Conversation Rules at Events: Keep the Other Person Engaged
I talked to a large media group a while ago. At the end of the meeting, one of the officials of that company told me, "I am very interested in your character and I would like to work with you, because you stated everything clearly and did not mention irrelevant points. We did not have to make an effort to talk to you." Several times at parties that I have held, I have seen two strangers go to a window to smoke and meet, and this acquaintance leads to multimillion-dollar deals between the two.
While talking, focus on your speech and do not keep rolling eyes. Make eye contact to make the other side realize that you care about him/her. Thirty years ago, in order to look polite it was customary to lower the head while speaking. This method has no appeal anymore. In conversation, you need to make eye contact. Observance of these etiquettes will bring mutual respect.
It is less common for the other side not to observe etiquettes in response. Of course, someone who does not behave properly is not worth working with; if you still need such a person anyway, just tolerate the behavior.
Body language will send a message to the other side. Turning the head, repeatedly moving the feet, excessive movements can disturb the other side's focus and will not send a good message.
Just as you watch over others in the gatherings, others may watch over you, too. Even when you are alone in a corner, some people can see you and they may be the people you want to talk to. Therefore, be careful not to lean while sitting. Observe the courtesy principles in all your behavior. By misbehaving, you may create a presupposition for the other side and you may lose him/her.