When attending a party or social gathering here are a few things to keep in mind in order to help you make a lasting impression. Also, keep clear of awkwardness with some of these definite things to avoid!
93% of communication is Body Language
1. Genuine smile—when greeting someone, nothing is more welcoming than an authentic smile. It makes that person feel special, enhances your own attractiveness, and embraces further conversation.
2. Eye contact—while in conversation it is important to maintain eye contact. It displays interest and encourages the person to keep speaking. On the other hand, looking around the room or stealing glances at your blackberry will only make you appear rude and uninterested!
3. Posture—show confidence by straightening your back and slightly lifting your chest. This makes you appear more relaxed and assured.
4. Don’t fidget—this makes you appear either nervous or agitated, instead focus on the cues of the person you are talking to.
5. Pay attention to the other person’s body language—if they are fidgety and their eyes are wandering, chances are their mind is somewhere else and you should cut the conversation. Instead, if they are engaged and their eyes are locked they want to be right where they are.
6. Visualize before you enter a room—mentally prepare yourself by imagining entering the room, greeting those around you, and engaging in effortless conversation. Simulating the act in your mind before hand helps to relieve any social anxiety and increases your self-confidence.
7. Open arms–When at a party have your body in a position that is open to communication open arms and hands indicate a willingness to connect with others.
Similarity breeds like
8. Match a person’s mood and/or tone of voice– even if only to start the conversation, if someone says a calm hello it would shock them if you came back with a loud tone of voice, setting things off to an awkward start. Ease them into a higher mood instead.
9. Word Clues–Listen for words clues in order to determine what a person is interested in talking about; save a dying conversation by hearing key words that indicate what a person really wants to discuss.
10. Listen and Repeat–To let someone know you’re listening repeat a few of their words in mix with your own—active listening and repetition actually makes what you have to say more interesting to the person you’re conversing with.
11. Read-up on industry details–If attending an event where you know there are professionals from a specific industry, take a few minutes to read a bit about their career. When they make mention of their job you can better carry the conversation and leave them impressed.
12. Echoing—by repeating words chosen by another you create subliminal rapport with them. It makes them feel closer to you and that you share the same values and interests.
13. Empathy—encourages listeners to continue and allows them to feel comfortable around you whatever their state of mind.Listen to the news before you leave home—keeping informed is never a bad idea and gives you something interesting to talk about.
State of mind
14. Accentuate the positive—negativity is a conversation breaker and only takes away from your appeal.
15. In the Delivery–If you want to tell a story sound passionate about it, it’s more about the way you say it then what you say; if you act dull then your words become dull, become more alive and excited about what you’re saying.
16. “Come to munch or come to mingle”—if you attend a party with the purpose of socializing, eat at home. If you spend your time eating and drinking you probably missed out on lots of conversation opportunity.
17. Survey the room–When arriving at a party slowly survey the situation first, and then walk towards who you will greet. That way you gracefully work the room instead of diving in.
18. Tracking–Track details of your conversation with another person, keeping notice of tiny aspects of what someone reveals to you makes them feel special when you bring it up later.
State of mind
14. Accentuate the positive—negativity is a conversation breaker and only takes away from your appeal.
15. In the Delivery–If you want to tell a story sound passionate about it, it’s more about the way you say it then what you say; if you act dull then your words become dull, become more alive and excited about what you’re saying.
16. “Come to munch or come to mingle”—if you attend a party with the purpose of socializing, eat at home. If you spend your time eating and drinking you probably missed out on lots of conversation opportunity.
17. Survey the room–When arriving at a party slowly survey the situation first, and then walk towards who you will greet. That way you gracefully work the room instead of diving in.
18. Tracking–Track details of your conversation with another person, keeping notice of tiny aspects of what someone reveals to you makes them feel special when you bring it up later.