Generating Conversation at the Dinner Party

by Marjorie Dorfman | More from this Blogger

25 Oct 2006 05:51 AM

There is nothing more awkward than a silence so heavy it can be sliced with a knife between guests who are seated and facing each other at a dinner party. How can a host/hostess avoid this? The status of the weather (be it hot or cold) and the cruel fluctuations of the stock market aren't even interesting topics to many and depressing to more than a few. So what do you do to keep everyone happy and talking? Consider the following ideas.

One thought is to always pair talkers with listeners and to keep spouses, bosum buddies and conversation huggers at opposite ends of the table. (Hopefully, you have a long one.) You can get things started by talking about some hot subject: anything in the news or a controversial movie. A juicy topic is like a ball in the air and it will land where it may, but it will also open the group for discussion. Almost any subject is okay and shouldn't be considered taboo if your guests are open-minded and big-picture people. Politics, religion and sex can be interesting as long as they don't get too personal and your guests are not fanatics, which Winston Churchill defined as "lunatics with hobbies," when it comes to their own beliefs.

Whatever the topic of conversation that you choose, make sure it is upbeat and interesting. The latest disease, diaper or disaster is not fit conversation fare for a group of people about to eat dinner. If the conversation slides into gloomy and/or tedious, it is up to you, the host or hostess, to pull it up to higher level without passing go or collecting two hundred dollars.

Listen intently and prompt the introvert into conversation if it is at all possible. Many people are filled with fascinating information but are too shy and need encouragement before they will divulge it. This information is like a flower bursting to bloom that with a little coaxing can lead to intriguing verbal exchange.

So think about your guests but don't forget yourself. Sparkle and shine. This is your party and you can if you want to.

Related Reading:

"Cool Cocktail Parties"

http://forums.families.com/easy-party-ideas,t36833

Learn more about Marjorie Dorfman

Marjorie Dorfman is a freelance writer and former teacher originally from Brooklyn, New York.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 25 Oct 2006 02:56 PM

I must invite the wrong people to my dinner parties because I can never get a word in edgeways! I have to introduce topics to get them to leave - it's easy, I just start talking about the issue of incest at about 1am and they all go home.

Marjorie Dorfman (2577) 26 Oct 2006 07:55 AM

Hi Megan, Thanks for sharing. Have you ever considered inviting mutes? Then they can't say a word! You definitely need to invite some new people...