party giver and say, “That man/woman over there looks interest-
ing. Who is he/she?” Then ask for an introduction. Don’t be hes-
itant. The party giver will be pleased you find one of the guests
interesting.
If, however, you are loath to pull the party giver away from
his or her other guests, you still can perform Whoozat. This time,
don’t ask for a formal introduction. Simply pump the party giver
for just enough information to launch you. Find out about the
stranger’s jobs, interests, and hobbies.
Suppose the party giver says, “Oh, that’s Joe Smith. I’m not
sure what his job is, but I know he loves to ski.” Aha, you’ve just
been given the icebreaker you need. Now you make a beeline for
Joe Smith. “Hi, you’re Joe Smith, aren’t you? Susan was just telling
me what a great skier you are. Where do you ski?” You get the
idea.
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How to Meet the
People
You
Want
to Meet
✰
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Copyright 2003 by Leil Lowndes. Click Here for Terms of Use.
Now the third in our little trio of meeting-who-you-want
tricks.
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How to Talk to Anyone
Technique #13
Wh o oz at
Whoozat is the most effective, least used (by non-
politicians) meeting-people device ever contrived.
Simply ask the party giver to make the introduction, or
pump for a few facts that you can immediately turn
into icebreakers.
02 (043-92B) part two 8/14/03 9:17 AM Page 60
The woman you’ve decided you MUST meet is wearing no
Whatzit? Can’t find the host for the Whoozat technique? To make
matters worse, she’s deep in conversation with a group of her
friends. Seems quite hopeless that you will maneuver a meeting,
doesn’t it? You can’t just say, “Excuse me, I just thought I’d eaves-
drop in and say ‘Hello.’ ”
No obstacle blocks the resolute politician, who always has a
trick or ten up his or her sleeve. A politico would resort to the
“Eavesdrop In” technique. Eavesdropping, of course, conjures
images of clandestine activities—wiretapping, Watergate break-
ins, or spies skulking around in the murky shadows. Eavesdrop-
ping has historical precedent with politicians so, in a pinch, it
naturally comes to mind.
At parties, stand near the group of people you wish to infil-
trate. Then wait for a word or two you can use as a wedge to break
into the group. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help overhearing that you
. . .” and then whatever is relevant here. For example “I couldn’t
help overhearing your discussion of Bermuda. I’m going there next
month for the first time. Any suggestions?”
Now you are in the circle and can direct your comments to
your intended.
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How to Break into a
Tight Crowd
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Copyright 2003 by Leil Lowndes. Click Here for Terms of Use.
Let us now hop back on the train that first explored Small Talk
City and travel to the land of Meaningful Communicating.
62
How to Talk to Anyone
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