Social skills are necessary to live in harmony with the people around us , because we are social beings and need others to live a full and emotionally healthy life.

On the other hand, the deficit of social skills causes conflicts with other people that, most of the time, are avoidable. Scientific studies suggest that people who master basic social skills enjoy greater well-being.

What are the basic social skills?

When we talk about social skills we are referring to a series of behaviors, either verbal or non-verbal, that allow us to relate to other individuals in a healthy and mutually satisfactory way . The most important social skills are:

  • Active listening. That is, not just hearing, but listening with all the senses and full attention.
  • Assertiveness. Knowing how to express our own opinions, always respecting the opinions of others.
  • Empathy. Understanding other people’s thoughts and emotions.
  • Negotiation skills, to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
  • Respect, so that the other person will feel considered.
  • Compassion, for no one is perfect.
  • Patience. It helps to be relaxed.
  • Know how to express yourself both verbally and non-verbally.

If you want to deepen your social and relational skills , you can read our article: “The 14 main social skills for success in life”

The best social skills courses

Fortunately, these skills can be learned. In the following lines we show you the best courses to acquire and develop the most important social skills .

1. Improve your well-being and be happier (Miguel Ángel Rizaldos)

This online course is designed and taught by psychologist Miguel Ángel Rizaldos , a professional with more than two decades of experience working as a psychologist specializing in clinical and psychotherapy.

It works on contents related to assertive communication and the regulation of anxiety and emotions, fundamental aspects when it comes to socializing in one’s personal life or in the professional field.

  • If you want to access the course contact details or see more information about it, click on the following link.

2. Course on the development of social and management skills (Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, Valencia)

Social skills are key for an effective leadership , because the top positions in an organization are essential for the good functioning of the company. This is because their behaviour affects the performance and productivity of the workers, who are the human capital of companies today.

For this reason, the Universidad Politécnica de Valencia decided to give the “Course in the development of social and management skills” , which belongs to the Master’s Degree in Marketing and Communication Management” and which can be taken without attending the postgraduate course.

Students in this course acquire the tools to speak in public, make effective presentations, develop skills in collaborating and leading working groups, and get the most out of them.

3. Workshop “the art of communication” (El Prado Psicólogos, Madrid)

This course deals with the knowledge and understanding of human communication , and how to make use of it to improve interpersonal relationships and obtain a greater source of satisfaction when interacting with other people.

The course is given in Madrid, at the Centro de Psicología El Prado Psicólogos , and is ideal for those people who feel uncomfortable interacting with other individuals, have difficulty talking to people who are not in their circle of trust, find it difficult to express their opinion and do not know how to manage conflicts effectively. This psychoeducational workshop deals with different topics. For example, assertive rights, different types of communication or different techniques to break the ice, among others.

If you live in Madrid, this is a great opportunity to develop social skills that will benefit you in many situations of your daily life.

4. Social skills workshop (Quirón, Málaga)

The Quirón hospital in Málaga offers workshops so that participants can acquire the skills of emotional management and expression, anger management, verbal and non-verbal communication and, in general, the social skills necessary for healthy interaction with other individuals. Knowing how to communicate appropriately and express feelings, wishes or rights in an appropriate way has a great impact on our well-being. These workshops are conducted individually or in groups, as well as part of couples therapy.

In addition, the Quirón Clinic of this town frequently organizes different workshops for the management of emotions and the improvement of personal skills . For example, the workshops for relatives of dementia patients. All these trainings are a good way to find balance and emotional health and to improve interpersonal relationships.

5. Social skills workshop for children (Universidad Pontificia de Comillas, Madrid)

It is important that children develop basic social skills so that they lose their fear and gain confidence in relating to others . For this reason, the Comillas Pontifical University offers an experiential course, in two groups (children from 5-8 years old and 9-12 years old), so that the younger ones, especially those with a lack of confidence and difficulties in relating, leave shyness aside and learn to relate in a healthy way.

This workshop offers dynamics and activities aimed at awareness, emotional expression, self-respect and healthy self-esteem, always with a methodology adapted to these ages. Developing social skills at an early age is relevant to child development.

  • We explain this in our article: “Social skills in childhood: what are they and how to develop them?”