 Summer is the season for outdoor gatherings and sun-soaked celebrations. Whether you're attending a barbecue, a swim party, or a beach party, certain etiquette guidelines can help you navigate these events with grace and poise. Here's your comprehensive guide to summer party etiquette.
Swim Parties Bring Your Essentials: Pack your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and any other personal items you might need. Don't assume your host will provide these for you. Follow Pool Rules: Respect the pool rules set by the host. This includes showering before entering the pool if requested, not running on the deck, and not diving in shallow areas. Supervise Children: If you're bringing children, keep an eye on them at all times. Ensure they follow pool safety rules and don't disturb other guests. Be Considerate: Keep noise levels down, especially if the pool area is close to the house or neighboring properties. Avoid roughhousing or splash fights that could bother others. Dry Off: Before entering the house from the pool area, dry off thoroughly to avoid dripping water inside. Bring an extra towel for this purpose if needed. Respect Privacy: If the host has a designated changing area, use it. Don't assume you can change in any bathroom without asking your host. Be Mindful of Music: If you're in charge of music, keep the volume at a reasonable level. Choose a playlist that suits the mood and is appropriate for all ages present. Barbecue Parties RSVP Promptly: As soon as you receive an invitation, respond promptly. This helps your host with planning and ensures they have enough food and seating for everyone. Dietary Restrictions: If you have dietary restrictions, inform your host in advance. Offer to bring a dish you can enjoy, relieving some of the pressure on your host. Offer To Bring Something: Even if it's not an official potluck party, offering something is nice. Some suggestions could be a salad, side dish, dessert, or beverage. And remember, it doesn't have to be homemade. Quality store-bought items can be just as tasty. Dress Appropriately: Barbecue parties are typically casual, but neat and clean attire is a must. Think sundresses, shorts, and polo shirts. Avoid anything too revealing or sloppy. Be Punctual: Arrive on time or within the first 15 minutes of the start time. If you're running late, let your host know. Bring a Hostess Gift: A small token of appreciation, like a bottle of wine, chocolates, or a specialty barbecue sauce, is always a nice gesture. Participate and Help: Offer to assist with setting up, serving, or cleaning up. Even if your host declines, they will appreciate the offer. Mind Your Table Manners: Eat politely and avoid overloading your plate. Wait for everyone to be served before starting your meal, and compliment the cook. Socialize: Make an effort to mingle and talk with other guests. Don't just stick with people you know. Clean Up After Yourself: Dispose of your trash properly, and if you've brought any items (like a dish to share), make sure to take them home or ask your host what they'd prefer. Don't Overstay Your Welcome: Take cues from the host and other guests when it's time to leave. Beach Parties Respect the Environment: Leave no trace. Clean up after yourself, dispose of trash properly, and avoid disturbing wildlife. Sun Protection: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun. Bring extra sunscreen to share with others who might need it. Personal Space: Be mindful of others' space on the beach. Set up your area at a respectful distance from other groups, especially if the beach is crowded. When shaking out your towel, move away from the others to avoid getting sand on them. Swim Safely: Adhere to local swimming guidelines and lifeguard instructions. Swim only in designated areas and be aware of currents and tides. Hydrate and Snack Wisely: Bring plenty of water and healthy snacks. Avoid leaving food uncovered, as it can attract birds and insects. Respect Local Regulations: Familiarize yourself with and follow any local beach regulations, such as restrictions on fires, glass bottles, or pets. Be Considerate with Music: If you bring a speaker, keep the volume at a level that won't disturb others. Choose beach-appropriate music that everyone can enjoy. Join in Activities: Participate in beach games or activities and invite others to join. It's a great way to socialize and enjoy the day together. End on a Positive Note: As the day winds down, help pack up and ensure the beach area is clean. Thank your host for organizing the event and bid farewell to other guests. By following these etiquette tips, you can ensure a pleasant and respectful experience for yourself and others at any summer party. Enjoy the season, make lasting memories, and remember that a little courtesy goes a long way in making every gathering enjoyable for all.
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 My graduation in 2014! Graduation season is a time of celebration and achievement for many. As an etiquette teacher, I often encounter questions about the finer points of graduation etiquette, particularly regarding the distinction between graduation announcements and invitations, as well as the protocol surrounding gifts. Let's delve into these topics to ensure your participation in this milestone event is both graceful and considerate.
Graduation Announcement vs. Invitation A graduation announcement is a formal notification of the graduate's accomplishment and should be sent after graduation. It informs friends, family, and acquaintances of the individual's academic milestone, often including details such as the graduate's name, degree earned, school attended, and sometimes a brief personal message. Unlike invitations, announcements do not imply an obligation to attend any ceremony or event. They are simply a courteous way of sharing the good news. On the other hand, a graduation invitation is a request for the recipient's presence at the commencement ceremony or any related celebratory event. Invitations typically include details such as the date, time, and location of the ceremony and any additional instructions or RSVP information. If you receive a graduation invitation, it signifies that the graduate sincerely hopes you can join them in celebrating this significant moment in their life. Gift Giving Etiquette One common question surrounding graduation announcements is whether sending a gift upon receiving one is necessary. While gifts are not obligatory in response to an announcement, it's a thoughtful gesture to acknowledge the graduate's achievement, particularly if they are a close friend or family member. If a gift is not in your budget, a handwritten note expressing your congratulations and best wishes can be just as meaningful. If you receive a graduation invitation and choose to attend the ceremony or event, etiquette suggests bringing a gift as a token of your support and congratulations. The gift need not be extravagant. It should reflect your relationship with the graduate and your desire to commemorate their accomplishment. Graduation Gift Ideas When selecting a graduation gift, consider the graduate's interests, future plans, and practical needs. Also, establish a budget that works for you and stick with it. Here are some thoughtful and appropriate gift ideas to inspire you:
Remember, the most essential aspect of gift-giving is the thought and sentiment behind it. Whether you choose a tangible gift or a heartfelt message, the graduate will sincerely appreciate your gesture of congratulations. Congratulations to all the graduates, and best wishes for the journey ahead!  Responding To Awkward Questions
Having you ever been asked an awkward question and were so caught off guard that you didn’t know how to respond? These questions tend to be common at family gatherings, but they can also pop up in work or social situations. The questions can run the gamut from your relationship status to your finances and everything in between. Handling awkward questions gracefully is an essential skill. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time someone pops that awkward question. Stay Calm and Composed Maintain your composure, regardless of how uncomfortable the question makes you feel. Taking a deep breath can help you stay focused and composed. Take a Beat Take a moment to think before you speak. This pause can help you gather your thoughts and respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively. Redirect the Conversation If the question is too personal or inappropriate, gently steer the conversation in a different direction. You can do this by acknowledging the question briefly and then shifting the focus to a related but more comfortable topic: “Let’s talk about something more interesting than my love life….What are your plans for the summer?” Set Boundaries It's okay to set boundaries and let the other person know if a question is off-limits. You can do this politely by saying something like, "I prefer not to discuss that topic" or "I'm not comfortable answering that question." Use Humor Sometimes, a well-placed joke or a lighthearted response can diffuse tension and make the situation less awkward. Just be sure that your humor is appropriate for the context and the situation. An example of using humor for the question “How much money do you make?” could be “Why, are you going to ask me for a loan?” [light chuckle] Again, this response would only be appropriate with certain people and situations. Practice Empathy Try to understand where the other person is coming from and why they might be asking the question. Responding with empathy can help defuse tension and promote understanding. When a person asks how much something cost, it could be because they are considering making a similar purchase. You could respond to a question about the cost of something with “Why do you ask?” or “Are you in the market for this same thing?” Know When to End the Conversation If the questions become too invasive or uncomfortable, it's okay to politely end the conversation or excuse yourself from the situation altogether. Prepare If you know you’re heading into a situation where a certain person is going to be asking you an awkward question, prepare your come backs in advance. By putting these tips into practice, you can navigate awkward questions with grace and confidence while maintaining respect for yourself and others. Remember, not every awkward question will have a comfortable ending and that’s okay! Embrace the awkward moment, learn from it and laugh about it later.  Hydrangeas in my garden As March unfolds, it brings Spring along with it the promise of renewal and rejuvenation. Just as nature begins to awaken from its winter slumber, it's an ideal time for us to refresh our own lives, including our etiquette skills. Spring is a season of growth, and what better way to grow than by enhancing our interactions with others through refined manners and social grace? In this blog post, we'll explore the significance of spring renewal in the context of etiquette as well as offer practical tips for refreshing your etiquette skills.
The Essence of Spring Renewal Spring is synonymous with new beginnings. It's a time when the world bursts forth with vibrant colors, the air is filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers, and there's a palpable sense of energy and optimism in the atmosphere. Just as we welcome the arrival of spring by cleaning our homes and planting seeds for the future, we can also take this opportunity to renew our commitment to practicing good etiquette. Reflecting on Your Etiquette Practices Before diving into specific tips for refreshing your etiquette skills, take a moment to reflect on your current practices. Are there areas where you could improve? Are there habits you've developed that may be hindering your interactions with others? Self-awareness is the first step towards growth, so be honest with yourself about areas where you could use some refinement. Tips for Refreshing Your Etiquette Skills: Polish Your Social Manners With the arrival of spring comes a flurry of social gatherings, from outdoor picnics to garden parties. Brush up on your social manners by practicing active listening, maintaining eye contact, and engaging in thoughtful conversation. Remember to be gracious and considerate towards your fellow guests, and always express gratitude to your hosts. An in-person thank you is important and I always like to follow it up with a handwritten thank you note. Update Your Professional Etiquette In the professional realm, spring is an opportune time to reassess your workplace etiquette. Whether it's improving your email communication, refining your networking skills, or enhancing your dining etiquette for business meetings, strive to present yourself with professionalism and respect in all your interactions. Cultivate Empathy and Kindness Spring renewal isn't just about external actions; it's also about nurturing our internal qualities. Take time to cultivate empathy and kindness towards others. Practice putting yourself in someone else's shoes, and approach every interaction with a genuine desire to understand and connect with those around you. Embrace Digital Etiquette In today's digital age, etiquette extends beyond face-to-face interactions to include online communication as well. Use this season of renewal to revisit your digital etiquette practices. Practice courteous and respectful behavior in your emails, social media interactions, and other online communications. One specific thing I try to do is when I’m sending a text or email. Before I hit the “send” button, I review it to see if there is an opportunity for me to add the word “please” somewhere in the communication. There almost always is. As we embrace the spirit of spring renewal, let us also embrace the opportunity to refresh our etiquette skills. By polishing our social manners, updating our professional etiquette, cultivating empathy and kindness, and embracing digital etiquette, we can enhance our interactions with others and foster deeper connections in both our personal and professional lives. So, let's welcome the arrival of spring with open arms and a renewed commitment to practicing good etiquette. If you need some assistance polishing any of these skills, I offer both in-person and virtual classes. Please see my website for details.  Photo Courtesy of Canva Pro Networking is a necessary approach to making connections and building relationships in your business or career. It can be a bit intimidating if you’ve never done it before. One of the keys to your success is to do some advanced preparation. Here are some tips I teach in my business etiquette courses that will help give you more confidence as you walk into that room to network.
Establish a Goal Have a goal in mind as to what you want to achieve at the event.
Nametags Wear your name tag to a networking event. It will be much easier for people to remember your name, especially if they are a visual person. If you don’t have a nametag, many events provide name tags at the check in table. If you plan to be networking often, invest in a name tag. Place your nametag on your right side. The reason for this is when you extend your right hand to greet someone their eyes will be drawn up to your nametag. Ideally, this will help them remember your name as you introduce yourself. Especially if it’s a noisy room. Where to Begin Walking up to a group of people you don’t know can be intimidating. As you look across the room observe the body language of people. Look at the way they are standing. Do they appear to be open to someone joining their group? Or are they standing with their bodies facing one another and give the appearance that they do not want someone joining their group. Instead of approaching the “closed” group to introduce yourself, look for a group that has their bodies positioned at a slight angle where they appear “open” to someone coming up and joining them. Conversation Starters Have some conversation starters in mind before you go to the event. I know this may sound silly, but this preparation will give you confidence. As you approach the group, have those conversation starters and questions ready to go. Here are some examples:
From there the conversation should start to flow. See this earlier post for more information about Conversation Skills to use at a networking event. Business Cards Always bring your business cards to a networking event. Carry them in a business card holder to prevent them from smudging or creasing. You can get reasonably priced holders on Amazon in a variety of colors. For an extra touch, get a holder that matches your brand colors. Keep your business card holder in an easily accessible place so you don’t have to fumble to get your card out. Wait for someone to ask you for your card rather than walking around the room handing out your card to everyone you meet. Also, asking for someone’s card is a great way to end a conversation. See below for more tips on ending a conversation. When handing someone your business card, have it face up with the words facing them. When someone gives you their card, look at it, ask any questions about it and then put it away carefully and treat it with respect. Customs around business cards vary from country to country so brush up on any protocol before traveling abroad. Ending A Conversation Ending a conversation at a networking event can be a little awkward at first. Again, this is where the preparation comes in. Have some go-to phrases to help you end the conversation. Remember, you, and the other person are there to network. You don’t want to monopolize someone’s time plus you want to meet the goal you established. Here are some examples of phrases for ending a conversation:
Develop your own phrases that make sense for you as well as the situation and have them at the back of your mind ready to go when needed. The best way to get better and more comfortable at networking is to just do it!  Photo Courtesy of Canva Pro It’s that time of year where engagements are in the air! Maybe it happened over the holidays or maybe with Valentine’s Day right around the corner it’s about to happen. Once you hear that “Yes!” and after much celebrating, it’s time to consider a few things. Here are my top etiquette tips to remember. Sharing the News Before you post that photo of you and the ring on social media, you’ll want to tell a few people about the engagement. Share the news with close family and friends before making a public announcement. This can be done in person or over the phone. Traditionally, the gentleman would go to the father of the young lady to ask for his blessing and consent before proposing. Some may consider this obsolete, but I still think it’s a lovely gesture. We were so pleased when our son-in-law came to see my husband to ask for his permission to marry our daughter. We were also proud when both our sons went to see their future father-in-laws to request their daughter’s hand in marriage. It warmed my heart when I learned that my youngest son flew across the country to do this. If the groom followed this tradition, then the parents already have an idea that it’s coming. You just want to make sure you tell them about the engagement as soon as you can so they don’t hear it from someone else. You’ll also want to tell any close family and friends before you shout it from the mountain tops. Social Media Announcement After informing close ones, it's common to announce your engagement on social media. Be mindful of your wording and consider including a photo of the two of you. Ring Etiquette If you have received an engagement ring, it's customary to wear it on the ring finger of your left hand. When showing it to others, extend your left hand with the palm facing inward. Engagement Party Holding an engagement party for the couple is a custom that some families follow. This is a great opportunity for both families to meet if they haven't already. If your family does not follow this practice that’s perfectly fine. Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the engagement party. If that is not possible, then another family member or friend may offer to host one. If the parents live in different parts of the country, then both sets of parents may opt to host a party locally. Engagement Party Guests The guests at an engagement party are generally family and close friends. Depending on your family, it can be a large or small affair. Make sure to invite people who you also plan to invite to the wedding. It could create some awkwardness or resentment if you invite someone to the engagement party and not to the wedding. The only time this would be acceptable is if it’s a very small wedding or a destination wedding. Gifts to an Engagement Party? Traditionally, gifts were not expected at an engagement party. If you don’t want to show up empty handed, a nice card or bottle of wine is a lovely gesture. In some cultures, and in some parts of the world, giving the engaged couple a gift is the norm. If some people bring gifts and others do not, put them aside and open them later. Make sure to send a thank you note for any gifts received. Throughout all the planning and celebrating, keep in mind that every family and situation is different. There is no one-size-fits all guide for an engagement. Remember, these are general guidelines, and personal preferences may vary. The most important thing is to enjoy the process and celebrate this special time in your life.  Photo Courtesy of Canva Pro Imagine you’re fresh out of college at your first job. Your one month in and your employer sends you halfway across the country to attend a conference. You’ll be going to meetings, networking and representing your company and you have no idea what you’re doing. On top of that, as you unpack your suitcase in the hotel room you realize you didn’t pack very well and your shirt is wrinkled. You find an iron in the closet and make an attempt to get the wrinkles out. All this is a bit nerve-wracking, right? I can help with that!
I’m teaching a Business Etiquette course at Fullerton College in the Spring 2024 semester. Every aspect of the scenario I described above, plus more, is covered in the class. When an employer hires a candidate, many times they’re focused on the technical skills needed for the job. Once hired they don’t have the time, resources or the knowledge to train them in soft skills needed. That’s where this course comes in. According to the U.S. Department of Labor employers view soft skills as even more important to work readiness. The objectives of this course are to prepare students for success in the business workplace. They will learn how to prepare a professional resume, prepare for and execute a job interview, and outline a plan to execute a business event to showcase etiquette and protocol skills. Students will also polish their presentation skills and conduct interview prep. Each module of the 16-week course will dive deep into different topics around business etiquette and projecting a professional image in the workplace. Many of the topics we will cover are rooted in the goal of having my students come away with skills they can apply in real-life scenarios. There will be hands-on training and role playing throughout the course. We will cover introductions, handshakes, listening skills and the art of conversation. We will also discuss how to respond to awkward questions as well as those awkward moments we’ve all experienced. We'll even take mini field trips on campus to practice elevator etiquette and the proper door protocol in a business environment. One class will be solely devoted to projecting a professional business image. Employers want staff who will represent them in a positive manner when they are out in the field. This module is designed to do just that! It may be a little unconventional for a college class, but the takeaway for the student’s will be invaluable. We will discuss dressing for success: business attire vs. casual attire. In addition, they will learn basic skills that will help them become a polished representative of their employer. Part of the class will focus on clothing maintenance: how to sew a button, how to iron a shirt and even how to tie a tie. In other classes we will review conducting business with other cultures, netiquette and business travel (which will include how to pack to avoid wrinkled clothing). The final project of the class will be for students to plan and execute a business etiquette meal. Part of this project includes proper dining etiquette that they will need to demonstrate at the meal. All this will require teamwork and collaboration skills that are essential in many jobs. I’m confident that the knowledge the students will learn in this course will set them apart from other job candidates as well as co-workers. The skills they acquire will prepare them from experiencing the situation I described at the beginning of this blog post. Plus, having this class listed on their resume will catch the eye of employers who want these soft skills in their employees. If you or someone you know is looking to up their game in the job market, please share this blog with them. Here is the link to the course: https://bit.ly/3QWDmIm  Photo Courtesy of Canva Pro Have you ever held a party or an event and been frustrated when people don’t RSVP? You clearly placed a deadline on the invitation when you needed their response by. Do they not know what RSVP means? I’ve come to realize that some people actually don’t know the meaning. RSVP stands for repondez s’il vous plait, which is French for “please respond.”
As we approach the holidays, I wanted to give an overview of RSVPs. This article covers why RSVPs are needed, what you should include in your RSVP request, how to respond as a guest and what to do if a guest has not given their RSVP by the deadline. Why bother to RSVP? Planning an event has a lot of moving parts. One big part of hosting is planning for the number of people who will be attending. If it’s in their home, the host will need to coordinate with the caterer or shop for the food. They also want to make sure there will be enough seating. If the event is at a venue, the host will need to give the venue a headcount a couple of weeks before the event. This ensures that there will not only be enough food and seating but also enough staff scheduled to work the event. What to include on your RSVP request When sending out invitations, make sure to include an RSVP date and a deadline when you need their response. Also include how you want to receive the response: Mail, Phone Call, Text Message, Email? For a more formal event such as a wedding, you can include an RSVP card with a stamped-addressed envelope to be sent back to you. Today, many couples utilize their wedding website to collect RSVPs. Include the website URL on the invitation if that is how you are collecting your guest responses. For more casual events, many times we see the invitation sent via email or text message. Make sure to include a response deadline in those communications. If it’s a verbal invitation, you can say something like: “We’d love to have you over for a BBQ next weekend. Please let me know by next Monday if you and Richard can come.” As the Guest When you receive an invitation that includes an RSVP, please respond as soon as possible and definitely by the deadline given. Sometimes there are situations when you can’t respond right away. If the deadline is approaching and you haven’t given the host your response yet, let them know that you’re still trying to coordinate your schedule and you will let them know as soon as possible. If the deadline has arrived and you still don’t know if you will be able to attend, I suggest declining the invitation so you’re not leaving the host in limbo. If you’ve responded Yes to an invitation and something comes up that requires you to change that to a No, let they host know right away. That “something” should not be a better offer. When you receive an invitation, take note of who was actually invited. Is it just you, you and a plus-one, you and your family? Please do not ask to bring additional guests that were not included on the invitation. This includes asking if you can bring your children. If you're unsure who is invited, clarify with the host. No RSVP? If you have not received an RSVP by the deadline, it’s perfectly acceptable to reach out to the guest to ask if they will be attending. They may not have received the invitation. A simple, “Hi Jeannine, I’m checking to see if you and Richard will be coming to the wedding?” Then wait for their response. These tips will help you be a gracious host as well as the perfect guest as we go into the holiday party season!  I just finished watching the Netflix series “Suits” and I loved the scenes in the high-rise buildings. Especially when they were getting off the elevators. It seemed as if someone was always ready to greet the main character, Harvey Specter, as the elevator doors opened. No one was pushing their way on or off the elevator. They were all very civil as they entered and exited the elevator and I bet those high-powered attorneys were just as polite in the elevator. At least while the cameras were rolling. That’s usually not what happens in the real world. Many times, we’re met with a throng of people trying to enter the elevator as we’re trying to exit. Or there’s someone talking loudly next to us on their cellphone. That’s where this blog post comes in. Here are some things to keep in mind the next time you press that elevator button. Entering and Exiting an Elevator When waiting for an elevator, stand a few feet back to allow people on the elevator to exit when it arrives. If you stand too close, there won’t be enough room for them to exit. Instead, stand to the side to allow those on board to exit before you enter the elevator. Traditionally, a gentleman would enter the elevator first to make space for the lady and when they arrived at their floor, the lady would exit the elevator first. When I see someone still practice this tradition it makes my heart happy. With today’s modern manners, many choose not to follow this tradition and instead allow anyone to go first. Be aware of others as they make their way on or off the elevator with you. Allow a person in a wheelchair, someone with a cane or walker, a pregnant woman or someone with a stroller to enter and exit first. Hold the elevator door and say: “After you!” Elevator etiquette in a business situation is slightly different. In a business environment, the person with the higher ranking or a client would be the first to enter and exit the elevator. If there are several people in your party, hold the door for them as they enter and exit. In the Elevator Keep in mind that the idea around etiquette and manners is to be aware of how your actions affect others. In a confined space, such as an elevator, we need to be extra mindful of our behavior. Having a personal conversation in that space can make the people who are overhearing it feel uncomfortable. Here are some things to keep in mind about cellphones in an elevator:
Make space for everyone as they enter the elevator. If it’s crowded, don’t squeeze on. Wait for the next one. As you step into the elevator, push the button for your floor. If you’re in the elevator with others and standing next to the button panel, offer to push their button by asking “What floor?” Many of these tips can also be applied to trains, buses and subways. Whether you’re in a high-rise building or using public transportation, keep these tips in mind as you channel your inner Harvey Specter.  I was at Home Depot with my husband recently and I left him alone in the gardening department for 5 minutes so I could go look at a new pot for our garden. When I came back, he was having an in-depth conversation with his new best friend, some random person he had just met. My husband is a bit of an extrovert and loves to chat it up with people where ever he goes. I, on the other hand, am more reserved, maybe a bit of an introvert. Are you like this too? Reserved, maybe an introvert?
I know HOW to have conversations with people, it just doesn’t come as naturally to me as it does my husband. Over the years I’ve developed skills to help with the art of conversation and small talk and I’m going to share them with you. By the end of this blog post you will have the tools to be a better conversationalist. This is important because it will help you be more confident and poised in social as well as business situations. Many of us feel nervous or awkward walking up to someone to make an introduction. Here's a trick you can use to help you feel less self-conscious as you approach someone. Act as if you are the host with a focus on the other person’s comfort. This takes the focus off of you and your nerves. Introducing Yourself How you introduce yourself will depend on the type of event or situation. Providing context in an introduction opens it up for a conversation. Here’s what I mean:
Forgot a name I wish we all walked through life wearing name tags. It would make it so much easier to call someone by their name. Here are some ways to help remember the name of someone you have just met.
Handshakes When we meet people in North America, we extend our right hand as a greeting. Keep in mind that not all cultures practice this tradition so be aware of that as you meet people. Also, Covid changed how we think about handshakes. Watch for these cues to see if they are comfortable shaking hands:
Conversation Starters It’s good to have some conversation starters in mind before you go to an event. These will be slightly different for a business event vs. a social event. When you start with some basics the conversation will flow from there. Ideas for a business event:
Follow Up Questions There’s a saying that we have two ears and one mouth for a reason. The key to being a good conversationalist is being a good listener. Here are some phrases you can use that will make you come off as a great conversationalist with very little effort on your part. Remember, these only work if you’re actually listening. When someone is talking, you can respond with follow up questions like:
Small Talk Some would say small talk is silly or unnecessary but it’s actually one of the building blocks to a more meaningful conversation. You’re not going to jump into a serious conversation as soon as you meet someone. Having some topics in mind will allow the conversation to flow easily. One of the keys to small talk is to be informed about current events and things going on in your community. A few ideas to discuss are sports, the arts, a new restaurant in town or ask them if they've traveled recently. Also, people love to talk about themselves, so ask them questions. Keep in mind that there are certain topics to avoid. Avoid talking about personal issues such as finances, health, family or personal relationships. Save those topics for close friends. Steer clear of discussing religion or politics. People typically hold strong positions on these topics and you’re not going to change their mind. Plus, you run the risk of offending them. Also, refrain from discussing money. This includes salaries as well as the cost of things. Not everyone is comfortable talking about this, so save those topics for your closest friends. Ending A Conversation There is a bit of an art to ending a conversation. To avoid monopolizing someone’s time at an event you should be mindful of the amount of time you are spending with them. If you’re not one to think on your feet, have phrases in the back of your mind ready to go. Here are some suggestions for ending a conversation:
As you can see, there's a bit of a theme here to be a good conversationalist: Preparation. By having simple topics and phrases in mind for each part of a conversation you will be more confident and poised even if you’re just at Home Depot chatting it up with a fellow shopper. |
About SuzySuzy Lins is a certified etiquette trainer located in Southern California. Educating on manners and etiquette to help people gain confidence to master business and social situations is her passion. Categories
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