How to Mingle
All of us at
one time or another experience the fear of
meeting new people
.
We don’t know what to say or how to approach a stranger and get a conversation
going. Listed below are a few do’s and don’ts, plus some simple ways to start a
conversation with someone you don’t know. Try some of these techniques today at
the seminar. You will be pleased with the results. The more you practice the
better you’ll become and the less fearful you will feel.
- If you are at a party, wedding or any social gathering, introduce
yourself with a firm handshake and good eye contact. A good thing to ask the
person you just met is "How do you know the hostess?" or "How do you know
the bride?"
- Before you attend any social event you might want to skim the headlines
of your local newspaper or The Wall Street Journal or USA Today. You can
bring up the headlines and ask people what they think or know about the topic.
- Pick safe general topics to discuss and try to avoid topics like religion
or politics. These topics can bring out a lot of emotion for some people and that might be
too much for a first meeting.
- Humor is great but NEVER tell off color jokes or jokes that poke fun at a
certain race or nationality. Laughing at yourself or one of your own life experiences can
be entertaining for others if done without foul language or insults to others.
- Most of us have trouble remembering names of people we have just met or
don’t know very well. Don’t hesitate to repeat your name to everyone you meet
even if you’ve met him or her before. This may prompt them to say their own name and
if it doesn’t just ask them again for their name.
- If you accept an invitation to a party it is a good idea to bring a small
gift to the hostess or host of the function. You can be confident knowing that you have
done something special. A gift like a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or something
homemade makes a wonderful hostess gift. The gift should not be expensive and should not
require any action or work on part of the hostess.
- When attending a function where you don’t know anyone ask the host
or hostess to introduce you to one or two people to get you started. After that it is up
to you to introduce yourself to others. If you are introverted or feeling shy you might
ask your new acquaintances to introduce you to some people they know.
- Ask questions that show interest in others. Remember people enjoy talking
about themselves and like it when someone shows interest in who they are and what they
think and feel. Don’t make the mistake of just talking about you. Also don’t act
like a know it all. Even if you know a lot about a subject it is best to ask others about
their thoughts and opinions.
- Before leaving a party always make a point
to find the host/hostess and thank them for inviting you. You don’t have to
say goodbye to anyone else or announce your departure. When you know how to
leave a function gracefully it is sometimes easier to attend the function and
to stay.
Remember: The key to good mingling and meeting new people is to show
interest in them. Smile, be enthusiastic and maintain a positive attitude. No one
wants to be around a negative person that complains about others or life in general. Do
your mingling The Positive Way and your will be very pleased with the results.
Socializing will be fun and rewarding and not a painful experience. Enjoy!
Recommended Reading:
Secrets to Social Success An Ebook That After Being Read, Your
Confidence And Social Skills Will Be Dramatically Improved. You Will Learn To
Easily Generate Magnetism With Anyone You Come Across Within Only A Couple Of
Minutes.
See
Make this year one of your best with
"Priceless Life Lessons:
Reinventing Your Life"
An enlightening, inspiring, and life changing new e-book that provides
insights into how to create a better life.
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