Social skills Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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social skills

[ˈsəʊʃəl skɪlz ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

interpersonal communication

Social skills refer to the ability to interact with others in a positive and effective manner. This includes communication skills, emotional intelligence, empathy, and the ability to build and maintain relationships.

Synonyms

communication skills, interpersonal skills, people skills.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
social skills	These are abilities that help someone interact and communicate effectively with others in social settings, both casual and formal. Useful in broad social environments such as gatherings, parties, or community events. She has great social skills and always knows how to start a conversation at parties. Developing social skills can help you make new friends.
interpersonal skills	These encompass a range of abilities that enable someone to build and maintain positive relationships with others. Important in teamwork, conflict resolution, and customer service roles. Strong interpersonal skills can help resolve conflicts in the workplace. Her interpersonal skills make her a natural leader.
communication skills	These skills focus specifically on the ability to convey information clearly and effectively, both verbally and non-verbally. Important in professional settings, presentations, and everyday conversations. Effective communication skills are essential for team leaders. He worked on his communication skills to excel in his sales job.
people skills	Similar to interpersonal skills but more colloquial, this term refers to the ability to interact well with others, often emphasized in customer service and team-based environments. Good people skills are essential in a customer-facing job. His people skills helped him win the trust of his clients quickly.

Examples of usage

Having good social skills can help you succeed in both your personal and professional life.
Social skills are important for making new friends and networking.
Effective social skills involve active listening and understanding non-verbal cues.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

Social skills are essential for building relationships; they help people express feelings and understand others.
Children learn these skills through play, where they practice sharing and taking turns with others.
Good social skills can lead to better academic performance, as interacting with peers fosters learning.

Cultural Perspectives

Different cultures have unique social norms; for example, maintaining eye contact is respectful in some cultures but can be considered rude in others.
In some societies, non-verbal cues like body language play a vital role in communication, often conveying more than spoken words.
Hospitality and greeting rituals vary widely around the world, showcasing the importance of social interactions in different communities.

Education

Many schools emphasize social skills through programs like cooperative learning, where students work together to solve problems.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) curricula are designed to teach skills like empathy, teamwork, and effective communication from a young age.
Extracurricular activities, like drama or sports, enhance social skills by encouraging teamwork and interaction with peers.

Technology

Social skills are increasingly important in digital communication, where tone and context can be easily misinterpreted.
Online platforms often have etiquette guidelines to encourage respectful interaction and prevent cyberbullying.
Social skills can be practiced through role-playing in virtual environments, helping to bridge real-life interactions.

Literature

Many stories, especially in young adult literature, focus on characters developing their social skills through overcoming challenges.
Authors often portray the importance of friendship and communication, illustrating how these abilities impact the characters' journeys.
Classic tales frequently highlight protagonists who learn to cooperate and empathize with others as a key part of their development.

Origin of 'social skills'

The concept of social skills dates back to early psychological research on human behavior and interaction. It has been recognized as a crucial aspect of socialization and adaptation to society. Over time, the importance of social skills has become more prominent in various fields, including education, psychology, and business.