8 Ways To ‘Read The Room’ When You’re Feeling Socially Awkward

Some people “read the room” easily, while some don’t. One thing that the most charismatic, compelling people have in common is their ability to read a room, but it’s a skill that often requires honing.

This skill gives them the ability to sense what people need in any social situation, so they know how to interact and put people at ease.

Now, with the extra layer of needing to interpret others virtually sometimes, it can be even more nuanced than ever. You might even start feeling awkward.

As a world, we’re reaching a social crisis. Stress, loneliness, uncertainty, and political divide are just some of the recent demands influencing our ability to read the room.

You may have been good at reading the room before, but now, it’s difficult. In addition, there are also self-regulation issues around being a good co-worker.

In this new emotionally-charged climate, you need to take perspective more than ever.

What does it mean to “read the room”?

When you read the room, you scan the room to interpret energy, facial expressions, and context.

What’s going on in the room, lives of people, and the world as a whole?

This works both virtually and in person. The ability to effectively read the room allows you to better adapt to varied situations, read non-verbal cues, and better tailor your message.

Spy on Your Surroundings

Exercise: Go on “field trips.” Visit stores, coffee shops, etc., and ask yourself, “Who’s ‘in charge and giving out orders’? Who is ‘grumpy’?”

Even with masks on, you can see eyes and hear dialogue and tone of voice.

What are the elements involved when you read the room? Here are the 8 steps to do it.

Read the full article on YourTango.