Be observant from "summary" of How to Be Witty: the Ultimate Guide to Becoming More Clever, Charming, and Engaging with People by Clayton Geoffreys
Having an eye for detail can help you make astute observations about people and situations. Learning to be more attentive and mindful of your surroundings can equip you with the skills to create meaningful connections with others. Being observant can also help build your confidence and become more engaging.- Being observant means to pay attention to the surroundings and be aware of what's going on around us. Keeping track of seemingly mundane details can have huge impacts on our career and relationships. By focusing on our environment, whether at work or elsewhere, we can pick up on subtle cues which will help jumpstart conversations and lead us towards meaningful interactions.
- A good exercise in becoming more observant is to find a spot that's not too crowded and observe the people sitting there. Once you can start to notice some small things about them, it'll be easy to form connections with them as you go through life. These observations don't need to be too complicated either—as long as you're able spot something interesting or noteworthy, you'll likely succeed in being more observant.
- Practicing your observation skills doesn’t need to be a completely intentional endeavor—in fact, it should be part of your regular routine. Looking out for everyday things like facial expressions, body language, and atmosphere can give you an extra edge when interacting with others since you’re better informed from the get go about who they are.
- Taking stock of the little habits that individuals have can be the key to forming more meaningful relationships. Believe it or not, the act of watching someone when no one else is can surprisingly make you closer to them. Whether they bring tea during their lunch break or greet people with a handshake, paying attention to these kinds of idiosyncratic behaviors can unlock conversation topics as well as show others you’re trying to learn more about them.
- When it comes to making new connections, the more observant person stands to benefit most. However, don’t mistake observing with judging. Be actively aware of what’s going on while also being respectful of those around you—the secret to success is understanding others without privileging yourself.
