I’m going tomorrow to a meeting and I don’t know anyone. I have some questions, and it will be very helpful if someone would give me advice on them:
1. There’s the worst case scenario where everyone will be divided in small groups based on who they knew before. In that case, what should I do? I don’t want to be the outsider in someone’s group.
2. Even if this won’t be the case, how should I introduce myself to these people? Should I come there, ask a question and then tell my name to these people? This sounds like the appropriate way but I’m not sure if anyone does this.
3. Should I introduce myself to one person? I should have a reason why I’m doing it to them alone and I should have engaging questions, which I don’t. It will be more appropriate to ask them about their person or the situation we’re in?
4. Or should I keep my mouth shut until the host comes? If I don’t do small talk, I’ll look unapproachable and this is the last thing I want.
1 comment
People who participate in volunteer activities are usually very welcoming—they want more people to help with the cause/mission/etc! I would be very surprised if you arrived before the host/facilitator, and even if you do, there will likely be a chipper person to welcome you.
This is your opening line:
“Hi, is this where we meet for the _________ group? I’m ____, this is my first time, do I need to sign in anywhere?”
You will probably hear something like, “OMG hi, thanks for joining us! Let me get you settled…”
After that, try to keep your small talk to the event/organization. How long have people been doing it, do they enjoy it, etc. It’s okay to lapse into silence as you wait for things to get started. The facilitator will make sure you know what to do/who your group is. If you are put with people who are unfriendly for some reason, that’s not on you. Just focus on doing good for whatever cause you’re there to support.