Conversation Concertmaster at an Event You Host - TAN Photo
Readers have let me know how they apply the conversation skills shared here to boost their business networking success. Confidence is up when it comes to engagement in social situations. Hurrah!
Ease in communicating has been proven to improve your image and your business bottom line. It’s also fun, isn’t it?
What happens when you host an event?
It’s going to happen.
One day you will take the risk of organizing a little or a big gathering of people. Perhaps you’ll choose a ‘greet and meet’ for clients, new staff or even a community meeting of your neighbours.
One common element makes your event memorable and of value. Whether in a public place, your office or your home, I can tell you as an official planner of trade events, meetings and conferences of every kind, for years at the Winnipeg Convention Centre that your TOP priority is to get people talking. Move them all around in an effective flow of conversation and they’ll be talking about you and your event for a long time after.
These tips basics from social butterflies and hosts with ‘street cred’ should calm any jangled nerves.
Shine confidently and make your guests feel like stars too. So, do remember to:
o Stay relaxed and focus on being gracious
o Consider details to make your guests feel pampered
o Sparkle up the space by encouraging lively conversation
HOW-TO-HOST TIPS
Pre-event: Once you’ve done all you need to prepare the location physically, sit yourself down.
Yes! Breathe. Imagine yourself in the flow of a successful event. You are attentive and your guests are having a good time. They mix and mingle and do not notice any of the bits you think are not quite perfect.
• Now, go to the mirror. Smile and feel good all over. A happy and relaxed host can do what’s next.
At-event: With smile setting your energy up, use it to greet guests personally.
• They know you and may be nervous about everyone else. Offer them refreshments and ‘lubricate’ the conversation by giving them your full attention and starting with a light topic.
• Do introduce guests to each other whether they are new arrivals or silent souls standing around needing a nudge.
• When you introduce people say their names clearly. Courteously add a little note about interests they might share or how they are connected to you.
• Circulate throughout the event and introduce sparkling details or interesting facts to stimulate chats between guests.
• Do have enough refreshment and position it around the space to get guests moving to discover new areas and conversation partners too.
Post-event: Forget the frantic clean up. Toast to success with a friend. Enjoy the afterglow of activity.
VIP Very important protocol: In our casual, mixed culture setting, introductions how to’s can get lost. This protocol has proven to be respectful and smooth. Introduce younger people TO older folks. Men TO women, subordinates TO superiors. Say their names clearly and pause so that guests can greet each other and shake hands if they wish.
So? When are you inviting us over?
Next time, how to deal with difficult guests and other irritations of the ‘social life’
