Social skills self-help books are a good option for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD) who want to improve their interpersonal functioning. These books cover a wide range of topics including body language, effective speaking and general people skills. Just like self-help books for anxiety, those for interpersonal skills should be chosen carefully.

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How to Talk to Anyone: 92 Little Tricks for Big Success in Relationships

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Author Leil Lowndes has dedicated her life to teaching the art of successful communication. In How to Talk to Anyone, she offers 92 strategies for success in dealing with people in a way that will naturally attract others to you.

Tips cover topics such as first impressions, small talk, body language, and rapport. Lowndes writes in an entertaining and direct way, even giving her tips catchy names so that you will remember them, such as "Rubberneck the room."

 

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PeopleSmart: Developing Your Personal Intelligence

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PeopleSmart is a practical guide to improving your interpersonal effectiveness in both professional and personal relationships. This book presents a four-step plan for improving eight key interpersonal skills using examples, tools, and exercises.

 

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How to Instantly Connect with Anyone

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In How to Instantly Connect with Anyone, Leil Lowndes describes how to harness the power of a concept known as an emotional prediction for success in business and personal relationships. Research-based techniques are provided to help you make an impression and command respect in all areas of your life.

 

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Conversationally Speaking

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Conversationally Speaking by Alan Garner offers tips for improving your conversation skills and reducing social anxiety. Advice covers areas such as the different types of questions that you can ask during a conversation, how to listen well, and how to receive compliments.

 

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The Fine Art of Small Talk

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The Fine Art of Small Talk offers tips from communications expert Debra Fine about making better small talk. Included are strategies and techniques to help you avoid awkward silences, improve your listening ability, and start conversations. While this book veers into etiquette territory, it will still be useful for those suffering from social anxiety.

 

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People Skills: How to Assert Yourself, Listen to Others and Resolve Conflicts

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People Skills by Robert Bolton is a communication skills handbook geared towards helping you navigate relationships successfully.

The author examines the 12 most common barriers to communication that damage relationships and how to overcome them. Strategies offered cover areas such as listening skills, assertiveness, conflict resolution, and how to use silence effectively (yes, it's sometimes a tool rather than the result of anxiety).

 

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The Definitive Book of Body Language

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The Definitive Book of Body Language is a guide to understanding and learning how to better manage nonverbal communication behaviors. Included are tips on how to read other's emotions and thoughts through their body language and how to ensure you are sending the right signals with your own body language. As most of what you say is transmitted through your body and tone of voice, mastering the art of body language should be top on your list when working on interpersonal skills.

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Dale Carnegie's Lifetime Plan for Success

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This volume combines two of motivational author Dale Carnegie's best-selling books: How to Win Friends and Influence People and How to Stop Worrying and Start Living. If you are going to purchase any books on this topic, Carnegie's works have stood the test of time and are well worth a read.

How to Win Friends and Influence People handles topics such as dealing with people, becoming a better speaker, and attracting friends.​

How to Stop Worrying and Start Living explores how to avoid  emotional upset and reduce worry in your life. Though written over 60 years ago, both books are still relevant today.