When introducing people, don't throw out an unbaited
hook and stand there grinning like a big clam, leaving
the newlymets to flutter their fins and fish for a topic.
Bait the conversational hook to get them in the swim of
things. Then you're free to stay or float on to the next
networking opportunity.
If you're not comfortable mentioning someone's job during
the introduction, mention their hobby or even a talent. The other
day at a gathering, the hostess introduced a man named Gilbert.
She said, "Leil, I'd like you to meet Gilbert. Gilbert's gift is sculpting. He makes beautiful wax carvings." I remember thinking,
"Gift—now that's a lovely way to introduce someone and induce
conversation."
Armed with these two personality enhancers, three conversation igniters, and three small extenders, it is time to take a step up
the communications ladder. Let us now rise from small talk and
seek the path to more meaningful dialogue. The next technique
is guaranteed to make the exchange engrossing for your conversation partner.