Office holiday parties are a great way to meet people, mingle and make the kind of small talk that can help advance your career. That is, unless you handle it badly. Then it could derail it. So what can you say that will make you stand out in a good way? Martin M. Antony, a professor of psychology at Ryerson University in Toronto, Ontario and the author of "10 Simple Solutions to Shyness," says you should reach out to someone by smiling, making eye contact and just being approachable. Show that you are open to conversation. And when the talking begins, this is what you say:
1. Give compliments -- Offer someone else a compliment, but make sure you are honest and don't overdo it. If you receive one in return and feel uncomfortable, just say "Thank you." Don't discount the praise by telling the person all the reasons why you don't deserve it.
2. Join an ongoing conversation -- At a party, it is perfectly appropriate to join an ongoing conversation. People often walk about, moving in and out of different conversations. See if you can join in with a group of people who are discussing something that interests you.
3. Be prepared -- Have some topics of conversation prepared, but make sure to actually listen to the other person rather than rehearsing what you'll say next.
4. Ask questions -- Be curious and intrigued about other people and their lives and interests.
5. Be positive -- People respond better to positive statements than negative.
6. Use active listening skills -- Reflect back that you are understanding what the other person is saying. Paraphrase what they say, ask for clarification and provide feedback.
7. Try to talk about things other than work -- Take the opportunity to get to know people on a personal level.
8. Include your date in conversations by finding common interests -- This is especially important if your date is shy or doesn't know anyone else but you.
9. Stick to neutral topics -- Just like your grandmother advised, don't talk about religion, politics or sex.
1. Give compliments -- Offer someone else a compliment, but make sure you are honest and don't overdo it. If you receive one in return and feel uncomfortable, just say "Thank you." Don't discount the praise by telling the person all the reasons why you don't deserve it.
2. Join an ongoing conversation -- At a party, it is perfectly appropriate to join an ongoing conversation. People often walk about, moving in and out of different conversations. See if you can join in with a group of people who are discussing something that interests you.
3. Be prepared -- Have some topics of conversation prepared, but make sure to actually listen to the other person rather than rehearsing what you'll say next.
4. Ask questions -- Be curious and intrigued about other people and their lives and interests.
5. Be positive -- People respond better to positive statements than negative.
6. Use active listening skills -- Reflect back that you are understanding what the other person is saying. Paraphrase what they say, ask for clarification and provide feedback.
7. Try to talk about things other than work -- Take the opportunity to get to know people on a personal level.
8. Include your date in conversations by finding common interests -- This is especially important if your date is shy or doesn't know anyone else but you.
9. Stick to neutral topics -- Just like your grandmother advised, don't talk about religion, politics or sex.
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