Social Content

It doesn’t matter what you don’t say. The only thing that matters is what you do say.

Don’t try to fill in conversation voids with meaningless information or observations. Constantly pay attention to the social context and topic and try to add material that contributes towards it. Some socially competitive people will view those who aren’t constantly trying to increase their status as socially oblivious, or a fool.

The following areas help increase your status:

• Stories. Stories are very powerful tools to connect with others. Tell stories that are relevant. Match the length of the story with its meaningfulness, relevance, and interest. Your status will be raised by the degree to which you are personally involved with the event.
• Humor. Most people like to laugh, and like to keep people close who can cheer them up. Jokes, impersonations, funny anecdotes, and witty observations (with good timing) work best.
• Performances. Displays of talent will make most people think more highly of you. Don’t do this out of context (or too much) or people will think you’re a show-off. Examples include magic, singing, playing an instrument, dancing, acrobatics, combat sparing, etc.
• Games. Social situations can get boring quickly, so be a star by providing entertainment that can last an hour or two. Examples include card games, drinking games, board games, name games, etc. More on this topic at a later date.
• Helpful information and observations. Chose topics with immediate benefit and interest.
• Political, moral, or spiritual observations and theories. Be VERY careful with this. Only bring this up when the mood is right (rarely), and be careful not to put down someone else’s views.
• Leadership. Many people are looking to do something and accomplish something with their lives. Offer ideas and strategies for political causes, life direction, or pranks. Your leadership will have more power if you are respected and trusted, so only try this when you’ve gotten to know the people around you.