Be positive and upbeat – this gives other people around you energy and can make them more likely to want to get involved... but being positive does not come naturally to most people and it needs practice.

Be a good listener – this includes avoiding talking too much yourself and not giving anyone else a chance, or telling other people how you think they should feel or act.

Share uncertainties – this shows that you don’t know everything and that you welcome other people’s ideas and suggestions.

Don't be too critical – be positive, lots of people have to practice this. If you seem critical or demanding, or very rushed in trying to put your views across, people around you are more likely to be ‘on their guard’ or may not really listen to what you are saying.

Ask questions – that are encouraging since this can open up conversations... whereas if you’re not careful, strong statements or opinions can close conversations down.

Let the info sink in – giving people some thinking space is very important... so don’t start talking, or move to another subject, the moment there is a lull in the conversation.

Put yourself in someone else's place – this can help you to think through what other people may be interested in, or anxious about, so that what you say or do fits in with this.