Are you comfortable talking to people?
Do you skip networking sessions at conferences because you don’t know what to say?
Are you a freelancer who wants to attend events to grow your business but feels unsure about talking to people?
Do you feel comfortable talking about your work but struggle when the conversation moves beyond it?
“You helped me so much in just one session!”
— Jasmin H.
What is it?
Human Skills Practice brings together people who want to feel more comfortable interacting and conversing with others to practice in a low-pressure, facilitated group.
Each practice session offers guided group practice. We practice skills like joining an existing conversation, keeping a conversation going, and making sure we bring some of ourselves to the conversation instead of hiding ourselves behind questions.
“Jen is the perfect combination of knowledgeable and nonjudgmental. Her spaces are extremely warm, and from day 1, I felt my confidence during awkward social interactions increase. I recommend her workshops to anyone who comes home from an event and finds themselves replaying clunky social interactions in their heads for hours (or even, days or weeks).
— Julianna P.
What do we do?
I give you the practice, we practice together, and then we practice some more. Eventually, you are more comfortable talking to people you don’t already know!
Participants find that these skill translate to creating deeper and more meaningful conversations with people they interact with regularly, too.
As a young adult who grew up in Covid, I think it’s really important to have the space to practice and mess up our social interactions. We can all feel so awkward and clammed up; it’s intimidating to walk into a room not knowing anyone.
In this session, we were all learning together, and it was nice that we all had the preface in which everyone was dealing with those similar feelings.
I really liked that we were given tools and direction to help us succeed, as well as the space to figure it out in our own way and for ourselves. I connected with the practicing of social situations instead of someone just telling you what to do and hoping you get the chance to practice it in a real life scenario.
–Gabrielle T
“I didn’t expect to laugh so much!”
“I left every session wanting more.”
“It’s so warm and welcoming!”
This is feedback from group participants. Some might have come in nervous but they quickly felt welcome and comfortable.
This is low-pressure, casual, and a nice place to be.
“As a professional networker, I really enjoyed today’s practice with Jen! I feel like there’s always room for improvement and I took away some tips and tricks for how to be better in social settings. For example, I can be better about being observant of letting stragglers into my conversations! Thanks Jen. This subject matter is very useful!”
— Alex B.
You Might Be in the Right Place If…
✓ You opt out of industry events because you worry about what to say when meeting new people.
✓ You circle the room at an event because you feel awkward joining existing conversations.
✓ You get trapped talking to the same person because you don’t know how to end a conversation.
✓ You really want to meet that colleague from the opposite coast but you don’t know how to approach them.
✓ When you do attend an event, you replay conversations long after they're over.
✓ You wish talking to people felt more natural.
What People Are Saying
“It was fun yet uncomfortable at the same time. Mostly fun.”
“This is something I've really been struggling with and can see how useful it could be.
— Kevin E.
“Understanding and promoting inclusivity in group dynamics is essential for not only a group to perform at an optimal level but also for members to feel safe speaking and returning in the future. Thank you for challenging these group dynamics to promote trust and cohesion.”
— Ryan K.
“Jen reminds me to always be curious about the person in front of me. When I lean in to learning about them and stop focusing on my nerves, we both become more comfortable and connected. I got so much inspiration from her.”
— Amy S.
Hi! I’m Jen.
For years, I thought some people were simply good at talking to people.
I wasn't one of them.
Walking into networking events, conferences, or even social gatherings felt exhausting. I never knew who to approach or what to say.
Then I realized something that changed everything.
Conversation isn't a personality trait.
It's a skill.
And skills can be practiced.
Today I genuinely enjoy meeting new people—not because I became fearless, but because I became practiced.
That's why I created Human Skills Practice.
There are wonderful people all around you.
Human Skills Practice exists to make those conversations feel a little easier.
What a Session Looks Like
We Learn a Practical Skill.
Maybe it's how to start, join, or end a conversation. Maybe it's how to keep one going. Maybe it's how to listen well, ask better questions, or handle awkward moments.
Each skill is designed to be useful right away.
We Practice that Skill.
Practice in a guided, supportive environment.
You don't need to know what you're doing when you arrive. We'll provide the structure, guidance, and support. We even handle those awkward few minutes before the session gets started.
All you have to do is show up. We've got you.
You Try it Out.
Try it out in real life.
Between sessions, you'll have simple opportunities to practice what you've learned. Nothing overwhelming—just small, thoughtful challenges that we'll have already practiced together.
You're not doing this alone.
You Grow.
Like any other skill, conversation gets easier with practice.
Each time you show up, you'll build a little more comfort, confidence, and connection.
“Practice creates confidence. Confidence empowers you. ”
About Human Skills Practice
I believe many of us are feeling increasingly disconnected. After years of more screen time, remote interaction, and less face-to-face practice, everyday conversation can feel harder than it used to — even for thoughtful, capable people.
We learn math, science, writing, and sports through instruction and practice. Conversation, connection, and communication are often treated differently. Many people assume they should simply know how to do them naturally.
The reality is that these are skills.
Skills can be learned. Skills can be improved. Skills can be practiced.
Human Skills Practice was created to offer a supportive, judgment-free place to develop the skills that help conversations feel more comfortable, natural, and meaningful.
Whether you're navigating networking events, workplace conversations, social gatherings, or everyday interactions, Human Skills Practice provides opportunities to learn, experiment, and practice in real-world ways.
The goal isn't perfection. It's connection.
Because better conversations start with practice.
Meet Jen
“What you practice in private you will be rewarded for in public.””
I've always enjoyed people, but that didn't mean conversations felt easy.
For years, I struggled with social anxiety, overthinking, and feeling uncomfortable in situations that seemed effortless for everyone else. I often found myself replaying conversations, worrying about what to say, or feeling disconnected even when surrounded by people.
Eventually, I realized that confidence in conversation wasn't something people were simply born with. Like any other skill, it could be practiced.
Over time, I learned practical tools that helped me stay present, connect more naturally, and feel more comfortable in social and professional interactions. As I practiced, I became more confident, built stronger relationships, and created a life filled with meaningful connection and supportive people.
Human Skills Practice grew from that experience.
My goal isn't to teach people how to perform or become someone they're not. It's to provide a supportive place to practice the skills that help conversations feel more natural, authentic, and enjoyable.
Because better conversations start with practice.
Through my work in community organizations, volunteer leadership, customer-facing roles, and as host of the Real Women's Work podcast, I've spent years talking with people from all walks of life. Those experiences continue to shape the way I approach conversation, connection, and communication.