Making small talks ( Or the Idiot's guide to communicating-with-people-so-you-won't-come-off-as-some-arrogant-prick).
All of us have been in that situation; where people are talking and chatting the night away simply about everything. And then there's you. The weird, out-of-place, yet want to be hip person that is struggling to think of a way to get into the crowd. Well have no fear because in this article, I will present you 5 bite sized easy to digest chunks to help you be the center of attention without buying those uber expensive self help books.
1. Listen
Probably the most easiest tip of all. This method has been proven to attract people to you because they simply want to be heard; or they desire to be the center of attention. Plus, add in a little nod here and there to show you ARE actually listening. It gives the talker/attention seeker the feeling that they are important to you. Cool eh?
2. Say "Nice" profusely
If you don't know how to respond to a person that keeps yapping about how important her new car is, or she still keeps in touch with her high school teacher, then just end with a casual " That's nice." It's proven to end the conversation quite abruptly and gets you out of awkward situation or that awkward silence when someone mentions that her husband cheated her and left her with crabs. That's nice.
3. Fake call
This is a no-brainer. If you can't seem to comprehend the person talking, then casually receive a fake phonecall by setting your phone's alarm every 30 minutes or so. Change the alarm with your favourite ringtone to show that it is a genuine call from someone. It works like a charm everytime. Oh wait, incoming call.
4. Toilet break
Need I say more?
5. Religion
Islam, Christianity, Buddhism or Jewism. Just talk about the current situation with religion nowadays and you got yourself a quiet evening without anyone approaching you. This topic is such a taboo amongst Malaysians that it tends to be volatile in the end; especially if someone's been drinking. But If someone overhears the things you talk about regarding religion, it might just get you locked up under ISA. So tread carefully young padawans when using this tactic.
P.s I know this topic is suppose to help you survive and be more normal when communicating at events and parties, but I just can't help to add in some tips on how you can break away from people who talk too much.
Best of luck! Now go and mingle with the crowds!
1. Listen
Probably the most easiest tip of all. This method has been proven to attract people to you because they simply want to be heard; or they desire to be the center of attention. Plus, add in a little nod here and there to show you ARE actually listening. It gives the talker/attention seeker the feeling that they are important to you. Cool eh?
2. Say "Nice" profusely
If you don't know how to respond to a person that keeps yapping about how important her new car is, or she still keeps in touch with her high school teacher, then just end with a casual " That's nice." It's proven to end the conversation quite abruptly and gets you out of awkward situation or that awkward silence when someone mentions that her husband cheated her and left her with crabs. That's nice.
3. Fake call
This is a no-brainer. If you can't seem to comprehend the person talking, then casually receive a fake phonecall by setting your phone's alarm every 30 minutes or so. Change the alarm with your favourite ringtone to show that it is a genuine call from someone. It works like a charm everytime. Oh wait, incoming call.
4. Toilet break
Need I say more?
5. Religion
Islam, Christianity, Buddhism or Jewism. Just talk about the current situation with religion nowadays and you got yourself a quiet evening without anyone approaching you. This topic is such a taboo amongst Malaysians that it tends to be volatile in the end; especially if someone's been drinking. But If someone overhears the things you talk about regarding religion, it might just get you locked up under ISA. So tread carefully young padawans when using this tactic.
P.s I know this topic is suppose to help you survive and be more normal when communicating at events and parties, but I just can't help to add in some tips on how you can break away from people who talk too much.
Best of luck! Now go and mingle with the crowds!
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