Last night I attended a local event, Fashionably Late.  It was a fundraiser for the Clarke School for Hearing and Speech.  Local boutiques were there to showcase and sell beautiful things.  It was fun to catch up with friends I have not seen in awhile and meet new ones.  I like to take advantage of local events.  It gives me the opportunity to support businesses and charities in my community and the chance to mingle.  I thought I would share tips on cocktail party etiquette.

Cocktail Party Etiquette

1. How is your handshake?  Is it a professional powerful one?  Please don’t hand over your fingertips (you would be surprised).  If you do not make web to web contact with the other person, then your handshake is wimpy.   You would be amazed at how many people make a poor first impression because of their handshake. Don’t forget to stand when you shake hands.
2. Eat before you go.  This is not the time to make a beeline for the food.  Use this time to mingle and get to know people.  Enjoy the food later.
3. Hold your glass in your left hand.  This keeps your right hand dry so that you can shake hands.
4. Don’t overindulge in the alcohol.
5. Make sure you have your business cards with you at all times.
6. When introducing others, make a connection during the introduction.  For example, “Susan, I would like to introduce you to Jennifer.  She just moved here from New York. Jennifer, Susan graduated from NYU.”  This way the two people that you are introducing now have  something in common and it is easier for them to have a conversation.
7. It is always tough attending an event alone but actually you will end up meeting more people.  Try it sometime.  It is not as gruesome and scary as you might think. Seek out a small group of two or three people standing in a cluster.  Wait for the right moment to interrupt, tell them hello, you are new, and introduce yourself.  I promise they will be understanding and include you in their conversation.  We all know what it feels like to be new.  You may also ask the the person hosting the event to introduce you to others.
8. Practice your conversation skills.  You become more interesting when you are more interested in others.  Ask questions.
9. If you are ready to move on to another group and meet even more new people, simply say “It has been nice talking with you.  I am going to excuse myself now.”  You can mention you need to find your friend, husband, etc.

Now go out and mingle.

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