Article: Your facial expressions, body position, as well as the tone of voice can all impact how funny you seem. Use your body language to give others a positive first impression and make you seem more outgoing and approachable. Try some of the following signals to alert others that you are interested in approaching them and having a conversation: Flash your eyebrows upwards Offer your hand in a handshake Open your arms for a hug Smile Make eye contact Stand in the center or close to the center of the room It may be difficult to overcome social anxieties and walk up to someone, but this is one of the best ways not only to be more outgoing, but also more approachable. Although this may seem counterintuitive, if you show your willingness to walk up to someone and introduce yourself, it may help the person relax. In turn, this can spark conversations as well as build your confidence. Glance around the room or space you are in and see if there are any potential conversation mates. Make eye contact with the person and slowly walk up to them. Watch the other person's body language as you approach her. If she crosses her arms or looks away, this may be a sign she isn't interested in chatting with you. Simple move on and find another person who looks approachable and interesting to you. You can help yourself be more outgoing by starting conversations in any situation. It may be difficult at first, but the more often you strike up chats, the easier it will get and the more relaxed you may appear. This also sends the signal to other people that you are open, outgoing, and approachable. Talk to people in your general vicinity, even if they're complete strangers. Whether you're at a work conference or family picnic, look to the people around you as potential conversation partners. Cue them with your body language that you're interested in chatting. Keep conversation topics commensurate with the situation. For example, don't talk about your personal life at a work conference and don't use a wedding to vent about your job. Whether you're with new people or old friends, you might be a bit apprehensive to actually join a conversation or activity. Break the ice with a joke or statement to relieve any tension and make people happy. Think of lighthearted or funny things to say in advance. Make sure it's appropriate for the situation. For example, if you're with people you don't know, you could say "No wonder it's so warm in here, there are a lot of lobbyists blowing hot air." In situation where you know the people, you could exclaim "The grill master has arrived." Offer a compliment, which can relax other people and make them happy. This can then make it easier for you to be more outgoing. For example, you could say "You have the most beautiful red hair" or "That's a handsome watch you're wearing." Let the person or group know who you are, even if you're already acquainted. This can cue people that you're approachable and welcome conversations. Let the person know your name and something about yourself if you don't know him. For example, try "Hi, I'm Jack and I love to swim. I come to this beach a couple of times a week and haven't ever seen you here. What's your name and do you enjoy this beach or swimming, too?" Repeat the person's name to help you remember it and show your interest. For example, say "Hi Christopher, it's great to meet you! Are you headed into the water?" Be honest with people you know. You can say something such as "Hey there, this the new Emily. I'm trying to be more outgoing with people and get out of my shell." You might find that your friends, family, or even acquaintances will take this cue to help you to be more outgoing with invitations or seeking conversations with you. You can keep a conversation going by giving your thoughts and opinions. However, remember to keep the mood as light as possible so the conversation doesn't end or you alienate your chat buddy. Find a common interest you have with the person and talk about that. You can say something like "can you believe what's going on in the cycling world right now? It's insanity!" Allow the conversation to flow as naturally as possible between different types of subjects. Make sure that each person is speaking equally, which can build your confidence and help you be more outgoing in conversations. Feel free to express your opinions in a way that includes your conversation partner. For example, you could say "I've noticed that prices at our local supermarket have really increased and as much as I like to support small business, I'm not sure I can afford to keep shopping there. Have you had this experience, too?" Host a small party or evening out or take someone up on her offer to get together, especially if these are not activities that you normally do. Getting out and interacting with other people can help you be more outgoing and relaxed. It also includes an element of risk. Put together a dinner party or organize a small gathering at a restaurant. Invite a mix of people from your social and/ or professional circles. This will put you at the center of attention as host and force you to talk to every person and start conversations among the group. Invite someone you'd like to know better to coffee or lunch. Follow up on your time together with another meeting and see if a friendship blossoms. Accept the invitations others extend to you. This may give you the chance to meet new people and work on being more outgoing. Remember that not accepting invitations multiple times sends a message that you're not interested. It may lead to your exclusion from fun activities. One of the hallmarks of an outgoing individual is that they are not quiet around strangers and talk to a lot of different people in any situation. Take the opportunity at personal or professional events to engage in conversations with different people. It may not be easy at first, but the more often you do this, the easier it will get. Ease yourself next to a person or into a group. Listen to anything they might be saying and move in by saying, "May I move in a bit? I'm really interested in the conversation." Introduce yourself to an individual within a group. She may then incorporate you into the group and/or conversation.
What is a summary of what this article is about?
Project positivity with body language. Approach other people. Strike up conversations. Use an icebreaker. Introduce yourself. Express your thoughts. Extend and accept invitations. Circulate among different groups.