirely or experiencing panic—gently suggest talking to a therapist or counselor.

You can say, “You’re not alone in this. Talking to someone trained in social skills could really help.” Offer to help them find a mental health professional if they’re open to it.

Conclusion

Helping someone be less socially awkward is not about changing who they are—it's about helping them feel more at ease, confident, and connected in social situations. Through empathy, gentle coaching, and encouragement, you can play a vital role in their personal growth. Remember, progress takes time, but every kind word and supportive moment helps them become a little more confident every day.

If you know someone who struggles socially, don’t ignore it—reach out with kindness, patience, and positivity. Your support can make a lasting difference in their life.