| Conquering
Small Talk Fear
Many
of the most confident CEOs who excel from
the speaking platform suddenly become
awkward children when it comes to making
small talk at cocktail parties and networking
events. If you have ever suffered this
problem (and few of us haven’t),
then keep the following 10 tips in mind:
1. Smile
and exude fun (even if you aren’t
having fun). Everyone wants to talk to
someone
who seems fun.
2. Realize
that everyone else feels mildly awkward
too—you aren’t alone.
3. No
witty opening lines are needed. Just walk
up to people and say “Hi”
or
“hello.”
4. Ask
people about themselves, who they are
and what they do. Then
listen
intently.
5. Be
able to tell someone who you are and what
you do. Be able to do this in an
interesting
and captivating way in under a minute.
6. Ask
people sincere follow up questions about
themselves that demonstrate you
were listening
to them and that you care.
7. Don’t
go for the profound. If you looked at
a transcript of the most famous
and
well-known conversationalists in the world,
you wouldn’t be that
impressed.
It’s Ok to talk about ordinary
events and ideas.
8. Really
look at the person you are talking to.
Don’t let your eyes wonder in
search
of a more interesting person to speak
with.
9. Search
for commonality of interests in hobbies
or business. If there is a fit, ask to
exchange business cards.
10. Don’t
be embarrassed to end a conversation.
Simply say “It’s been a pleasure
to
meet you” then smile and perhaps
shake the person’s hand and then
move on.
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