Social health plays a crucial role in our overall well-being. More and more research highlights strong correlations between community, a sense of belonging, and resilience. We saw this firsthand during the isolation phase of COVID-19—the impact on both mental and physical health was undeniable. Even now, the effects of that relatively short period of isolation linger, influencing how we communicate and connect with others.
Communication is a universal skill with far-reaching benefits. Yet, strangely, it’s not something many of us receive structured guidance on—unless we enter a job that explicitly demands it. Today’s post will explore four simple communication tricks to keep in mind when engaging with others. Whether these ideas are new to you or something you’ve considered before, actively applying them will help you build stronger relationships, which, in turn, will improve your social health.
Why Social Health Matters
Your social health is about more than just the relationships you have—it’s about the quality of those connections and how they impact both your life and the lives of others. Simply having a large social circle or a big family doesn’t necessarily equate to a healthy social life. Healthy social connections are built on mutual support, encouragement, and a shared drive to grow into the best versions of ourselves.
A quote from Mark Manson’s The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* has always stuck with me:
“A healthy relationship is when two people solve their own problems in order to feel good about each other. Its not about giving a fuck about everything your partner gives a fuck about; it’s about giving a fuck about your partner regardless of the fucks he or she gives. That’s unconditional love.”
I highly recommend this book to anyone—especially if you find yourself overthinking things a lot, or getting caught up in neurotic loops. But back to the point: Social health is about cultivating relationships where you uplift each other. It’s about finding people who inspire you to make positive changes and encouraging those qualities in return. In doing so, you’ll reduce stress, increase resilience, and even boost your chances of living a longer, healthier life.
Let me share a quick personal example. A few months ago, a colleague reached out to help me navigate continuing education in my profession as a healthcare provider. Their communication skills were remarkable—they quickly established trust, built rapport, and fostered an engaging yet supportive discussion. One of their key pieces of advice was to focus on improving how I communicate with my patients. If you try incorporating the four tricks I’ll outline next into your daily interactions—whether they’re new to you or just need fine-tuning—you might be surprised at how much they can enhance your own social health. Let’s dive in!
4 Communication Tricks to Improve Your Social Health
Trick # 1: Ask Open-Ended Questions
This communication technique is a cornerstone of effective dialogue and one of the most valuable tools I’ve learned as a healthcare professional. Whether I was training to be a Personal Trainer, Kinesiologist, or RMT, the importance of asking open-ended questions was always emphasized. Why? Because it drives conversations forward, creating opportunities for deeper, more meaningful exchanges.
The goal is simple: phrase your questions in a way that avoids yes or no responses. When you take a moment to thoughtfully craft your question, you encourage the other person to reflect and share something more significant. Not only does this show genuine interest in their thoughts, but it also highlights the value you place on their opinions and ideas.
Example:
When your significant other comes home, skip the simple “Did you have a good day?” Instead, try, “What was the most interesting part of your day?” This alternative opens the door for meaningful sharing and demonstrates your curiosity about their experiences.
Trick # 2: Listen Actively
Nothing halts a conversation faster than a distracted listener. Even when you think you’re paying attention, others can sense when your focus is elsewhere. Imagine the last time you were excitedly sharing a story or idea, only to notice the person you were speaking to flicking their eyes to their phone or fidgeting as if eager to leave. It’s discouraging, isn’t it? Even if they genuinely care about what you’re saying, their actions convey the opposite, ruining that magical moment of sharing a passion.
Active listening is one of the simplest yet most impactful ways to show you care about the person you’re speaking with. Start by muting your phone and putting it out of sight. Then, focus your attention fully on your conversational partner—look them in the eye, use gestures that show you’re following along, and respond thoughtfully to what they’re saying. These small, intentional actions signal that their words matter and create a welcoming environment for meaningful conversation.
Example:
The next time someone is telling a story and you feel the itch to check your phone, resist the urge. Turn off the sound and vibrate, then place it face down on the table or tuck it away in your pocket. Use body language like smiling, nodding, and turning to fully face your partner. You’ll find that this simple act enhances the conversation’s quality—your companion will feel more valued and trusted, making them far more willing to share and keep the dialogue engaging.
Trick # 3: Dont Hog the Spotlight
Earlier in this post, I highlighted the importance of building relationships that inspire and uplift you. This technique is one of the most powerful ways to foster such relationships. At first, it might feel counterintuitive—especially for those of us with neurotic tendencies or a natural inclination to share—but focusing the majority of the conversation on the other person can actually benefit you far more than you give.
When you allow conversations to center around others, you create a dynamic where they feel valued and heard. This makes dialogue flow more naturally and relieves you from feeling pressured to “carry” the interaction. The result? Those same people will seek you out for more conversations, offering you greater opportunities to connect—and more space to share your thoughts when the time is right.
Example:
Let’s say someone asks you about your outfit. Instead of taking 10 minutes to explain every detail, try giving them a “preview”—share a brief insight or funny anecdote about the outfit, then shift the focus back to them. Ask what their thoughts are, or if they have any advice or ideas related to your style. By doing this, you make the conversation engaging and reciprocal, while strengthening their impression of your attentiveness.
Trick # 4: Share With Purpose
For some, sharing comes all too easily. We jump at every opportunity to talk about our lives and experiences. While this instinct comes from a genuine desire to connect, it can sometimes lead to oversharing. Of course, your friends and family care about you—they want to support you and hear about your life. However, if you don’t filter what you share, you risk overwhelming them and unintentionally draining their emotional energy.
This isn’t to say you should repress your thoughts or hide your emotions. Rather, it’s about being mindful of when and how you share. Ask yourself: Does sharing this right now serve a meaningful purpose? For instance, are you in genuine need of advice or help? Does interjecting your own experience in the middle of someone else’s story enhance the conversation? Or could it wait for a more appropriate moment? By asking these questions, you ensure that the moments when you do share are impactful and meaningful.
When you share with purpose, your words become more valuable. The people around you will come to see your input as something worth listening to, rather than feeling overwhelmed by constant oversharing. It’s about quality over quantity—creating a space where your thoughts and stories are truly appreciated.
Example:
Imagine someone is excitedly telling a story about a vacation they were on recently. Instad of immediately interupting them with “Oh, I’ve been there too!” and shifting the spotlight, consider holding back and letting them finish. Maybe even prompt them for more insights about their experience. When the moment feels right, you can share your connection to the story in a way that builds on the dialogue for both of you – rather than shifting the focus onto yourself. This will add value to your contribution, leaving a more positive impression.
Your Turn to Start the Conversation
You’ve now got four simple communication tips ready to transform your interactions. Building stronger, more meaningful relationships takes time and effort, but the rewards are well worth it. With consistent practice, you’ll notice real changes in how you engage with friends, family, coworkers, and even strangers.
As you go into your next conversation, challenge yourself to focus on just one of these tricks. Maybe you’ll ask open-ended questions that spark deeper dialogue, listen actively with your full attention, or shift the spotlight to let someone else shine. Pay attention to how these adjustments change the tone of the conversation. Does the trick resonate differently with one person compared to another? Does the setting influence the impact?
Every interaction you have is an opportunity to strengthen your relationships and create meaningful connections. Which of these tips are you excited to try first? Better yet, do you have your own favorite communication technique that’s helped you improve your social health? Share your thoughts in the comments—I’d love to hear your insights and keep this conversation alive.
