THE HOLIDAY PARTY!!!!
Or.
The. Holiday. Party………………
Do the three words ‘company’ ‘holiday’ and ‘party’ in the same sentence make you break out in hives? Or do you look forward all year to being able to hang with your work friends in a pretty cool (or different) location?
Now that you’re here (and lookin’ mighty festive, I might add!) – now what? How do you survive (and thrive!) at your company holiday party? We’ve got some conversation starters, stoppers, and stallers to help!
Starters: Need a topic to talk about? People LOVE to talk about themselves. Try these questions!
Don’t know the person you’re talking to very well?
- What are you doing for the holidays/new years?
- We’re trying to figure out what to do for next year’s summer vacation – what’s your favorite vacation spot? Any recommendations?
- I’m in-between books (or TV shows) – what have you been reading lately that you really like?
- My cat has been CRAZY this time of year with all of the travel and work hours! Do you have any pets?
Worked with them on a few projects, but want to get to know them more?
- The holidays are always when I start reflecting on the year – what is the coolest (most exciting / impactful / rewarding) thing you did this year?
- I’m starting to marinate on what to have as my new year’s resolutions – what are thinking about putting on your resolutions list for this year?
- What did you learn about yourself (workstyle /personal motivation / personality) this year that was most surprising?
Stoppers:
- Politics: As the election is coming closer, the candidates (and some in particular!) are on everyone’s mind. While this can be quite the (maybe not so joyous) conversation starter we’d recommend steering clear of this one!
- Religion: Most people believe something and most people don’t want to hear all about what everyone else believes. If you find yourself telling a story where religion is as essential part, make it approachable. There is a way to present what you believe while not sounding like it is your way or the high way.
Stallers: In the middle of a conversation that’s not going well? Try these!
- Use the bathroom as your friend. Excuse yourself, head to the bathroom for a quick moment, and then rejoin a different group.
- Use the dance floor as a distraction.
- Love to dance? Use it as a way to get you and your friend out of the convo and onto boogying!
- Don’t love to dance? Not a problem. You can always see who is across the dance floor and remember a topic you have to go to talk to them about!
- “It was so great to meet you!” or “it was so great to see you again!” is a great line to insert in when you can feel a conversation starting to run dry.
We hope these help you survive (and thrive!) at your company’s holiday party.
Have an awesome time!
Middle Seats 