If you have ever stood in a crowded room wondering what you are going to say to other people who are holding drinks and shouting too loudly over the music, you are not alone. Many people often wonder how they can be the life and soul of the party. What is actually involved in taking on this role? How can you become that person, at least for one evening? Here is what to do:

Bring the right kind of energy:

You’ll want to start by bringing the right kind of energy to the party. You don’t necessarily need to kick the door down and tell everyone a joke that you’ve been thinking about all week. All it requires is going with an approachable demeanor, smiling a lot, and bringing people together. Often, the person who’s considered the life and soul of the party is the person who is “facilitating.” Try to make that person you.

Master the art of active listening:

We’ve all been there. You go to a party, and the person you’re talking to only wants to discuss their experiences and their life. It’s boring and dull. The good news, though, is that if you can stomach it, you can turn this around and master the art of active listening. The idea is to encourage the person you’re speaking to and to say the right things at the right time. You’ll notice that if you do this, the person will warm to you far more quickly, and you can potentially have a much more interesting conversation with them. When you really engage with them, they become friendlier and view you as a charismatic person.

Learn how to do what party goers do:

Another thing you might want to do, depending on the crowd, is to learn the steps and do what other partygoers do. What this means, of course, depends on context. It could be bringing a tasty appetizer, being the resident mixologist, or putting together an awesome playlist. If you have an understanding of the general expectations of the party, then you are putting yourself in a very good position. For example, let’s say you’re going to a corporate party. Expectations there will be very different from a party you’re going to with your friends!

Know when to pass the mic:

Don’t be one of those people at the party who tries to dominate every conversation. Instead, exercise your quiet power and then move swiftly when the situation calls for it. Being a great social presence is often about knowing when to step back and let others take the lead. You don’t necessarily have to be the literal life of the party if you don’t want to be. Try to read the room and gracefully exit when necessary.

Become a connector:

Finally, it’s a good idea to become a connector when you want to make an impression. As mentioned earlier, if you can bring people together through shared common interests, then you’re the person everybody goes to because you’re someone that they can rely on.

Step up your party approach with these tips and have fun!!

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