While Christmas parties with friends are one of the best parts of the festive season not everyone looks forward to an evening of forced socialising with work colleagues – especially if you have a demanding boss or a competitive colleague.
But if you’re already dreading the thought of the annual office shindig, some simple tricks for more effective small talk can make it a lot more bearable.
Rather than seeing it as a tedious affair, Surrey-based business coach Lisa Johnson from justownthis.com says that it can actually be an advantageous useful networking opportunity if you hone your strategies in advance
According to Lisa, who has just launched her latest business coaching programme for female entrepreneurs, you can use the Christmas party to your advantage to forge new connections in the workplace that could work in your favour when the time for promotions rolls around in the New Year.
Here she shares with Femail her tactics for socialising with everyone from your boss to the complete stranger as well as what not to say.
If you’re dreading the office Christmas party a few small talk strategies could make it a lot more bearable and even help to land you a promotion further down the line (stock image)
THE SILENT COMPETITION
Do you have a competitive colleague who usually keeps you at arms length?
Asking engaging questions is by far the best approach here. How about asking why they decided to attend or what they’re looking forward to that week? Make it about them.
Keep things short and sweet and don’t fall into the trap of talking too much. Sometimes it is wise to mirror the other persons pace of conversation – that way it is a conversation rather than a messy attempt at a conversation.
If you are met with out and out silence, then at least you’ve tried. Never feel awkward about silence, conversation is a two-way street but it helps to have some conversation points prepared in case.
THE STRANGER
In large companies you might find yourself thrown together with people you’ve never met or barely spoken to before.
It may sound obvious but introduce yourself really clearly, ask their name and repeat it often to have a better chance of remembering it.
Although it can, and often does sound a little awkward at first, once you’re over this molehill the conversation will flow much better.
Smiling through the conversation will put the other person at ease and it’ll make them feel comfortable and realise that you are actually interested in what they are saying. You should always make eye contact too. Remember that they may be just as nervous as you too, so there’s never a real need to worry.
While it might be tempting to gossip, especially when the drinks are flowing, you may well regret it the next day (stock image)
YOUR BOSS
If you’re in a social situation with your boss, keep it casual and don’t get into work conversations at a party.
Stay respectful though and don’t approach if intoxicated – especially if you have issues you want to air – alcohol will act as a truth serum that you’ll regret.
But above all be yourself. Don’t feel you have to stay overly formal just because it’s your boss. All bosses are just people too.
THE COLLEAGUE YOU DON’T GET ON WITH
In this situation, be aware of your body language. An open stance with the right amount of space between you and them is important.
Listening is key here too, it’ll make you look and feel confident if you are engaged.
Keep a natural amount of eye contact and remember to be yourself – don’t let someone else sap your confidence.
A great tip if you are really anxious is to imagine a clear barrier or wall between you, which is your confidence protector – using this technique will keep your self-confidence intact. An awkward conversation shouldn’t change your whole day, so hang on to your confidence using the wall.