‘OMG, What Did I Say?’: Follow These Expert Tips To Avoid Holiday Party Regret

Overanalyzing Your Conversation Skills? Nobody Else Is

There are individuals who often experience slight anxiousness and tend to excessively think about certain situations. Wood advises that if you fall into this category, keep in mind that the majority of people do not dwell on a brief encounter they had with someone they barely know at a work party for your partner the previous evening.

And during that short interaction, you are actually benefiting your conversation partner.

According to Wood, studies show that many of us believe that our thoughts are not worth sharing with others. However, this is actually a misconception. People generally enjoy listening to us and find us more fascinating than we give ourselves credit for. When we speak, it allows others to take a break from holding the conversation.

Enjoyable Small Talk With Strangers

Wood presented a fictional scenario. "Suppose I requested that you engage in conversation with an unfamiliar person on the train, you'd likely respond, 'That sounds like an absolute horror film'," she mentioned. However, research suggests otherwise on this matter.

She stated that if she were to make you do it, you could potentially gain a lot from it. According to her, you would most likely find it very pleasurable.

According to Wood, the key is to disregard your own preconceptions that instances like this will be terrible. "If you can let go of that idea, you can conquer your reluctance and begin engaging with individuals and continue to do so," she advised.

Recognizing Success In Your Endeavors

It could be clear to some, or it might not be.

According to my past colleagues at Dartmouth, a useful way to judge the success of a conversation with a new acquaintance is by observing the speed at which the conversation switches between speakers.

Everyone is actively participating and engaging in conversation. The partners are building off each other's ideas and thoughts.

She mentioned that we both have turns to speak, and our responses are interconnected. It's an indication that the situation is progressing positively.

Saying 'Yes, And' Instead Of 'No'

Wood has lately been participating in improv classes and has shared insights on a widely used method for creating skits called the "yes, and" technique.