To ask you how to work a room?

[ItsAYes]

How do you people do it! Im not confident enough but so just want to be able to talk to anyone and I realise the importance of this skill especially at work. Any tips would be useful!

I have a friend who is amazing at this!!! Out of our group of friends she's always the one who we choose to come along to any events where we need a plus one as she just makes it seem so effortless.

I think it's a mixture of confidence, a genuine interest in meeting people, and innate talent.

Any particular occasion?

Any occasion I guess but for me personally more informal social settings like parties/ weddings and gatherings. Meeting new people and acquaintances.

Fake it til you make it. Imagine everyone there is there to meet you. Put a big smile on you face and be pleased to meet /see everyone. Be interested in everything they say and always look approachable and happy. Be a little bit gushy but not ott.

If it’s informal - such as a friends drinks party, grab a tray of food - olives, canapés, whatever and hand around stopping to chat to people for a few minutes to work out who you might like to talk to for longer.

Be more interested in them than you. Smile. Approach and include people who look a bit lost. Move on by saying you need to fetch a drink or similar. If there’s just two of you, shift slightly and say let’s join that group as they look nice. Then break in by hovering, nodding and smiling. Someone should acknowledge your presence.

The easiest way to practice is to host your own drinks party where you know lots of people already.

I think some good tips are:

1. Smile and introduce yourself to people
2. Read the mood of the room/event and match it
3. Make sure you acknowledge partners
4. Use business cards appropriately
5. Ask people about themselves, ask good questions and listen to the answer - engage people in what they are interested in.
6. Follow up - if you promise to send an article/share something then do it. It leaves a great impression
7. Big up the host, say thank you for the invite
8. Dress well