November 2017 Light

The Henry Raich Social Club Mindful Matters
Let’s Have a Conversation About Starting a Conversation
By Stephanie Welder
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt anxious entering a room full of people you
don’t know, or, perhaps, meeting someone new for the first time? Has that feeling gotten in
your way of facing some new situation causing you to avoid it all together? It’s not very
uncommon to avoid situations when those feelings become too uncomfortable.
Here are some tools from experts on how to move beyond those feelings and start a
conversation with someone new.
Be Prepared: If you’re headed to a party or business function where small talk is called for,
think of 5 things you’d like to share with others and create lead-in lines.
“What sports do you follow?” No matter how they answer you can follow up with more
questions. If they don’t care for sports, you can always ask what they enjoy. In work
situations, “Tell me about your job”. “What service do you provide? “ What do you like
about it?”
Ask questions that require a detailed answer. Yes or no responses are conversation killers.
Here are few tried and true starters for networking, parties or introductions:
“Where did you grow up?” Refer to the refreshments. “What is your favorite pizza
topping?” “What’s the best thing that happened to you this week?” Take a look at
Celeste Headlee’s TED Talk on better conversations
The objective of conversation starters is to get the ball rolling. Being prepared can give you
the confidence to enter that room knowing you can walk up to anyone and begin a friendly
conversation, instead of facing uncomfortable silence and looking for a way to gracefully and
finally exit.
As always, the Mindful Matterz members are here for you if you need any assistance and
support. Contact us and we will get you pointed in the right direction! David at
rubenstein4@verizon.net and Judy at jaf214@comcast.net. Please join us at our next meeting,
Thursday, Nov 16, 7pm.
The Henry Raich Social Club
Wednesday, November 15 -- Kevin Riordan is our our guest speaker. Mr. Riordan has been the
South Jersey Columnist for the Philadelphia Inquirer since 2010 and has had a nearly 40-year career
as a newspaperman. In these days of so many questions with and about the press, don’t miss this
presentation. Mr. Riordan will talk about how newspapers have changed, especially in South Jersey,
since he began his career. He continues to write stories of the South Jersey community, its people,
and its issues. Bring your lunch and come and enjoy a special afternoon.
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Mark your calendars for Wednesday, December 20. Renee Robbins will introduce us to the
remarkable American Master blacksmith and metal designer Samuel Yellin. Watch for more
information to follow.