Traveling to a Wedding soon?How to Avoid Foot in MouthEdited by Madelyn Miller, the TravelLadyNow is the time to sharpen your conversational skills so you can mingle with poise and confidence at upcoming wedding receptions. "It's easy to be good at small talk," says expert Don Gabor, author of the SPEAKING YOUR MIND IN 101 DIFFICULT SITUATIONS (Conversation Arts Media 2006). A Little TACT Goes a Long WayGabor advises, "Before you go to the wedding reception, take a minute and consider topics you are willing to discuss with the other guests. Keep them light, fun and upbeat! Of course, since you never know who you might be talking to, NEVER SAY: 10 Things Your Should NEVER Say to Other Guests at Weddings "I hope this marriage lasts longer than his/her last one." "If you ask me, they're making a big mistake." "This will be the happiest day of their lives." "His/her ex- was a lot better looking and had more money, too!" "This food isn't as good as the food at the last wedding I went to." "I hate cheap champagne. Oh well, beggars can't be choosers!" "I bet this wedding and reception cost a bundle. How can they afford it?" "I wonder if she is ... well you know ...." "When it comes to choosing a spouse, he/she could have done better." "No doubt about it - she/he married him/her for the money."
Don Gabor believes even the "tactfully challenged" person can communicate with wit, charm and enthusiasm at wedding receptions. Conversation SkillsBreak the ice and introduce yourself to anyone -- anywhere. Remember the names of everyone you meet. Mingle and join conversations already in progress. Ask for dates and telephone numbers. End conversations with a great lasting impression.
Don Gabor was a spokesperson for Grand Marnier, Sprint and Frito-Lay. He has given hundreds of media interviews in publications including NY News Day, NY Times, Daily News, Woman's Day, Self, Redbook, Men's Health, Entrepreneur, Success, Woman's World, National Enquirer, Readers Digest, and many other newspapers and magazines of interest to men and women. The New Yorker called Don, "a gifted conversationalist." FREE FOR travellady.com READERS: To receive a free conversation tip sheet send a self-addressed envelope to Don Gabor, P.O. Box 715, Brooklyn, NY 11215. And after you have Conversations MasteredHere are some books to enhance your life skills 50 simple ways to pamper yourself
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www.fodors.com Madelyn Miller is a travel and food writer who talks to everyone she meets. She hopes she has not said the wrong things at weddings or anywhere else. Read her stories on www.travellady.com, www.carladynews.com, www.chocolateatlas.com, www.cocktailatlas.com, and www.teaAtlas.com | 