English Speech Communication- Joining a Conversation

What people like the most is going into conversational settings and  leaving later feeling they connected with others.

Here are some tips that savvy socializers use:

• They go early and act to welcome new arrivals as if they were part of the established group.
• They use the tactic of going with a buddy. That way, after they have split up and made a few self-introductions, they can share with each other the interesting people each has met.

If you are by yourself, here are some options:

• Walk around and find another person who is not talking in a group. Greet with “How do you know (the hostess)?” or “I don’t know many people here, do you?”  Once you have gotten to know one another, you can approach a group of other guests as a team.
• Sit down, and you may be able to strike up a conversation with another guest who is sitting down.
• Seek a little help or offer help to the host. When the host is available, it is okay to ask for a couple of introductions.  You may also offer to pass appetizers around to break the ice.
• Join another conversation. Sometimes there is a congenial person who welcomes you. You might say “I’m new here.  May I introduce myself?” Or “I just got here. Could I join your conversation?  My name is ____”  or simply  “Hello.”
• Stand by the food. It’s a topic you will have in common with everyone who approaches the table.

Be sure to watch our English Speech Tips videos and Accent Reduction Tip videos  for more English pronunciation and accent reduction exercise.

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