Holiday Party Tips 10 Big Rules of Small Talk
Holiday party themes may vary greatly but the 10 big rules of small talk remain the same. Small talk is just what the name implies, little chats with new or casual acquaintances, about everyday things such as art, vacations, styles and the weather, never topics that have short fuses such as politics and religion. Here are ten tips to keep the party happy for everyone.
Greet and introduce everyone
Greet everyone with the same enthusiasm whether you like them or not. Be generous with smiles and handshakes and introduce anyone new. A kiss on the cheek or a hug is not required of you unless you know the person well and that is your normal form of greeting. Even if everyone else is doing this, you may offer your hand for a handshake if you choose.
Don’t monopolize the conversation
No one at a holiday party wants to hear about you exclusively. Yes, it is acceptable to mention any awards or great accomplishments if you are ask what you do for a living or what you have been doing. Share about vacations, new additions to the family and old friends you have seen recently.
Avoid taboo subjects
People have strong opinions about both political and religious beliefs and because of this, even the most innocent remark can lead to a heated dispute. A holiday party is not the best place to campaign or proselytize, so keeping your beliefs private is the best choice.
Never be a gossip
A holiday party is for fun and spreading good cheer so, even if you know some juicy gossip about another guest, keep it to yourself. None of us is perfect and we all have skeletons hidden in a closet, so find something nice to say or follow your Mother’s advice and don’t say anything at all.
Remember names and faces
Make a concerted effort to remember names as you are introduced to other guests. There are little tricks that can help you with this. For example, if you are introduced to Allan Black and he is wearing a black suit and tie, think, “He’s all in black.” Or, maybe you meet Helen who speaks loudly and you think, “Yellen Helen.”
Be interested as well as interesting
Pay attention to the guest who is speaking and ask pertinent questions to show your interest. Bone up on the latest movies, music, museum exhibits or Broadway plays that might come up at a party so you won’t be lost in the conversation.
Acknowledge everyone’s personal space
Even at a crowded holiday party, each person has a personal space, which is usually an arm’s length. No one wants someone standing in their face, so give them some space and regain your own by taking a step back. If they don’t get the message, excuse yourself from the conversation and move on.
Be tactful
If the conversation is boring you to tears, it is perfectly okay to move on if you can do so tactfully. Never just walk away but excuse yourself with a reason why you are moving on such as, “I must say hello to the host,” or “I need to go to the powder room.”
Don’t air your dirty laundry
While it might be okay to mention that you are recently divorced or have lost your job, no one wants to hear all the explicit or appalling details. That is distasteful and crass at any function much more so at a holiday party that is intended to be a festive occasion.
Use your social graces
Small talk allows you to network with those at a party who are new or casual acquaintances; it’s a wonderful tool for making new friends. Good manners are necessary to make a good impression and you never outgrow the social phrases you were taught as a child, such as nice to meet you, please, thank-you, may I and you’re welcome.
A holiday party should be about fun and you can assure it isn’t marred by bad manners or arguments if you learn and stick to these 10 big rules of small talk. And remember, a well-read person is often the most interesting one at a party when it comes to small talk.
