How to Meet People at Holiday Parties

Holiday parties can be intimidating, especially if you do not know anyone. However, with a few mental tricks and a little preparation you can start a conversation with anyone.

Instructions

1. Prepare for the party. Look through a recent newspaper for an unusual or interesting story. Then write a short list of events and stories relating to your life that you would be willing to share with others. This will provide you with ice breakers and things to say to help avoid the scary "I blanked and don't know what to say" feeling.

2. When you first walk in, look for people who are smiling and talking. Do not assume that, because they are talking and laughing, they know each other. They may have just met. Walk over to a friendly looking group with your arms open, a smile on your face, and confidence. Introduce yourself and say how you know the host or what department you work at. This will provide fuel to start a conversation.

3. Continue the conversation by asking open-ended questions, such as "Do you have big plans for the holidays?"

4. Compliment them. Most people love honest compliments. Find something about them that you really like and compliment them on it. You might continue the thread and ask them where they got an item you admire to start a conversation about the store or shopping in general.

5. Know when to exit. You want to exit the conversation while they still want to talk more to you. When the conversation shows signs of slowing and people are not almost jumping over each others' words to talk, excuse yourself. Say something such as "I would love to talk more, but I need to ..." refresh a drink, catch up with a person across the room, etc.

6. Leave contact information. Tell people you strike up good conversations with that you'd love to talk again sometime, and give them your business card. If you are in a social situation, ask if you can meet again sometime.

7. Repeat with another friendly group. Soon you will have more friends than you know what to do with.

Tips & Warnings

• Have fun -- learning to be less shy is scaring and learning to meet people is work, but it should also be fun.

• Don't give up. If the first group is not particularly social or doesn't want to let you in the conversation, go to the next one.