Travel
However, showing interest in
a mix of people can advance your
conversational skills.
If you find yourself next to a
stranger at a party or event,
introduce yourself immediately.
In addition to being good manners,
it helps your host or hostess, and
more than that, it helps you
overcome your own fear of
meeting people if you are shy.
Start by extending your hand and
saying, “Hello, I’m _____ _____, I’m
a friend of John’s.” If they don’t
respond, you might want to add,
“Could you share your name?”
Global Etiquette
Enjoyable
Conversations
By Maralyn D. Hill
W
IMAGE COURTESY OF GÖKÇE
ÖZASLAN VIA FREEIMAGES.COM
hat’s acceptable
conversation around
the globe varies
somewhat, but the
common courtesies
seem to remain. I’ll try to include
as many as possible.
Many of us know those who appear
to be the life of the party, but are
they really? Or do they seem to be
taking center stage and becoming
bores? Others have a tremendous
fear of speaking up because they
don’t think they have something
interesting to say. Hopefully, we
will have some hints that will help
both categories.
A good conversation consists of
an equal amount of give and take
from the parties involved, allowing
for opinions from a number of
participants. None of us enjoy the
individual who monopolizes the room.
away. That can apparent to those
around you. However a good listener,
one who looks the speaker in the eyes,
will make a positive impression.
For those who want to capture the
conversation, develop your listening
skills. That is one of the most useful
talents you can acquire. Being quiet
and listening gives you the
opportunity to ask intelligent
questions.
If it is difficult for you to speak up,
you’ll notice that those who are not
listening well are apt to ask foolish
questions or make remarks that are
not pertinent. Good listeners do not
make these types of errors. To get
started, you might say: “Could you
tell us a little more about...”
The speaker will be impressed because
you were listening, but so will
everyone else. Something that isn’t
appreciated is to pretend that you are
listening while daydreaming or
otherwise allowing your mind to float
If you fear getting into
conversations, do it slowly, like
walking, one step at a time. We need
to think before we speak. You don’t
want to talk about work to someone
who has no interest in what you do.
Dinner conversation is another
situation. Personally, I find it easier
when the number of guests is
limited. Years ago, there was a
practice that was called “turning of
the ta