Jaunty is the gym for your social life
What we do
Social skills work a lot like fitness. Nobody gets strong by reading about push-ups, you get strong by doing reps with a coach who spots you. Jaunty works the same way. You join live classes, you practice real conversations with trained actors and other members, and an instructor gives you feedback while it’s happening.
We teach the social skills most people were never taught: starting conversations, keeping them going, body language, flirting and dating, public speaking, storytelling, meeting new people, handling social anxiety, asking for what you need, and saying no.
Every class is live. You learn a skill, you role-play it with real people, then you take it into your life and bring back what happened.
Ways to train with us
Jaunty Gym. Live 30-minute sessions on Zoom, guided by an instructor, where you practice with actors and other members. This is where most people build the habit.
Social Skills Masterclass. A six-week live cohort course with 1:1 office hours and recordings you keep. For people who want a structured push.
Workshops. Focused live sessions on one skill at a time.
Private Coaching. One-on-one coaching built around your goals, for people who want personal attention on a specific challenge. Start with a free discovery call.
GETTING STARTED
How it works
1. Book a free session
We talk about where you are and where you want to be, then point you to the right fit: the Gym, the Masterclass, a workshop or private coaching.
2. Train live
You practice with an instructor, trained actors and other members, get feedback in the moment, and try it in the real world between sessions.
3. Keep showing up
Like any gym, the results come from showing up. You come back, build on what worked and keep getting better.
What makes Jaunty different
Most social skills advice comes as a book or a video. That’s like learning to swim from a diagram. At Jaunty you get in the pool. You practice with trained actors who can play the tough coworker or the attractive stranger, so the reps feel real, and you get coached in the moment instead of guessing afterward.
It’s also a two-way street. You aren’t only a student here, you’re part of a community of people who practice together and cheer each other on.
Who trains with us
Business people, singles, leaders and plenty of people who feel shy or awkward and are tired of it. If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation replaying what you should have said, you’re in the right place.
“When more introverted people ask me how I became more confident with myself, with making friends, or as a speaker, I always tell them about Jaunty.”
Laura Pena, TEDx speaker
“I think almost anyone would benefit from Jaunty.”
Zubin Dittia, Software Architect at Dragonfruit AI
Our story
Jaunty was founded in 2013 in San Francisco by Eric Waisman, who has taught social skills for 15+ years and wrote the book Approach. What started as in-person classes has grown into a live online training company with more than 10,000 students. Today our team of instructors and trained actors teaches students wherever they are, and we’re bringing in-person coaching and classes back to select cities.
We want you to walk into any room and feel like you belong there.
Jaunty at a glance
| Founded | 2013, San Francisco |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | San Francisco Bay Area, California |
| Founder | Eric Waisman (teaching social skills for 15+ years) |
| Students trained | 10,000+ |
| Format | Live online classes and coaching, with in-person options coming to select cities |
| Programs | Jaunty Gym, Social Skills Masterclass, workshops, private coaching |
| Book | Approach, by Eric Waisman |
| Contact | connect@jaunty.org |
Frequently asked questions
Where is Jaunty based?
We’re based in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our classes and coaching are live online, so you can join from anywhere.
Do you offer in-person classes?
Not right now, but in-person coaching and classes are coming to select cities soon.
Are the classes live or recorded?
Live. You practice with real people in real time. Masterclass students also get recordings to keep.
Who teaches the classes?
Jaunty’s instructors, working with trained actors who play the other side of the conversation.
Do you offer one-on-one coaching?
Yes. Private coaching is built around your goals. Start with a free discovery call.
I’m really shy. Is this for me?
Yes. Many of our members start out shy or anxious. You start at your level, and the practice is guided, so you’re never thrown in the deep end alone.
How do I start?
Book a free session. We’ll talk about your goals and point you to the right place to begin.
BOOK
Approach
The zero-fluff guide for the opening seconds of conversation
Ready to elevate your social interactions and make a lasting impression in seconds? In a world where first impressions matter, APPROACH is your essential guide for mastering the opening moments of any conversation—be it at networking events, dates, or casual encounters.
Discover the Secrets of Effortless Engagement:
- Direct and Indirect Approaches: Choose and execute the right approach for any situation with confidence.
- Harness the Power of Humor: Use humor to connect and disarm even in nerve-wracking circumstances.
- Overcome Social Anxiety: Turn anxiety into excitement, making your nerves an asset.
- Master Body Language: Communicate confidence and openness nonverbally to open doors.
Why APPROACH Stands Out: Eric Waisman distills years of social research into practical insights. With anecdotes and exercises, APPROACH is your personal coach for social success.
Take the First Step Today: Unlock the potential of every interaction. Get the book to start your journey toward mastering conversation.
