An attendant of my "V.I.P. Networking" seminar Wednesday night asked an excellent question:
"What can I do when the conversation begins to lag...fall off...at a client luncheon? It makes me uncomfortable when I feel like I should be entertaining them..."
Thanks for your question Dr. Brett! This is how I answered him:
1) Throw the ball back to them- In other words, when conversation begins to lull, you can always ask the other person a question about themselves. Everyone is an expert about their own life, and usually very happy to talk about it. For instance, "Where did you grow up?"
2) Be prepared- Listen to the news while you are getting ready in the morning. It is always nice to have a current event handy when you need fodder for your conversation.
3) Memorize your 10 Questions- Everyone should memorize 10 questions that will help them start a conversation with a new acquaintence. Some of my favorites are:
"Have you read any interesting books lately?"
"What is your favorite travel spot?"
"What was the last movie you saw?"
"Which team do you like for the Super Bowl...World Series...Final Four...etc.?"
"I am going to be visiting some of our Asian vendors and don't want to offend any of them when we are eating. Any suggestions?"
Posted by: Arthur Doer | 03/10/2009 at 09:38 PM
Thank you for your question Mr. Doer. Dining in traditional Asian settings does not have to be intimidating if you follow a few basic rules:
When serving others, or serving yourself from a community platter, turn your chopsticks around and use the other ends.
If your dining companions encourage you to try a dish they have ordered, you simply must accept. It is considered very rude to decline.
Pass items using only your right hand.
Never stick your chopsticks straight up and down in rice. This is a funeral ritual.
Do not be offended if your dining companion belches after the meal. Do not comment.
You should pour tea for your guest and they will pour tea for you.
Maintain your sense of humor. If you do not know something, it is perfectly acceptable to ask your companions.
Be prepared to sample all of the dishes first. If you have traveled a great distance to be there, you will probably be considered an honored guest. They will direct the waitstaff to serve you first and refrain from eating until you begin.
If you have a sensitive stomach, I recommend taking an antacid such as Pepto Bismol beforehand to help you digest better.
If you have invited them, you will pay. If you have been invited, they will pay.