Topics of conversation

[chrimbomas]

I feel a bit out of practice making general small talk and holding conversation with people and have a work do coming up.

People I know but not actually friends with, so nothing too deep or personal.

What kind of topics can I have internet head to keep the conversation flowing?

Am I strange for asking this, do you just go without thinking what to talk about or do you try to think of things before?

You'll be fine just go with the flow, others will start conversations not just you

I ask people about themselves. Most of the time, you can't shut them up! ;-)

Holidays - recent, favourite, planned
What are they doing over Christmas
Previous jobs, especially first ones/Saturday jobs
Best and worst present they've ever had

Avoid politics, bad news and religion and you should be fine!

Ok here are my mingling tips:
-If you are standing there not sure who to talk to, find a group to join or find another lone person.

-‘mind if I join you’
-‘holy hell that’s a line at the bar’
-‘I’m going to join you so I don’t look like the weird kid looking for someone to eat lunch with’
-‘hey, don’t you work in finance?’
-Bring up a few shared experiences that you can draw on…
-holiday plans
-line for the bar
-temp of the room/volume of music/parking challenges
-line for the loo
-antics of drunk guy or woman
-Ask questions about the other person
-Have your escape ready
-Excuse me, need to refresh my drink
-Pardon me, hate to leave but must find the (fill in the blank)
-oh hey, sorry but I’ve been trying to catch Robert and I see him over there, excuse me
-ughh the babysitter… sorry must take this call

And my formatting went to hell. Good luck deciphering my suggestions and your party!