It's holiday season! Are you dreading the holiday parties?

The holidays will be here soon! Are you excited - or are you dreading them?

Do you try hard to avoid holiday events, or if you go, wish you could melt through the floor?

A vital skill in enjoying and otherwise often benefiting from holiday parties is the ability to make "small talk", or start a conversation with strangers. Some people know how to do this instinctively, but many people have to learn the technique.

Start by coming up with 5 questions you can ask anyone at the event. What could you have in common with these people? For example, do you live in the same community, work in the same industry or company, or share some other common interest? Before the event, check the local media so you can talk intelligently about local events, and write the 5 questions. Memorize them.

At the event, find someone who is also alone, and try to catch his eye. Go over to him and ask your questions. Really listen to his answers, and follow up with more questions. If no questions spark a conversation, say good-bye and find someone else.

For more details about starting, continuing and graciously ending a conversation, get the concise e-book Small Talk:Connecting with Others! Learn the "secrets" of this vital skill. Let this be the holiday season when your small talk skills shine!

           

        

Communication Tips: Leaving Better Voice Mails and Remembering Names

One problem that often occurs is speaking fast when giving your name and telephone number as you leave a voice mail message. You as the speaker know your information, and  you say it quickly. Speakers forget that it takes longer to write it down than to say it. To be more professional about it, write your telephone number or spell your name in the air as you say it slowly on the phone message. This is the speed that the listener needs. As a benefit, you may get more calls returned!) Then repeat your number at the end of the message, at a slightly faster pace.

 When meeting someone new, it may be hard to remember the other person's name. When you hear it for the first time, think about it and try to use the name in the first sentence, as in "It's great to meet you, Pat!"

 When you end the conversation, use the other person's name again. This may help you to recall the name when you see the person again.