CAREER
Working the room during the holiday season
When we think about public speak- ing we typically visualise seated strangers at a crowded conference, or a meeting room at the office. When we contemplate formal net- working what comes to mind is pressing a card into someone’s hand at a work-related event and hoping to win some new business. Public speaking and networking skills can however extend to our so- cial lives too. Christmas parties are an excellent place to exercise your communication and presentation skills. So this holiday season, have fun and relax. Enjoy the mince pies and mulled wine, but remember that every get-together you attend is a chance to flex those public speaking muscles! Here are five activities you can try at the next party, which will get you in shape for work-related communication.
www.focus-info.org
“Christmas parties are an excellent place to exercise your communication and presentation skills.”
1. Approaching strangers
If the party is in full swing when you arrive, try not to feel intimidated. Everyone appears to be chatting and it can be difficult to know where to start. When advising clients on networking strategies I tell them to look for people on their own, or those in a group of three or five. Uneven numbers are good. Typically, when you approach the group, someone will notice and will include you. At this point, once introductions are made, the group can split into pairs and everyone will be engaged in conversation. If you approached a singleton, they’ll probably be very happy you said hello.
Of course, you might be concerned about how to extricate yourself when you want to move on. The best way to do this is to use the excuse of needing to refill your drink or pop to the bathroom. Be sure to smile and make eye contact with everyone in the group as you say farewell.
“I like to remind clients that it’s important to be energetic when you’re speaking to groups. No one enjoys a damp squib – especially at a party.”
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