Dealing with Social Awkwardness: Insights from TEDx Speaker Ty Tashiro

[Introduction]

Host: Dr. Keith Chapin (KC) Licensed Psychologist, Host of "The VerywellMind Podcast"

Guest: Ty Tashiro (TT) Author, Social Scientist, Relationship Expert

[Segment 1: Understanding Social Awkwardness]

KC: Ty, welcome to the show. Let's talk about social awkwardness, a common concern for many people. Can you shed some light on the science behind it?

TT: Absolutely. Social awkwardness encompasses a wide range of experiences. Broadly speaking, there are two categories of individuals:

1. Taught Social Awkwardness: These individuals learn to be socially awkward from their upbringings or social conditioning.

2. Difficulty with Social Interaction: This group genuinely struggles with understanding and navigating social situations, leading to awkward interactions.

[Segment 2: Acceptance and Learning]

KC: How can individuals start to deal with their social awkwardness?

TT: The first step is acceptance. Embrace where you are in your social journey. Recognizing your awkwardness is a starting point, not a flaw.

The second step is learning. Social skills are like muscles—they can be strengthened through practice. Seek out opportunities to engage in social interactions, both small and large.

[Segment 3: Strategies for Improving Social Skills]

KC: Can you provide some specific strategies for improving social skills?

TT: Certainly. Here are a few strategies you can try:

1. Practice and Exposure: Put yourself in situations where you need to interact with others. Whether it's joining a club, taking a group fitness class, or simply striking up conversations with strangers, practice makes progress.

2. Reframe Your Perspective: View awkward moments as opportunities for growth, not as failures. Each interaction holds a lesson.

[Segment 4: Embracing Awkwardness]

KC: Many people fear awkwardness. How can individuals learn to embrace it?

TT: Embrace awkward moments as part of life. Everyone experiences them, and that's okay. Rather than self-criticism, reflect on awkward situations to identify what you can learn and how you can grow.

[Segment 5: Overcoming Fear of Social Situations]

KC: Fear of awkwardness can hold people back from engaging in social situations. What advice do you have for overcoming this fear?

TT: Recognizing that fear is a hindrance is the first step. Accept that awkwardness is a part of life, and focus on learning and growing from these moments. Embrace the challenge of social interactions rather than avoiding them.

[Segment 6: Study on Fear and Acceptance of Awkwardness]

KC: Are there any studies that highlight the impact of fear and acceptance of awkwardness on social behavior?

TT: Yes, there's a study by Nicole Sкейnchev that explored the negative impact of fear of awkwardness on social behavior. Her research found that individuals who feared awkwardness experienced more negative social experiences compared to those who accepted it.

[Segment 7: Action and Persistence]

KC: Is consistency important in improving social skills?

TT: Absolutely. Persistent effort and consistent practice are crucial. Don't be discouraged if you don't see immediate results—stick with it. Over time, you'll notice a significant difference in your comfort and adeptness in social settings.

[Conclusion]

KC: Ty, thank you for joining us and sharing your insights on dealing with social awkwardness. How can listeners connect with you and learn more?

TT: I'm glad to help. You can find me on Twitter @TyTashiro and visit my website at www.tytashiro.com for more resources on social skills and relationships.

Remember, embracing and practicing acceptance of awkwardness is key to improving your social skills and enjoying social interactions.