[SunlightEdge]

For those who think they are decent at socializing, one book that may extend your skill further is ' Never split the difference'. Its a book about negotiating, but I think it does teach some key skills. Mirroring for example where you literally repeat back the last few words a person has said, I've found unexpectedly super useful - it almost allows people to expand on what they are saying and helps them go deeper into things. Basically the book (and other tools) has helped me become a better listener (I have always been decent at the talking side). https://www.amazon.co.uk/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-...

Note: I only 'mirror' 2-3 times in a conversation. I've found over using it makes it have less impact. But that's just me.

[testycool]

That's my experience as well. I just ask questions or talk to you like we are trying to find out more about whatever it is you are talking about.

And the book gives you a few useful tools to do that.

[matwood]

There's also the classic 'How to Win Friends and Influence People'. Many later books are rehashing of parts of HTWFAIP.

[SunlightEdge]

Agreed that is a classic - I think the essentials are true but the language is a bit dated. Definitely "trying to think positively about people and their actions/understand them", and giving people "a sense of importance" are very helpful social skills.