Avoid 10 Biggest Conversation Mistakes at Holiday Parties

It's party time, but if you are like a lot of people, making conversation and "small talk" at holiday parties is downright agonizing. But there's help from Don Gabor, "small talk" expert and author of "How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends.”

Gabor says anyone can feel more comfortable mingling and chatting at parties if they avoid these common pitfalls:

1. Not preparing several topics that you're willing to bring up and talk about at the party.

2. Displaying closed body language that says, "I'm not interested in talking to you."

3. Remaining in one place (like a potted plant!) and waiting for others to approach you.

4. Not introducing yourself or saying "Remember me?"

5. Asking too many "closed‑ended" questions instead of a few "open‑ended" questions.

6. Not adding on "free information" when asked a yes/no or short‑answer question.

7. Trying too hard to impress others by talking too much.

8. Discussing taboo topics such as sex, politics, religion, illnesses, or personal problems.

9. Arguing over minor details ‑‑ even if you are certain you're right.

10. Abruptly ending the conversation after a negative comment or a moment of silence.

Gabor writes books, gives corporate workshops and coaches individuals on conversation skills, public speaking and networking. Since 1980, he has helped more than a half‑million people improve their ability to communicate and connect with others at work, home and everywhere in between.

Send for Gabor's free conversation tip sheet, "50 Ways to Improve Your Conversations.”

 Mail a self‑addressed #10 envelope to Don Gabor, P.O. Box 715, Brooklyn, NY 11215.

Ask him how to:

×  Chat up someone without coming on too strong.

×  Keep the conversation going in the right direction and avoid common pitfalls.

× Make small talk and get a shy person to open up.

× Taboo topics to avoid at office parties

× Tactfully handle someone who asks overly personal questions.

× Remember the names of the new people you meet.

Gabor was a spokesperson for Grand Marnier, Sprint and Frito‑Lay. He has given hundreds of media interviews in publications including “NY Newsday,” “NY Times,” “Daily News,” “Woman's Day,” “Self,” “Redbook,” and other newspapers and magazines of interest to men and women. The “New Yorker” magazine called Gabor, "a gifted conversationalist."

Contact Gabor at 718‑768‑0824 or don@dongabor.com.

For more information about his workshops, books and CDs, visit www.dongabor.com.