The door opens when you are at the table in your grandma's house for Thanksgiving.You have never really gotten to know Uncle Larry.One of the seats at the table is by you.You think "please don't sit here" but he does.What are you going to say?
Step 1: Discuss topics that might interest a relative.
Tell them more about what you've been up to.An award you recently received, a new teacher/lecturer at your school or college, which of your hobbies you like the most, and so on.
Step 2: Be nice.
To be polite, you don't have to be familiar with your relative.Don't argue the point on anything, be respectful of their opinions, and avoid topics that might be touchy.Being respectful as well as being polite is what you should do.If a relative recently passed that Uncle Larry was close to, don't say anything that could cause bad memories.
Step 3: The chef should be thanked.
It is a good idea to reference the food you are eating.It's a task that can take a long time.They won't want to appear remiss in mentioning the chef, so it will draw in others as well.
Step 4: Talk about a new movie coming out, a local festival or a sporting event.
Current events allow family to talk about opinions and experiences, as well as discuss whether they're going or not.It's a great way to find out what other events are coming up, as they will share the things they're planning to do that haven't been mentioned yet.
Step 5: Nobody feels left out if you talk with everyone at the table.
A bit of tension can be alleviated by allowing others to contribute.Look for the quiet ones who seem willing to say something but need prompting, out of shyness, fear or uncertainty.
Step 6: Talk about people you have in common.
This is a topic that can get things going.Asking after what a mutual friend or neighbor is doing can be a great way to get to know each other.
Step 7: Don't be disrespectful of others.
If people want to talk about something that you're not interested in, make an effort to appear interested for a short time.After it's clear that they've said their piece and feel heard, you can change the subject.
Step 8: Assist in passing the food around.
Offer to give out food when people are not at the table.Everyone should get a share of the food at the table.You can ask how they like the food, what their favorite foods are, and whether they would like more.
Step 9: Help clean up.
Offer to clean up, do the dishes, put things away.Encourage others to help.It's a good way of having a chance to chat with those who are helping you and to get the cleaning done quickly so that everyone can get back to talking.If the chef wants it that way, leave him or her alone in the kitchen.
Step 10: Take the kids away from their parents for a while.
If some of your family members are parents of small children, offer to play a game with them outside or in another room to give the parents a break and a chance to chat with the rest of the family without constant interruptions.You will get a lot of respect and appreciation from the parents when you spend time with the kids.
Step 11: Family members are invited to accompany them home.
If there are members of your family who need assistance, you can offer to drive them home, or even catch public transportation with them.You will get to spend some one-on-one time with them to learn more about them.