Dinner with Strangers: 5 Tips to Leave an Impression

 A few weeks back, as a challenge to myself, I went to have dinner with strangers. The setup was such that none of us had even the slightest details of who was coming or even an inkling of their bios or profiles. For this, all one needs to do is book a table via apps/sites like Stepout World after paying a fee as per their cuisine preference and other factors, and wait for the restaurant details 24-48 hours before the meet. Admittedly, I was excited but also apprehensive, not just because this was my first-ever or I am an introvert, but also because I had no idea the kind of people I was going to meet in a few hours. While how it went for me is a different story, if you are planning to do the same, here are 5 effective tips to create a lasting impression.

5 Tips To Impress At Dinner With Strangers

The idea of having dinner with strangers can be exciting to begin with, as it opens a scope for networking, socialising, or exploring new connections. So, leaving a good and positive impression can play a pivotal catalyst in a callback or potential future interactions. The following 5 tips can help you leave a lasting impression when having dinner with strangers:

1) Be Curious and Engaging

The one sure-shot method to win over people is to show genuine interest in them. Be inquisitive, not intrusive, and ask about their hobbies and interests. Being curious about their professional pursuits can be a good starting point, and then the conversations can veer towards more dynamic and memorable topics.

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2) Balanced Sharing About Yourself

Remember, everyone at the table are strangers to one another and has volunteered to come, possibly to increase their networking and connections. So, if you just go on and on and on about yourself, the others will get bored, tired, and feel left out. Strike a balance while sharing your stories and relevant experiences.

3) Listen Actively

Active listening is a rare skill, and it’s almost becoming extinct nowadays. So, when people come across a good listener, that’s a win anyway. So, pay close attention to what others tell and acknowledge by giving them frequent nods, asking pointed questions, and dropping crisp comments here and there. Active and attentive listening will make you a crowd favourite in no time.

4) Find Common Ground

The people you meet may not be a replica of you, which is an interesting aspect. But, without a common ground, it’s almost impossible to carry forward any conversation, cover the evening, and hope to have a sense of connection. So, search for such topics and strike meaningful talks on those with others.

5) End Must Be Positive

Expressing gratitude for their time and involvement makes for a perfect end. This positive touch shows that you have appreciated and taken a note of their investment, thus creating a generous image of you. Positive, impactful, silent.

Now, these are just general tips to help you stay afloat at a dinner with strangers. They don’t really come with any guarantee, but it will certainly help you build connections with at least a few of the attendees, if not all. A thoughtful approach, positive body language (smiling, open postures), and, if all goes well, a follow-up message of appreciation can surely solidify the connection.

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