Based on the classic HOW TO WORK A ROOM®.
DO…
1. RSVP and say “yes” and SHOW UP!
2. Focus Your Conversation on the Event: The season is the reason.
Bring your O.A.R. Start with small talk and what you have in common: (Weather, Covid, favorite teams, books, movies etc).
*Observe — The venue, food or entertainment: “What fun decorations! And, the food is fabulous.”
*Ask — The host or a guest: “Have any special plans for this holiday”? Do you have plans to travel? OR “Who do you think made this delicious crab dip”? (I may ask, “How many calories do you think it has?”
*Reveal — Your ideas, thoughts, plans; “My plans to be on the slopes for the holidays didn’t pan out.” OR “For the obvious reasons we decided to stick closer to home for a more low-keyed family holiday.” Add humor.” We’re calling it a “holiday-cation”.
SHARING STORIES connects us to others.
3. Act Like A Host (and a gracious guest): Be interested; pay attention; listen and introduce people to each other.
4. Treat Spouses/Guests (yours and theirs) With Respect: Introduce them with enthusiasm and include them with eye contact, comments and questions.
5. Remember: the Holiday/Christmas party is still business. Act accordingly.
DON’T…
1. Don’t Drink Excessively. Enough Said. There is no such thing as “free drinks”. If one overindulges, there’s a price to pay!
2. Don’t Assume Everyone Celebrates Christmas. (And if you don’t, be gracious about the error).
3. Don’t do anything foolish that you wouldn’t want to see on YouTube, revealed in a tweet or uploaded on the internet.
4. Don’t forget to detach from the techie toys (cell phones, ear buds). Refrain from text messaging, emailing, status updating or tweeting when talking to people. Don’t post pictures or comments without permission.
5. Don’t Kvetch, Ridicule, Interrupt, Compete, Correct, Interrogate, Brag or Talk Politics!
BONUS Tip: Dress appropriately for the occasion. Consider time, place and type of celebration. Tuck away your Tux unless it’s a black tie event.
The gift you give to others and to yourself is to attend every gathering with a “Mingling Mindset” and to HAVE FUN.
And you will!
©2022SusanRoAne May be reproduced with attribution to author.
About Susan RoAne
