How to Mingle

With Christmas Parties filling up our diaries, work do's and friends declaring "We MUST catch up before Christmas" all I hear is how much everyone seems to dread these functions. On digging a little deeper it isn't the tiny spring rolls or salmon blinis that everyone detests, no it is talking to strangers or rather not talking to them and standing in a corner with a warm glass of fizz. Sad.

I'm an extrovert but I used to get very anxious before public speaking, attending a party or going on stage etc. However I have learnt to channel that nervousness into excitement. I love to mingle but my poor Husband hates it so I can understand where you are all coming from.

My biggest tip for when attending a function where you may only know a couple of people or just the host is to tell the host to introduce you to people. Simply say something along the lines of "Oh you must introduce me to ***** I've heard so much abour them!". A good host will do this automatically but being an extrovert they will often assume you are fine and leave you to your own devices.

Are you in a group and they are making no effort to include you? Firstly how rude! Secondly find a new group, literally take a deep breath and go and introduce yourself, it is perfectly fine to say "Oh how terrible are these things when you don't know anyone? Haha...how do you know the host?"...or some comment on their great dress...shoes...etc. People love to talk about themselves as they know all the answers!

Introduce others to others, once you have found out about this person include someone else that is walking by "OH! You have great shoes too, I was just talking to Suzie about her shoes and she mentioned she got them at Myers, are you loving the new layout at Indooroopilly?" Always ask a question that is open ended, yes or no answers are very draining.

Not sure how to attract people to your little group of 2? Make friends with the waiters, they will come to you first with the fresh drinks and canapes - the people will come! Sure, for a spring roll but engage! Ask questions! Soon you will have a little party!

Finally if you are good at these things; include the wallflowers. Literally walk over to them and introduce yourself, encourage them to come and sit or stand with you and find out a little bit about them. Make your own mini group and then once they've got their own conversation rolling excuse yourself and socialize with others. This method is excellent as you are taking pressure off the host and soon no one will be left out PLUS as a bonus for you, you will get to meet most guests of the party which means next time you will be an old favourite.

Do you have any great tips for mingling?