As the holiday season approaches, each of us will be invited to numerous business functions and end-of-the-year celebrations. Unfortunately, walking into a room full of strangers and trying to engage in conversation is not most people’s idea of fun, but often that’s just what we are expected to do at these events.

By using a few friendly conversation skills, you can turn holiday parties into opportunities to make great connections.

Here are some tips to help you make a positive impression with everyone you meet:

1. Put your phone away. Conversation isn’t likely to happen between people who are staring at their phones. Don’t use your phone as a crutch. Put it away and engage with those around you.
2. Act confident in your body language. Don’t fidget, jingle the change in your pocket, or play with your hair. Stand up tall, take in your surroundings, and decide who you might like to meet.

 

3. Be the first to say “hello.” Remember that most people are as uncomfortable as you are. They’ll appreciate if you take the first step and introduce yourself with a firm handshake and a warm smile. Be friendly, positive, and genuine.
4. Show real interest by asking good questions. Even shy people like to talk about themselves, so encourage people to talk. Use open-ended questions that can’t be answered with a “yes” or “no." Some examples: What do you like to do when you aren't working? How do you feel about this coffee? When was the last time you went to a great networking event?
5. Give your total attention. When you are talking with someone, listen carefully and use an appropriate amount of eye contact. Do not scan the room looking for someone else to talk with. By spending dedicated time with each person, you will make them feel important, special and heard, and they will feel more connected to you because of your efforts.
6. Be a “connector.” As you meet people, ask “If I'm talking with someone else today, how will I know they are someone I should send your way?” Then as you mingle, if you meet someone who might click well with one of your previous conversation partners, introduce them to each other.
7. Make graceful exits and be ready to follow up. While it’s sometimes difficult to extract yourself from a conversation, it’s also important that you move on to meet new people. After a few minutes of conversation, say, “It’s been great talking with you. I’m going to mingle a bit more.” Then if it makes sense, ask for a business card and schedule a follow up conversation over coffee.
8. Be patient and invest in long term relationships. Making a good impression really means making other people feel good about spending time with you. By being friendly, inquisitive, kind, and open, you will build trust with the new people you meet, and they will come to consider you a friend and someone they can refer people to, do business with, and count on in the future.

Carrie Hensel is co-founder and CEO of Inner Circle Media and co-founder of the Women’s Exchange of Washtenaw. She writes this monthly column with other members of the WXW steering committee.