Want to know how to become more extroverted? Being extroverted isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about embracing new experiences, developing strong social skills, and stepping outside of your comfort zone. While some people naturally exhibit extroverted traits, others may need to put in more effort to bring out their social side. The good news is that becoming more extroverted is possible with small steps and a mindset shift.
If you’re looking to expand your social circle, gain confidence, and engage more comfortably in social situations, this list of 15 ways to become more extroverted will help you navigate different settings with ease.
15 Ways to Be More Extroverted
1. Start Small with Social Interactions
If social gatherings make you anxious, ease into it by making minor adjustments. Engage in brief small talk with a coworker, ask a cashier how their day is going, or compliment someone’s outfit. For example, if you’re in an elevator with a colleague, mention the weather or ask about their weekend. These small steps help build confidence and make future conversations feel more natural. Start with just one new interaction per day—whether that’s greeting a stranger or asking for an opinion—and gradually build from there.
Over time, these micro-interactions train your brain to see socializing as less intimidating. They also help establish a habit of engaging with others without overthinking. As you build confidence, you’ll find that striking up conversations feels more natural, even in larger social settings. Think of each small step as a building block toward becoming more comfortable in group settings.
2. Make Eye Contact and Smile
Eye contact is crucial for confident social interactions, but it can feel intimidating. If direct eye contact is difficult, try looking between the person’s eyebrows. This trick creates the illusion of eye contact while reducing discomfort. Smiling also helps, as it makes you appear more approachable and friendly. The next time you enter a social setting, make a habit of maintaining eye contact for a few seconds when greeting people. Over time, this practice will feel more natural and improve your ability to connect with others.
Practicing eye contact in low-pressure situations can help build confidence. Try maintaining eye contact when thanking a cashier, nodding at a passing coworker, or during short, friendly exchanges. As you get more comfortable, you can increase the duration of eye contact in conversations, which helps build trust and rapport with others.
3. One of the BIG Ways to Be More Extroverted is Accept More Social Invitations
A great way to become more extroverted is to say yes to social events. Even if you feel hesitant, showing up to a happy hour, a birthday party, or a networking event will help strengthen your social skills. You don’t have to stay the whole time—just attending and having a few conversations will build your confidence. If large gatherings feel overwhelming, start with smaller groups where you can engage more comfortably. Each time you accept an invitation, the next one will feel easier, making socializing a more natural habit.
If social anxiety makes it hard to accept invitations, try setting a time limit for how long you’ll stay. For example, tell yourself you’ll go for just 30 minutes. Often, once you’re there and engaged in conversation, you’ll feel more at ease and may even decide to stay longer. Over time, these experiences will reinforce the idea that social events are enjoyable rather than stressful.
4. Step Outside of Your Comfort Zone: One of the Much Needed Ways to Be More Extroverted
Personal growth happens when you push yourself to try new things. If you’re used to staying in your comfort zone, challenge yourself by attending events or engaging in activities that involve new people. Join a dance class, attend a networking event, or volunteer for a community project. Even if it feels uncomfortable at first, exposing yourself to different social settings will make you more adaptable and confident in conversations.
Trying new experiences helps rewire your brain to be more comfortable in unfamiliar situations. Think of it as training—every time you step into a social situation that’s a little outside your comfort zone, you’re strengthening your social resilience. Over time, your comfort zone will naturally expand, making socializing much easier.
5. Develop Active Listening Skills
Being a great conversationalist isn’t just about talking—it’s about listening. Show genuine interest by nodding, asking follow-up questions, and maintaining eye contact. For example, if someone tells you about their recent trip to Italy, instead of just saying “That’s cool,” ask them what their favorite part was or if they tried any local dishes. Being an active listener makes people feel valued, which in turn makes them more likely to continue engaging with you.
Active listening helps take the pressure off feeling like you need to be the one carrying the conversation. Instead of worrying about what to say next, focus on what the other person is saying and respond accordingly. This shift in mindset helps ease social anxiety while making interactions more meaningful.
6. Initiate Conversations More Often
Take the first step by saying hello, making a comment about a shared experience, or asking a question about a particular topic. Over time, initiating conversations will become a natural personality trait. Next time you’re in an elevator with a colleague, try mentioning something lighthearted about the day instead of standing in silence. An easy trick is to make observational comments, such as “Looks like it might rain later” or “That’s a great coffee mug—where did you get it?” These small openings lead to bigger conversations and help you feel more at ease when initiating interactions.
As you practice starting conversations, you’ll notice patterns in how people respond. You may even develop go-to icebreakers that work well in different situations. With time, initiating conversations will feel like second nature rather than an effort.
7. Ways to Be More Extroverted: Join Group Activities or Clubs
Participating in group activities is an excellent way to naturally become more extroverted. Clubs, sports teams, book groups, or hobby meetups provide structured opportunities to socialize without the pressure of small talk. Engaging in a shared interest helps take the focus off social anxiety and places it on the activity itself, making interactions feel more organic.
Joining group activities also introduces you to like-minded individuals, making it easier to form deeper connections. If you’re unsure where to start, look for local groups on platforms like Meetup, Facebook, or community bulletin boards. The more frequently you participate, the more comfortable you’ll become in group settings, gradually increasing your extroverted tendencies.
8. Use Social Media as a Stepping Stone
If in-person interactions feel overwhelming, social media can help bridge the gap. Engaging in online discussions, joining forums, or participating in virtual communities allows you to practice social skills in a lower-pressure environment before transitioning to real-world conversations. Commenting on posts, engaging in group discussions, and messaging mutual connections can help you warm up to socializing.
While social media is useful, it’s essential to eventually translate those interactions into face-to-face engagement. Use online connections as a launching pad—suggest meeting for coffee, attending an event together, or joining a local gathering. The more you integrate virtual interactions into real-world settings, the easier it becomes to navigate social environments.
9. Practice Public Speaking
Public speaking can feel intimidating, but it’s one of the most effective ways to build confidence and develop extroverted tendencies. Joining a group like Toastmasters or volunteering to present during meetings can help you get comfortable with speaking in front of others. Public speaking forces you to engage with an audience, make eye contact, and express your thoughts clearly, all of which contribute to developing stronger social skills.
The more you practice, the easier it gets. Start small by speaking up in group discussions, offering your thoughts in meetings, or even practicing storytelling with friends. These experiences help you become more comfortable in social settings and improve your ability to connect with people in various situations.
10. Learn to Handle Rejection
Fear of rejection often holds people back from socializing, but rejection is a normal part of life. Not every conversation will lead to a deep connection, and that’s okay. Learning to handle rejection in a healthy way allows you to put yourself out there without the constant worry of being judged.
A helpful way to deal with rejection is to reframe your perspective. Instead of seeing rejection as a failure, view it as a learning experience. Each social interaction provides valuable insight into what works and what doesn’t. Over time, as you become more comfortable with occasional rejection, your confidence in social situations will naturally grow.
11. Improve Your Body Language
Nonverbal communication plays a significant role in how people perceive you. Open body language, such as keeping your shoulders back, making eye contact, and using expressive gestures, can make you appear more confident and approachable. People are naturally drawn to those who exude positive energy, and improving your body language can help you build stronger social connections.
If you’re unsure how to adjust your body language, try practicing in front of a mirror or recording yourself speaking. Watching how you move and adjusting your posture can make a big difference in how others respond to you. The more you practice, the more natural these behaviors will become.
12. Ask More Questions
One of the easiest ways to keep a conversation going is by showing genuine interest in the other person. Asking open-ended questions encourages others to share more about themselves, which helps build a natural flow in conversations. Instead of asking simple yes-or-no questions, try asking about experiences, opinions, or favorite activities.
For example, instead of asking, “Did you have a good weekend?” try, “What was the best part of your weekend?” This small shift makes a significant difference in making conversations more engaging and meaningful. People love talking about themselves, and when you show curiosity, they’ll be more likely to enjoy interacting with you.
13. Spend More Time in Social Settings
One of the best ways to become more extroverted is to expose yourself to social settings regularly. The more time you spend in environments where people interact, the more natural socializing will feel. You don’t have to be the center of attention—just being around people and observing how they engage can help you feel more comfortable.
Consider visiting places like coffee shops, co-working spaces, or community events where you can casually interact with others. Over time, simply being in social environments will help you feel less anxious and more prepared to participate in conversations when opportunities arise.
14. Find an Extroverted Friend
Surrounding yourself with extroverted people can naturally help you become more outgoing. Extroverted friends can serve as social role models, showing you how to navigate conversations, engage with new people, and carry yourself with confidence. By observing their behaviors and joining them in social outings, you’ll have a supportive way to ease into more social situations.
Ask an extroverted friend if you can tag along to events or gatherings. Pay attention to how they start conversations, introduce themselves, and handle different social scenarios. Over time, you’ll absorb some of their extroverted tendencies and feel more comfortable stepping into similar situations on your own.
15. Be Patient with Yourself
Becoming more extroverted is a gradual process, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself along the way. Social skills, like any other skill, take time and practice to develop. It’s okay if you feel awkward or hesitant at first—the important thing is that you’re making an effort to grow.
Celebrate small victories, whether that’s starting a conversation with a stranger, attending an event you would have normally skipped, or feeling more at ease in a group setting. Progress comes with consistency, and as you continue pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, socializing will become second nature.
The Benefits of Becoming More Extroverted
While being an introverted extrovert is completely valid, there are benefits to developing extroversion skills. Social interactions can boost mental health, increase positive emotions, and improve career prospects. Extroverted qualities, such as confidence and adaptability, can help you build a stronger social circle and achieve long-term goals.
Extroverted tendencies can also enhance leadership roles, making it easier to communicate ideas, work effectively in teams, and network for career growth. Even if your natural personality leans introverted, incorporating some outgoing behaviors into your life can be incredibly rewarding.
It’s Okay to Be Introverted Too
Not everyone needs to be a social butterfly. Many people find comfort in smaller groups, quiet environments, and deep conversations. However, learning how to navigate different situations with an extroverted mindset can be a powerful tool in both personal and professional life.
The best way to approach extroversion is to find a balance that works for you. Whether you’re a college student looking to make new friends, a professional aiming for leadership roles, or someone simply wanting to feel more confident in social engagements, embracing minor changes can lead to major personal growth.
If becoming more extroverted aligns with your goals, start small, take calculated risks, and enjoy the journey of expanding your social world!
English