Turn self-consciousness into self-confidence
Dear Pi,
We've done a lot of planning for our anniversary event. What do I talk about with alumnae?
Loyally,
Ima Delta
Dear Ima,
We've all been there! We trip over our words, manage to say the wrong thing, and yes, the dreaded silences. It really feels like the pressure is on because it's such an important milestone in your chapter's history. Not only are the alumnae from your chapter invited, but there's Grand Council and folks from the ADPi Foundation. It probably feels like you're under a magnifying glass. No one wants to mess up under these circumstances.
You're smart to ask this question before the event so you may feel a bit more confident. Get your game face on my sister. How? The first step to feeling confident when you are the hostess is preparation. Avoid leaving too many details for the last minute. Select and try on your outfit ahead of time. Double check it for things like forgotten stains or scuffs on your shoes. A polished appearance and makeup that is not overdone makes the outside you look confident. The outside you helps make the inside you more confident.
Do be confident that you are an intelligent woman who is capable of being interesting and interested in the people with whom you speak. Always be kind in how you hear what others say. Have an awareness of the dynamics of the room. That older alumna sitting off by herself may be uncomfortable around so many people she doesn't know. While you know the women in your chapter, she may not know anyone else in the room. Make an agreement with the women in your chapter that you won't cluster in a group and that you will mix with everyone as gracious hostesses. That giggling group makes others feel like outsiders. My mantra is always to leave others feeling better about themselves.
In my first blog post, I discussed the value of open ended questions. You are probably wondering what open ended questions to ask. If I give you a list of things to ask, you might start sounding like Stepford Sisters with every conversation starting with, "What's your favorite ADPi memory?" Under different circumstances, that could be a great joke! Instead, let me advocate these seven strategies of how to make conversation based on this video. As you watch, think how you might apply these strategies to an ADPi event. It doesn't matter in which order you employ the strategies or how many in any single conversation.
SEVEN WAYS TO MAKE CONVERSATION WITH ANYONE
1. Say the first word, open the flood gates
2. Skip the small talk
3. Find the me-toos
4. Pay a unique compliment
5. Ask for an opinion
6. Be present
7. Name, place, animal, thing
Good luck with your anniversary event! It's a wonderful time to make lasting memories and connections that will help in your personal and professional lives. Let me know how it goes!
Loyally,
Pi
Pearls from Pi is a blog designed to help collegiate sisters traverse sticky ADPi and social-related situations. Any collegiate sister who is a member in good standing may submit questions regardless of the chapter of initiation. Submit your questions to Pi at https://goo.gl/forms/5CxYwsGHhJPzyjXr1
