Five traps to avoid when starting communication with others

【小题1】 But you’re not the only one. If you’re worried about seeming confident or “natural”, you’re missing the point: Stop thinking about yourself. Instead, think of reaching out as an act of service.

If you’re talking to someone new, it’s generally best not to talk about weighty, embarrassing topics. For starters, aim for something simple and close at hand that you and the other person can observe together. 【小题2】

Once you’ve made a connection with each other, keep that connection going by making yourself easy to understand.

If you speak different languages, for example, slow your speech and pronounce clearly. If they ask you what you do for work, answer in a way that doesn’t take five minutes or use a lot of workplace terms.

It’s often said that people love to talk about themselves, and that asking questions is the secret ingredient to good conversations. But that’s not true for everyone. 【小题4】 so if you sense that questions aren’t welcome, back off.

If you’re talking to someone, talk to them. Don’t stare at the floor or look over their shoulder at another person. Put your phone away.【小题5】.

Being sophisticated(见多识广的，老练的) can get you respect from the adults and other teenagers at your school. 【小题1】 Being sophisticated means paying attention to how you dress, how you act and how you treat others. It might take a bit of effort, but you’ll end up being a confident, cultured person.

【小题2】 Conversations are often filled with interruptions, and many people listen only when they can put in their own piece. If you want to stand out as a more sophisticated talker, spend more time listening in a conversation than you do in speaking. Listening properly means listening actively. Ask questions where needed and show that you’re listening to what someone is saying.

Put other people’s needs ahead of your own. 【小题3】 Rather than put yourself first in every situation, consider how you should tread others. A perfect example of this is allowing the elderly to take your seat on a crowded bus or subway.

Dress for the occasion. Your clothes should meet the expectations of a specific event. For example, if you are attending a wedding, you’ll want to have your finest suit on. In most situations, like a night out with friends, smart casual clothes are enough. You don’t need to wear a suit or a fancy dress to every occasion. 【小题4】

Maintain a good posture(姿势). Having a good posture is helpful to your overall image. 【小题5】 To maintain a good posture, imagine that ice water is poured down your check, forcing you to straighten as you react to the cold.

Your teen years are a time to learn about yourself and start thinking about your future. Doing well in school and leading a healthy life will make you happier and more likely to succeed. 【小题1】

Become a curious reader.

【小题2】They can be anything from poetry to novels and comics(漫画). Just get reading! If you don’t know where to start, ask the librarian for suggestions based on your interests.

【小题3】

Do your homework, show up for class on time and keep your schoolwork organized. These will help you turn in assignment (任务) on time. During class, pay attention and ask questions to further your understanding of the material.

Take part in extra-curricular activities you enjoy.

Make your extra-curricular activities a chance for you to relax. Maybe you don’t know what activities are suitable for you. 【小题4】 You can always find classes at school or beyond. Also, you can use the activities to make your voice heard.

Set realistic academic and personal goals.

Set realistic goals for yourself to feel a sense of accomplishment(成就感) regarding your school and personal life. For example, in study, you might set a goal to achieve “A” in all subjects. 【小题5】 As for personal goals, you might set an intention to get really good at shooting 3-point shots. Or you can learn how to bake bread.