The Introvert’s Guide to Hosting and OTT Chat

Do you cringe at the thought of purposefully inviting guests into your home to leisurely talk with them? Personally, I find it SO hard to make small talk and put myself out there. I feel awkward and my hands clam up. I question if I make everyone else feel as uncomfortable as I am. But, the truth is…a lot of people feel this way.

Even so, should you force a conversation? What if it could lead to change in the world and betterment of our community? Or, what if the conversation led to a more meaningful connection with people in your town…or even just one person you think is interesting and you’d love to get to know better?

On the Table can be an icebreaker to meet new people or to get to know someone you’ve known a while even better. As a self-identified introvert, I’ve put together several ideas to make hosting an On The Table event a fun experience…or at least tolerable.

1. Pick a theme. What are your passions? What are things you love to read about? Do you love puppies, champagne, the great outdoors?...think about this and prepare some questions around one or two of your favorite things. It will be easier to direct the conversation if it’s something you love. Plus, you’ll be knowledgeable on the subject.

2. Strategically plan the menu. I love to plan a menu that incorporates stories that can be woven into the conversation. It can be as simple as when I serve pizzelle cookies on the dessert tray so I can talk about how my grandmother always had them in her cookie jar when I was a child. Or, it can be as elaborate as planning an entire meal around a culture you find fascinating or from a country you’ve visited.

3. Follow the script. On the Table provides a host kit that includes a script of questions to talk through with your group. Do you have to follow it?...no! But, it sure is nice knowing it’s there just in case the conversation doesn’t naturally flow.

4. Schedule wisely. Make sure you schedule your event so you have time to decompress alone afterwards. It can be exhausting talking with other people. Give yourself time to think though the conversations that took place.

5. Partner up with an extrovert friend. This is the Cliff Notes, pass go and collect $200 route of hosting. It takes the pressure off if you go into it knowing you’re not alone. If you freeze up and don’t know what to say, you’ll have someone there to step in and fill in the silence. You could both invite people the other doesn’t know, thereby helping you both expand your circles. It’s a win-win!

It’s completely normal to be intimidated talking to new people…or even people you’ve know a long time. It can add stress and angst, but it can also result in meaningful connections and conversations. On the Table is a great way to put yourself out there for a purpose other than yourself. It helps take the focus off you and instead shines a light on important things in your community.

If this all seems like too much, you can still participate by attending someone else’s On the Table chat. There are individuals all over the Chattahoochee region who will be hosting tables on October 22, 2019. If you don’t know someone hosting, there will also be public tables you will be able to sign up for and attend. From one introvert to another, I know it can be scary. For me, I’m trying to put myself out there more and On the Table is a great way to do it!