Starting a Conversation
I’ve had a terrific time this past week at my New York and Connecticut book appearances! So many of you have turned out to hear me speak about my life and how important manners and etiquette are to me. You’ve truly inspired me with your rapt attention, your heartfelt laughter, and your thoughtful questions. Part Two of my book “Class with the Countess” is entitled The Art of Making Other People Comfortable and you have made me feel so at ease during these appearances. I want to thank everyone who has come out to see me and I encourage you to keep in touch as I post more appearance dates on my web page.
My experience is that a sense of humor and not taking myself too seriously helps me break down barriers and connect with people. Even I get the butterflies before speaking in front of a group but I remember my mentor Honey saying to me “just get out there and do it”. That’s why having mentors is so important. Being able to talk to anybody about anything is one of the prerequisites of moving through life with ease. If you feel at all out of your element, like at a party where you know few people, it is very important to make an effort to introduce yourself to others. That is why a good opening line can break the ice with people you don’t know well. Your mission is to uncover something interesting about each person you meet in order to initiate a conversation. The good news is that starting a conversation gets easier the more often you do it.
Fail Proof Opening Lines:
• How do you know our hosts?
• Are you doing anything special for the weekend?
• Did you read that recent Times article about ____ ?
• Have you had time to catch that new George Clooney movie?
• Isn’t this a great party? Do you know many people here?
• What a lovely ring. Is that an antique? The craftsmanship is exquisite.
• Did you get hooked on The Real Housewives of New York City? I hear they are working on another season.
Tip: There is never a reason to stand alone at a cocktail party or large reception. Just go up to someone and introduce yourself. Chances are that person will be relieved by your attention.
My experience is that a sense of humor and not taking myself too seriously helps me break down barriers and connect with people. Even I get the butterflies before speaking in front of a group but I remember my mentor Honey saying to me “just get out there and do it”. That’s why having mentors is so important. Being able to talk to anybody about anything is one of the prerequisites of moving through life with ease. If you feel at all out of your element, like at a party where you know few people, it is very important to make an effort to introduce yourself to others. That is why a good opening line can break the ice with people you don’t know well. Your mission is to uncover something interesting about each person you meet in order to initiate a conversation. The good news is that starting a conversation gets easier the more often you do it.
Fail Proof Opening Lines:
• How do you know our hosts?
• Are you doing anything special for the weekend?
• Did you read that recent Times article about ____ ?
• Have you had time to catch that new George Clooney movie?
• Isn’t this a great party? Do you know many people here?
• What a lovely ring. Is that an antique? The craftsmanship is exquisite.
• Did you get hooked on The Real Housewives of New York City? I hear they are working on another season.
Tip: There is never a reason to stand alone at a cocktail party or large reception. Just go up to someone and introduce yourself. Chances are that person will be relieved by your attention.
posted by LuAnn deLesseps
at
9:21 AM
2 Comments :
I have been looking all over for something that put it as well as this. You have really put the art of sparking up a conversation into a much better, concise, and understandable process for me now. Thank you, LuAnn!
P.S. I really love watching you on the show, my step-mother just raves about you all the time. Keep doing what you do best. You're a real inspiration.
I work in a professional (corporate business) environment, yet you would not believe how many times I have overheard people casually mention (even to perfect strangers) "oh, my friend who was in rehab/is in jail/was in jail".
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