Better Conversations Newsletter
"Raising the Standard of Conversation in Life"
Dr. Loren EkrothLoren Ekroth, Ph.D.
 
aka "Dr.Conversation" 
Skillful Introductions Can Be Crucial
Loren Ekroth photo
Today's Contents
Talking Pointer
Please Post on Social Media
Quick Links
Join Our List
Join Our Mailing List
Today's Talking Pointer:

December 18, 2012

Hello again, subscriber friend!

 

Pointer: Skillful Introductions Can Be Crucial
  
If you like this article, please forward it to a friend.
  
Loren Ekroth, publisher

[email protected]

Today's Contents

Words this issue: 309   Reading Time: 1.5 minutes  

  1. Skillful Introductions Can Be Crucial.
  2. Please Post in Social Media

1.  Talking Pointer:  Skillful Introductions Can Be Crucial

OK. You're at a networking event, a social mixer, or a holiday party. You don't know anyone except perhaps the host. You feel a bit anxious. What to do? 

 

1. Find one other person who looks friendly and introduce yourself. Ask if they'll "buddy-up" to meet others. Then, as a pair, travel aroundand introduce your buddy to others. (There's security in numbers as few as two.) 

 

2. But first, learn something intriguing about your new friend. e.g., Joe has competed in 22 marathons; Sally won an award in a short-story contest; Edgar brews his own craft beer; Elizabeth is originally from Montevideo, Uruguay; Bill is the CFO for Bradley, Inc. Although it's unseemly to say these things about yourself, your buddy can say them easily: "Loren and I just met, and I found out that he's been to 85 countries and lived in 7 of them!"

 

3. When you and your partner have met a number of other strangers, you can separate and, with new confidence, venture out on your own. However, if you continue to feel comfortable in a pair and "un-confident" as a single, it's best to continue in the pair.

 

4. Alternative: Ask the host(s) to introduce you to others. Just give the host basic information, such as where you're from and what you do. That gives the host some "free information" about you to share.

 

5. Another good approach is to act as an "affiliate host." In that role you introduce yourself to one other person who is new to this group and then introduce her/her to others. When you assume that role, you'll feel more confident, and (usually) the actual host or hostess will appreciate your efforts. (This is most appropriate at large social mixers and networking groups, but it may not be appropriate at small gatherings.)

3. Please Post on Social Media
Just above the header "Better Conversations Newsletter" at the top of this issue, you'll see icons for Facebook and Twitter.  Clicking on F icon will take you to your Facebook page. The link to this issue will also appear.  You can add a comment and post it so your friends can access this newsletter.

 

Your assistance will help to "Raise the Standard of

Conversation in Life."  Many thanks.

Loren Ekroth �2012, all rights reserved

 

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life. 

 

Contact at [email protected]