I was wondering if anyone had any tips/advice/etc on communicating with other people?

I tend to have a problem communicating effectively with people. Talking to people I don't know is not something that I enjoy, but I realize that I need to be better at it than I am. My fiancee says that sometimes (in these situations) I act like I am better than the other person, or that I don't care about the topic, or I just seem rude. I do not mean to do any of these things, and it has never really bothered me before, but I think my lack of these communication skills is a big part of what cost me a spot in vet school. I have a phone appointment with the school to talk about my application and interview and how I can improve my application/interview for next time. I would really like any tips/advice/information to help me with my people skills/communication skills.I was wondering if anyone had any tips/advice/etc on communicating with other people?
Lots of folks sometimes talk more bluntly or 'holier than thou' than they intend, but you're engaged so you're obviously not socially inept :)


But my advice is seriously think about how your opinons count in the long run - which is as much as everyone elses. The best way to talk to other people isn't to force opinions on them or say they're wrong or right (make a conscious effort to never be objective with people), but to take whatever positive you can from what they're saying - or atleast ask yourself if you can see some truth in what they're saying - whether they're talking about faith, plastic surgery, or television shows. Try and just be as respectful to their opinions as you can, and I find, listening is often better than talking for helping to get to know folks, and offering advice and all of that. I don't know you but you seem intelligent, so I'm sure you'll get your vet school place. After all animals don't care what you say, just how you say it :)I was wondering if anyone had any tips/advice/etc on communicating with other people?
You might be able to enlist your fiancee; get him to signal you when you do these things, so you know exactly the moment you do them.





A bit of a smile can help.





Some people do have a way of talking that's off-putting, and seems superior -- flat, making statements (sometimes it's things everyone knows, so your saying it sounds like you think everyone's a moron; sometimes it's flatly contradicting people -- even though you're right, it's better to put things in a less ';correctly your idiocy'; thing, and inject a little uncertainty into it).





Maybe your fiancee can find a TV show or movie of someone who does the same thing as you. You might then be able to see what it is you're doing.
I have the same problem - sometimes I seem rude or don't care when talking to people - it has to do with vocal tone, body language, etc. Sometimes the way you say something means all the difference. If you perceive yourself to be that way, then perhaps you can talk less and listen more. Be positive. Keep the flow of the conversation, even though you may feel inside that you want to bring up something tangential. If you feel very strongly about something, that may be the best time to stay quiet. (i know this is not an ideal way to have to be.....but it pleases others....it is boring to conform, but if you have to get into vet school, it may be the way you have to be in an interview). Best of luck to you