Many people would agree that the most difficult part of going to an event is being able to introduce yourself to a room full of strangers. Even if you are the most sociable person in the room, it can be a daunting task. Knowing all of the key tips and tricks necessary to make yourself known and to start conversations is essential for success, not only at events and at work, but in your social life as well.
How it works
Whether you’re attending a wedding or a networking event, talking to people is the same in any situation. You will always want to make sure that you leave a positive and lasting impression that will compel people to want to get to know more about you.
What to talk about
The first thing to think about is what you should be talking to everyone about and how to avoid all of the most common topics that people would expect. For example, talking about the weather or the event itself is a common conversation starter that doesn’t give the best example. Instead, you should do a little bit of research before attending the event. Are there any companies that have great philanthropic policies? Are there any current events and trends that relate to the conference that you know about?
Start the conversation
A lot of people put too much effort into trying to figure out how to start a conversation with someone. In fact, you would be surprised to know that 90 per cent of the people who you want to talk to are also wondering how they can start their own conversations. There’s nothing better than relying on traditional methods such as shaking hands, introducing yourself and giving a compliment. This is the perfect way to get a conversation going and allows you to introduce other topics as the conversation progresses.
Making an impression
The most important part of making an impression is to make sure that you look the part that you’re trying to portray. If you want to come off as a strong-willed and well put together individual, make sure that your clothes are freshly cleaned and pressed and your hair is styled properly. You will also want to make sure that your teeth are sparkling white and your hands/nails are immaculate for shaking hands. People are known to make first impressions off of the appearance of others, so make sure yours is perfect.
Silvia Pellegrini is a consultant who runs Events Uncovered TV
