The woman you’ve decided you MUST meet is wearing no Whatzit? Can’t find the host for the Whoozat technique? To make matters worse, she’s deep in conversation with a group of her friends. Seems quite hopeless that you will maneuver a meeting, doesn’t it? You can’t just say, “Excuse me, I just thought I’d eavesdrop in and say ‘Hello.’ ”
No obstacle blocks the resolute politician, who always has a trick or ten up his or her sleeve. A politico would resort to the “Eavesdrop In” technique. Eavesdropping, of course, conjures images of clandestine activities—wiretapping, Watergate break-ins, or spies skulking around in the murky shadows. Eavesdropping has historical precedent with politicians so, in a pinch, it naturally comes to mind.
At parties, stand near the group of people you wish to infiltrate. Then wait for a word or two you can use as a wedge to break into the group. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help overhearing that you . . .” and then whatever is relevant here. For example “I couldn’t help overhearing your discussion of Bermuda. I’m going there next month for the first time. Any suggestions?”
Now you are in the circle and can direct your comments to your intended.
Technique #14
Eavesdrop In
No Whatzit? No host for Whoozat? No problem! Just sidle up behind the swarm of folks you want to infiltrate and open your ears. Wait for any flimsy excuse and jump in with “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear. . . .”
Will they be taken aback? Momentarily.
Will they get over it? Momentarily.
Will you be in the conversation? Absolutely!
Let us now hop back on the train that first explored Small Talk City and travel to the land of Meaningful Communicating.
No obstacle blocks the resolute politician, who always has a trick or ten up his or her sleeve. A politico would resort to the “Eavesdrop In” technique. Eavesdropping, of course, conjures images of clandestine activities—wiretapping, Watergate break-ins, or spies skulking around in the murky shadows. Eavesdropping has historical precedent with politicians so, in a pinch, it naturally comes to mind.
At parties, stand near the group of people you wish to infiltrate. Then wait for a word or two you can use as a wedge to break into the group. “Excuse me, I couldn’t help overhearing that you . . .” and then whatever is relevant here. For example “I couldn’t help overhearing your discussion of Bermuda. I’m going there next month for the first time. Any suggestions?”
Now you are in the circle and can direct your comments to your intended.
Technique #14
Eavesdrop In
No Whatzit? No host for Whoozat? No problem! Just sidle up behind the swarm of folks you want to infiltrate and open your ears. Wait for any flimsy excuse and jump in with “Excuse me, I couldn’t help but overhear. . . .”
Will they be taken aback? Momentarily.
Will they get over it? Momentarily.
Will you be in the conversation? Absolutely!
Let us now hop back on the train that first explored Small Talk City and travel to the land of Meaningful Communicating.
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