Schmoozing and small talk tips for merry holiday party mingling. Click here for more!

Small Talk: Working the Cocktail Party

WITH PLEASURE, PURPOSE AND PANACHE

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by Susan RoAne

The cocktail party is here to stay as a business and social function. Surviving them is good; making the most of them and having a good time in the process is even better!

Cocktail parties are gatherings of about two hours where drinks and finger food are served and guests are expected to stand and to circulate.

There are three basic types of cocktail party:

1. Social
2. Business
3. Fundraiser (charitable, civic, political, etc.)

People have wanted detailed "mingling maps" and have mentioned C. Northcote Parkinson's Laws of Moving Through the Cocktail Party. I recently learned his writing on the subject were satirical in intent. When you are prepared, observe the room and feel confident, no map is needed. Just your good manners, conversation and interest in others, whether they are standing near a wall or the dessert table.

THE COCKTAIL PARTY - BUSINESS

Business cocktail parties come in several varieties:
1. The No-Host reception before the professional association meeting
2. The office party, which may celebrate anything from the company's IPO, anniversary or a holiday
3. The business social, which is often sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitors Bureau or some other civic organization.

THE BONNIE RAITT/SUSAN ROANE METHOD OF MINGLING

Let's give them "something to talk about." I always wear a pin: a star, a telephone, a frog.... It opens conversation. Secretary Madeleine Allbright also wears "brooches," and her circle "broaches" difficult peace talks. But she provides the conversation piece.

Men have worn ties that give us "something to talk about." Looney Toons, Mickey Mouse, Jerry Garcia, South Park, and holiday ties...open up the conversation. I found a great Three Stooges tie for my brother, Michael, the lawyer...Moe, Curly and Larry faces with the names, Dewey, Cheatem and Howe - attorneys at law. He told me the "boys" are quite the conversation starter. Nyuk! Nyuk!

Remember, these gifts of gab must be "opened"! When you see a unique lapel pin, brooch or tie-say something! You are being invited to say hello!

Remember...the focus here is BUSINESS - with a social flair, to be sure - but it's still important to do your homework and work the room so that you make new contacts and strengthen old ones.

This kind of cocktail reception is usually followed by a sit?down meal, a program, and announcements. So even when the reception is over, you have another opportunity to meet the people during the meal.

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