Don’t make it too obvious that you’re looking for people you know. You don’t want to appear closed off to making new friends. In other words, try not to look like you are only looking for one person. Look around calmly and casually. Enjoy the view, but as you do this, do a quick scan around the room to see if you already know people. If you see someone you know, but they’re talking to someone else, wait for a bit of a lull before catching the person’s eye and walking over.

It might feel awkward, but everyone does this at parties and social gatherings. Most people will be really friendly and welcoming to you. If people ignore you or somehow seem unwelcoming, you can politely excuse yourself and find another group to join. Steer clear of people who seem to be having an intense one-on-one conversation. Chances are your presence could bring about an awkward silence. You can tell if they are in an intense one-on-one conversation by watching body language. If they are leaning into each other, gesturing wildly, and maintaining intense eye contact, you probably shouldn’t interrupt.

When someone does approach you, be courteous and friendly. Avoid your cell phone. When people are uncomfortable or don’t know what to do, many get on their cell phones. Try to avoid this since it might look like you’re trying to avoid social interaction. [2] X Trustworthy Source Pew Research Center Nonpartisan thinktank conducting research and providing information on public opinion, demographic trends, and social trends Go to source It might help to stand near a point of interest in the room - the food table, the bar, the giant ice sculpture in the middle of the room. That way, you can talk about it as a way to start a conversation.

If you’re in a conversation and someone else walks up, include the person. Don’t be standoffish.

Ask the person you know to introduce you to others and don’t be shy about putting yourself out there.

Ask the person you know to introduce you to others and don’t be shy about putting yourself out there.

You can disengage by excusing yourself to use the restroom or get a drink. You could also say something like “Oh, Jaime just walked in! Let me introduce the two of you,” so you can involve someone else in the conversation. You could say, “I’d love to continue talking about this another time. "

Make sure your smile looks genuine. Smile with your whole face, including your eyes, not just your mouth. Think Julia Roberts, not jack-o-lantern. Practice smiling before you go to a party. Not only will it give you an impression of how your smile looks, so you can make adjustments, but it will also put you in a good mood. This will make you more likely to want to smile.

“What brings you here tonight? I’m friends with Cheryl from college. " “This music is fantastic, isn’t it? I love this band. " “Are you part of the wikiHow crowd? I’ve heard great things about your company. "

Try not to look down or away too much, since this may make you appear disinterested. If you’re mingling with people you already know, use the appropriate gesture to acknowledge whatever level of intimacy you have with them. You might give someone a hug, kiss on the cheek, pat on the shoulder, and so on.

Try skipping over typical “getting to know you” topics and launch into something more interesting. For example, instead of asking, “what do you do?” you could ask the person’s opinion on an important current event.

Don’t pretend you know something about a topic when you don’t. People are happy to answer questions and usually really enjoy doing it. They won’t judge you for not knowing as much as they do. It would be worse to get caught in a lie. Try to ask follow up questions to something they have just said. This shows you’re listening and interested. [7] X Expert Source Cher GopmanDating Coach Expert Interview. 17 May 2019. Try to steer the conversation toward something you have in common, so you can both contribute equally.

That said, you don’t want to go overboard and monopolize the conversation with details about yourself. It should be a give and take, with both people contributing and listening in equal parts. Avoid complaining or being negative (especially about the party, the host, or the food), even if you aren’t in a great mood. No one likes being around a negative person. Definitely avoid making off-color jokes or talking about highly sensitive subjects, like illness and death. You could end up offending people. [9] X Research source

Treat others at the party as you’d like to be treated - with respect and kindness.

Remember, everyone has something to teach you. Engaging with and connecting to other people is fun. That’s why people have parties in the first place.

Dress appropriately so you do not worry about being over or underdressed. The right clothes can boost your confidence and be a conversation starter. Brush your teeth and freshen up so you do not have to worry about your breath or cowlick. Try to be rested. Take a nap if the event is later in the day. It’s a lot harder to mingle when you’re tired. Eat a meal before you go. You’ll feel more energized and you’ll be less likely to eat or drink too much at the party. Don’t drink too much. Sometimes people think they need alcohol to loosen up. While a little can help, too much can be detrimental. Remember to take it easy and drink water between drinks. Take a few deep breaths to center yourself. Remind yourself that you were invited for a reason: to mingle and have fun.