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Hi Visitor
E-Quipped To......Conquer Clever Conversation
It's almost the end of the year...
You know what this means – endless invitations to office get-togethers, client parties, year-end functions and school parent socials. And then, just when you think you've survived with your reputation (hopefully) intact, you have to do it all again with your spouse or partner's colleagues and friends. It's a nightmare! Especially if you're more Wilting Wallflower than Wild Thyme!
In addition to being physically exhausting, being thrust into so many unsolicited social situations brings a host of different dynamics in to play.
We have to interact with colleagues and superiors in an informal, social situation, instead of the more familiar and "safe" office environment. And we force our spouses/partners to socialise with people they have either never met, or have perhaps heard negative things about from their "other halves".
In these instances, knowing a few basic conversation skills can turn you from shrinking violet to blooming marvellous!
Tips for Perfect Party Preparedness:
- Have a positive attitude – view the party as an opportunity to meet someone new and interesting.
- Add something to the event – don't wait for other people to run around you - offer to help the host, offer to get someone a drink or go with them to the buffet table, or invite someone standing alone into your conversation.
- Plan a few conversation starters in your head, and use them if necessary - but make them sound natural and unplanned.
- Make a good first impression – dress to give yourself confidence, smile when you enter the room, and use positive body language (even if you feel nervous!)
- Be an interesting person – widen your general knowledge, listen to what people are saying in the media, and keep an open mind on debatable topics.
- Be a cool conversationalist – don't gossip or belittle others and don't monopolise the conversation. Listen attentively to learn new things about the people you are talking to.
- Be aware of what you say, and how you say it - adapt your conversation to the people you are speaking to, to make them feel at ease. Modulate the volume of your voice to suit the conversation, environment and occasion.
- Remember to just enjoy yourself - other people are not actually watching to see if you make a fool yourself! They just want to have a good time too.
For more tips on mastering the art of conversation, visit my website – www.clairenewton.co.za.
What's next?
Watch out for my next newsletter where you will be Equipped to Rev up your Resolutions.
Tip! Save these newsletters and accumulate the series on Survive The Silly Season
Image by SanFranAnnie
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