Social Language Skills

Social language is often dismissed as a "soft skill" — but it's actually an essential part of communication itself. Pragmatic language is what allows us to make friends, build relationships, and express our intentions and feelings. It includes non-verbal communication, along with how we use words to make jokes, and pick up sarcasm. I teach students to read and use non-verbal cues, read the room, maintain and extend conversations, ask questions, change topics naturally, and understand figurative language. These are the skills that turn communication into connection — and connection into belonging.