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Tonight Umbert is invited to a fantastic dinner at Ducasse Sur Seine.
Other guests will be some friends but also famous people from the arts and business Parisian scene.
What are the Dos & Don’ts for a great table conversation?
Umbert gives you the basics so you won’t have a bad experience at your next party. The more you practice, the better you will be.
Benefits of this coaching :
- Best methodology to become irresistible.
- An innovative technique to unleash your charisma.
- Learn the new etiquette & manners.
- A better lifestyle.
« During a conversation, be sure not to have the last word, the first. », Sacha Guitry, French actor.
1) General rules
When speaking, bend your head in the direction of the other person, and not your shoulders, to not turn your back to the other neighbor.
Share conversation equally between your neighbors on the right and the left.
Men, besides serving wine, must also speak to their female neighbors.
Try to find out what topics interest them and ask questions. Great speakers open their mind and
If your neighbors do not speak to you, do not show your boredom (think of your weekend!). If the situation becomes troublesome, ask them with a smile.
Do not argue with a guest at the other end of the table.
Never interrupt, except if the other is rudeness or vulgar. On the opposite, always listen a lot, you will learn something for sure, and the other will feel listened.
Don’t try to manipulate the other person. Be straightforward, but don’t hurt the other guest.
Do not say what has to be done or not done. You can argue, but always consider the other point of view.
Do not gossip or criticize anyone.
Congratulate the hostess for her fantastic party.
Warning: if you make a mistake, if the other guests feel offended, this could ruin the party.
2) Do not monopolize the conversation
Whoever speaks only of his work, besides with technical terms, can quickly become boring. Try to tell a funny anecdote instead.
The sports enthusiast: do not comment on your 18 holes of golf in front of non-players.
If this happens, the host must react at the right time, by skillfully hooking up a more general topic: e.g., Rugby ⇒ travel.
The “Me, I”: The one who interrupts all the time by “me-I.” The host must react and after a while return to the one that was cut “Charles do not finish, tell us, Charles, please.”
3) Do not be “hypochondriac.”
This is hell for the one who has asked for your news, and for those who are hearing the details of your treatments and operations.
The host must quickly reorient it. Example: “François, you look great; how was your last vacation?”
4) Topics to avoid
- Policy
- Religion
- Money
The recipe: Shut up or moderate your opinions.
Disagreements can appear. Always start to calm down, listen to the other, agree with him in a way, and tell your argument with moderation.
5) The problem of the « silent” person
If you do not like talking or if you feel strange at this dinner:
- Make a significant effort to find a general subject or compliment the hostess.
- If necessary, prepare some discussion topics in advance.
6) When can you talk & what can you say
Yes, knowing how to express yourself is an art.
During a dinner, do not monopolize the conversation. It must be an exchange.
You must never interrupt.
If you are shy, and someone asks you some questions or invites you to express yourself: go ahead and answer.
If you have to make a speech:
- Prepare your speech. You’ll feel more relaxed and will avoid any drama. Few good improvisers!
- Tell the person organizing the reception.
- The speech must be: personal, original, simple, clear and brief.
- Start with « Ladies & Gentlemen. » If a personality is in the room: Start with its title.
- Do not stay away from the subject.
- Stay positive even if it’s about a disaster.
- Do not talk about yourself.
Umbert remembers you the Dos & Don’ts for a great table conversation.
Tonight he will have once again a fantastic time in Paris, mainly because the dinner will be on a boat, watching all the bright illuminations of Paris.
What you must remember: If all the guests feel and stay comfortable, the party will be a success. A drama would ruin everything. Stay on general topics, and always give your best original and positive comments.
How to become irresistible? Download now the free eBook ‘How to become irresistible. »
Enjoy the journey!
Umbert De Paris