The initial reaction to my proposal was quiet. Dead silence. Then one board member jumped in, asked a few questions and signed the agreement. With some apprehension I wondered whether the board’s reticence equaled resistance. Was this organization a good fit for my services? Gulp.
With an attendance goal of fifty guests, we hoped to create genuine connection between members. Specifically, we wanted attendees to meet new friends, “cross circles” of age and experience and acquire confidence when meeting strangers. To build deeper bonds within this community required a willingness to venture out of comfort zones.
The “call” for forging new friendships was clear! How did we answer? A Table In Time infused the event’s choreography with clear intention. We enabled friendship and comfort from start to finish.
Here’s how you can, too!
- Chose a truthful theme and explain its meaning in the invitation copy. At this recent gathering, “Celebrating Our Treasures” reflected a core belief that each member had gifts to share.
- Share your intent. We were explicit: “During the evening we’ll come together to appreciate each other’s stories moving beyond pleasantries. We’ll meet new friends and connect with those who we might not have met before.”
- Warmly greet guests. Committee members reached out to every person in the registration line.
- Set an expectation. Before sitting down, guests were asked to meet as many members as possible, within their comfort zone. Our “call to action”, “meet new friends”, became the guests’ “to do”.
- Serve a fun menu. We wanted members to feel that their participation was valued and unique. Our food choices reflected that this was not an ordinary dinner.
- Create pause. During Introductions, we provided a few moments for guests to catch their breath. Don’t we all need this, especially before engaging in social interactions?
- Thoughtfully consider who sits next to whom. Our seating arrangements mixed and matched guests based on who would enjoy meeting one another and share some common interests.
- Express gratitude. Stand and toast the group. Thank guests for their participation and sincerely share why their presence mattered. Make sure you mean it.
Thankfully over 100 guests attended the recent event and “It was so loud- (because) people were having fun!” . Regardless of circumstance, everyone has the ability to connect through thoughtful conversation. As organizers and hosts of any and all meetings, we want to reflect on the “hope for’s” and then deliberately provide choreography so guests experience the intention. Bringing people back to the table can’t get any better!
Need conversation facilitation and event strategy? Email me at atableintime@gmail.com !!
