2006-10-29 13:56:38 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
If it's a dinner party, the correct thing to do is chat to the guest on one side during the first course, then the guest on the other side during the next course - alternating. Usually your host or hostess will open up the dessert course with a topic for general table conversation. If it's a butlered party, with waiters moving around the standing guests, you can simply stand on the fringes of an established group, (not too loud a group) and listen politely, if you have nothing to say. Failing that, you can simply hide in a corner, or spend all of your time snorkelling into the buffet.
2006-10-29 14:02:23 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Before the party - read the newspaper, especially the front page. Try to have seen a recent movie or music video. Or read some books.
Usually - if you have done any of those things - you can bring up topics casually - like "Hey did you read in the paper today ....." usually people will respond with "Yes" - or "no- and will ask you what it was about". That's a beginning. Now - don't do a complete narrative - this is basically just a starter question to open up the conversation. Try to find something amusing or weird to talk about.
Another way is to ask the people on either side if they have a hobby or collect anything. Then really LISTEN to what they have to say. People usually love to talk about what they are interested or passionate about - and that starts it up.
Or -you can go with the tried and true - "how long have you lived here - where do you live before?" What do you do for a living, do you go to school - what is your major? Those kind of things.
Another great topic is pets - if people have pets - they will usually love to talk about them.
2006-10-29 22:04:30 · answer #2 · answered by Karla R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Easy....ask lots of questions:
--So, how do you know ___________(insert host name)?
--Tell me Bob, what do you find most rewarding about your job?
--Lydia, I hear rumor that you made these delicious won-tons...have you been making Asian food a long time, because these are better than any I've had at a restaurant. How do you get them so crisp?
--Betty, I notice your breasts are quite firm and high since the last time I saw you. Have you had a lift?
--Deb, I hear you have a daughter in college. Where does she go? Does she like it there? What's her major?
Discuss local politics ONLY if it's really safe and boring. Discuss work if it's a work party. Discuss how you enjoyed the entertainment if any is provided.
Be natural vs. phony and pretentious. Smile a lot....find someone who looks welcoming and say "Hi, I'm Dave. I work with Lucy's husband Bill. Then ask the person a question.
Listen more than talk.
2006-10-29 22:07:53 · answer #3 · answered by ssssss 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When in doubt, admire the surroundings. Look at a painting or other decor and smile. Someone will notice, and start a coversation with you about it. It's best to pick a painting so your head is up and your eyes are elevated. That makes you more approachable than if your head is down and your eyes seem fixated. Don't make the mistake of asking if it's an original - particularly if it's a portrait. It may very well be their Uncle Fred or Aunt Harriet. In that event, "Is it an original?" will make you look silly. Who else would want a portrait of their Uncle Fred or Aunt Harriet?
2006-10-29 22:35:54 · answer #4 · answered by north79004487 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Start on one of the current general news of the day Don't dominate the conversation. Let the others talk. Don't ask any contriversial questions. Pay compliments
2006-10-31 19:45:03 · answer #5 · answered by Truth ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't see how conversation at a formal evening should be significantly different from polite conversation anyplace else.
Are you in the habit of depending on profanity, or something?
2006-10-29 22:44:08 · answer #6 · answered by silvercomet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A compliment usually gets the ball rolling. Try "those earing are just stunning!" line or even a simple "What a lovely evening"
Stay positive and don't talk too much. If you should hear any gossip, do smile, look away, and excuse yourself to the bathroom. It could be a rouse to see if you are such a person to engage.
2006-10-29 22:03:58 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once introductions are made ask open ended questions that encourage the other person to talk about what interests them.
Don't talk about yourself to an excess.
Others will enjoy your conversations if you make them an important part of it.
2006-10-29 22:01:49 · answer #8 · answered by Doug H 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Just open up with an off the wall question... like...Would anyone like to buy a slightly used guitar?
2006-10-29 22:05:30 · answer #9 · answered by Motorpsycho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
be what u r & behave in the same manner bcoz its more important to be true and loyal so behave the way u feel u should.
2006-10-30 04:51:17 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋