Top Tips for Making the Most of Social Events

Our Social Events are a delightful opportunity to meet new people, strengthen existing friendships and try new venues. However not everyone is a natural at handling social situations. Whether it’s a casual brunch, a formal dinner or a theatre show being prepared can make all the difference. Here are my top tips to help you enjoy our social events while making new connections.

Understanding Social Events

Social events come in various forms and each serves its unique purpose. For instance drinks events focus on casual chat and small talk while theatre & cinema events barely have time for chat before the show starts and afterwards most people talk about the show or film they have just seen. Recognising the nature of the event helps you to tailor your approach accordingly.

Example of Different Types of Social Events:

1. Casual Meetups: These include drinks and informal events.

2. Cultural Events: Such as theatre or cinema where you are focussed on watching a show or film rather than chatting.

3. Meals: Where you get a mix of people sitting down for a meal so a bit more talking than the casual meetups.

   
   

Knowing the nature of the event not only sets expectations but also helps in preparation.

Preparing for Our Social Events

Preparation is key to feeling confident and at ease during social gatherings. Here are some tips on how to prepare effectively:

1. Consider Your Outfit: Choose clothing that fits the event’s theme and setting. Being comfortable in your clothing can boost your confidence.

   
   

2. Research the Guest List: If possible, check who will be attending. See if there is anyone you have already met attending. Why not reach out to them on our website or app and say you are looking forward to seeing them there?

   
   

3. Practice Conversation Starters: Prepare topics of interest to break the ice. Ask open-ended questions.

   
   

Example Conversation Starters:

• "What do you think about this bar?"

• "How did you get involved in the group?"

  
  

Preparation allows you to engage more freely and confidently.

Engaging With Others

Once you're at the event, making connections with others is the goal. Here’s how to engage effectively:

1. Be Open and Approachable: Smile, maintain eye contact, and adopt open body language. Avoid crossing your arms and try to position yourself towards others.

   
   

2. Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others say. Show genuine interest by asking follow-up questions or sharing related experiences without talking over others.

   
   

3. Share About Yourself: While it’s essential to listen, ensure you share your own experiences. This balance makes for a two-way conversation, making it more engaging.

   
   

Creating Memorable Moments

When you connect with others, make an effort to remember names and details shared during the conversation. You might say, "It was great talking about your travel experiences, Sarah. Have you been anywhere new since our last chat?" This familiarity deepens relationships and makes future meetings easier.

Navigating Difficult Situations

Social gatherings can sometimes present challenges, from awkward silences to dealing with difficult personalities. Here’s how to navigate those situations:

1. Handling Awkward Moments: If a conversation stalls, don't panic. You can turn it around by introducing a new topic or by asking others about their interests.

   
   

2. Dealing with Conflict: If faced with someone abrasive or negative, keep your composure. Politely excuse yourself from the conversation by saying you need to mingle. If someone is detrimental to the group please let your organiser know. f

   
   

3. Know When to Leave: If you feel overwhelmed, trust your instincts. It’s perfectly acceptable to excuse yourself early and leave.

   
   

These strategies can enhance your experience, allowing you to enjoy social events without undue stress.

Building Friendships

Building lasting friendships from our social events requires effort beyond the event itself. Here are some valuable tips:

1. Follow Up: After the event, touch base with people you connected with. Send a quick message on the website or app to say you enjoyed meeting them.

   
   

2. Invite People to Future Events: If you hit it off with someone, don’t hesitate to invite them to another of our events. It could be a lunch or a cocktail event so there are others in the group also there.

   
   

3. Use Social Media: Connect on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to maintain that connection digitally. Share insights related to your conversations to keep the conversation going.

   
   

Why Follow-Up Matters

An estimated 80% of connections made at social events can lead to meaningful friendships if worked at. It pays off to keep the momentum going.

Embracing the Experience

Lastly, remember to enjoy the event! Here’s how:

1. Stay Present: Avoid getting caught up in checking your phone or worrying about appearances. Be present in the moment and enjoy the conversations and experiences unfolding around you.

   
   

2. Stay Hydrated and Eat Well: Don’t forget to drink water and snack if the event offers food. It helps maintain your energy and keeps you feeling good as well as not having the next day fear if you get too tipsy!! (I am the worst at remembering to drink water and eat at events - so this is a case of not leading by example!)

   
   

3. Explore the Venue: take a moment to have a look round the venue - if it's a meal why not move round the table to chat to others. You might meet new people or see new things.

   
   

The Joy of Connecting With Others

Each social event is an opportunity to learn and connect with others. Allow yourself to experience the joy of connecting with others whilst having a nice meal, drinks or whether at book group or theatre.

Ready to Shine at Your Next Gathering?

With these tips, you can confidently approach any of our social events. Whether you want to build personal connections or expand your social circle, preparation is crucial. Don’t forget that social events in Glasgow provide vast opportunities for connection and interaction.

Use these strategies to not only survive social gatherings but thrive in them. Enjoy the process, make lasting memories, and build connections that can enrich your life. Remember, every event is not just a social obligation—it's a chance to forge relationships, learn from others, and have a good time!