The Art of Mingling, Fourth Edition

Fully revised with 40% new material—presented with Jeanne Martinet's trademark wit and practicality—The Art of Mingling provides you with everything you need to help you thrive at any in-person gathering. Does the idea of going to a party make your mouth go dry? Are you more comfortable on FaceTime than you are face-to-face? Do you find yourself living a screen-only life? You're not alone; ninety percent of the world suffers from minglephobia, and Jeanne Martinet has the cure. While most people have always had a fear of mixing with new people, our digital reality promotes an ever-increasing trend toward social isolation, and the habits we acquired during the pandemic have cause our mingling muscles to atrophy even more. We need face-to-face conversations as much as we need food or air. The Art of Mingling encourages you to get off your apps, get back out there and make real-life connections. In this well-timed fourth edition, the author has completely updated her sure-fire system for overcoming social fears and having a great time at any type of business or social get-together. Filled with both simple and advanced techniques, tricks, tips, lines, and maneuvers, and illustrated with entertaining examples, The Art of Mingling teaches you: * The value of interacting in person * Basic survival strategies for the Truly Terrified * Opening lines and gambits that really work * Tools and rules for keeping the conversation going in the right direction * The all-important etiquette of escape * Why some white lies are essential * Faux pas recovery techniques * How to avoid the dumb use of smartphones * The secret to being a good listener * Tips for mingling in public venues * Much-needed tactics for navigating political topics * Instructions for following up after the party * And much, much more!