Technique #17 Never the Naked Introduction

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.