Entering and Exiting Conversations...Gracefully

By Susan RoAne, The Mingling Maven®

Although entering a room is uncomfortable, nothing is more daunting than entering a room full of people… already in groups. They say that ‘breaking up is hard to do’ but “breaking in” is more difficult. Being able to do so enhances our business and careers. How we gracefully join a work in progress concerns many people who find it awkward. To make it easier, here are strategies for breaking and entering and exiting.

Breaking In

There are several ways to do that. One way is the lesson learned from shy people: arrive within fifteen minutes of the appointed hour. That way the room is not full of already formed groups. When we do see many groups in any room, find the group with three or more people who look and sound like they are having a good time. Stand in the periphery and when acknowledged step in and respond. BONUS TIP: When you see someone in your group’s periphery, step back. In doing so, you will have included the excluded and that is memorable.

Gracious Exits

Parting is such sweet sorrow but we must exit and move on.

Exit One

After an interesting conversation, interrupt yourself, indicate the conversation was pleasant, interesting, and informative and offer a phrase or sentence that summarizes the conversation. Offering a hand for a handshake, signals “the end”. One colleague smiles and says, “I could monopolize your time but you must want to meet others.” It works for her.

Ask for a card if appropriate and offer one of yours. Then walk a quarter of the room over to another individual or group so your conversation partner won’t think you just turned your back.

Exit Two

After a conversation that is belabored, still be polite because doing otherwise could cause a problem down the road. Offer your hand for the handshake and in a most upbeat voice, “I hope you enjoy the rest of the meeting, party, game, and conference.” And still walk a quarter of the room away from the person. Chance is an interesting game because we never know who will reappear in the rooms of our life and be the key contact.

Exit Three

Another way to exit is a ‘bring-along”. Instead of excusing yourself, offer to introduce your new contact to others. An introduction spoken with respect, interest and energy is infectious.

Helping others increase their contact base is kind, smart and memorable! It's a way to develop your business, your reputation and your bottom-line.

Whether it's a conference, a meeting or an event, Susan RoAne helps people increase their communication, interactions, comfort and confidence in every room.

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©RoAne2006 All rights reserved under Article One, Section Eight of the US Constitution

Susan RoAne, an in-demand keynote speaker, is the author of How To Work A Room, What Do I Say Next? and How To Create Your Own Luck. She is the person who created the tipping point on the term, SCHMOOZE and is The Mingling Maven® who teaches people how to make small talk that yields big rewards.

You can find her at:
415 461 3915 or Susan@susanroane.com

Please contact her for permission to use this article.

REMINDERS

• Conversation is an art, not a science.
• If you like people, you've won half the battle for more conversational prowess.
• The ability to schmooze contributes to personal and professional success.
• Small talk is the most important talk we can do.