As we watch friends chatting to complete strangers with such ease, one wonders how we can work the room as well. Most of us might see this as an uphill task but fret not, we will discover simple steps on how to enter and embark into a conversation.

Prepare your entrance

• If you are shy, try arriving earlier. With fewer formed groups, it is easier to approach individuals to form new clusters.

• Find a group with three or more people who look like they are having a good time. Stand in the edge of the group and when acknowledged, step in and introduce yourself.

• Likewise, when you see someone at the edge of your group, take a step back to include the excluded. The Golden Rule of “do unto others as you would have others do unto you” applies here.

Self introduction

• Before you engage in a conversation or any Q&A sessions, somewhere along the lines of “Hi, I’m Ellen Tan from X University, majoring in Chemistry” are one of the ways you can introduce yourself.

Introduce others

• It is always easier to sing other people’s praises than your own. So offer a glowing introduction of your networking partner or friend. This will be a good conversation initiator and your partner will feel honored. Next time, switch and have your partner introduce you.

A good debut* will ensure a great first impression. And as we all know, first impressions are lasting and hard to change. Be sure to give your best in every new encounter.

*Debut, pronounced as dey-byoo, means ‘a first appearance’ according to Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary.

Image: Flickr/Door Handle