TIP: COFFEE TALK
Conversations at coffee hour can foster community and deepen connections, but they are not always easy, as we found in the ERUUF Pulse Survey results. Here are ideas to try:
- Greet with warmth: Start by greeting others warmly with a smile.
- Introduce yourself: Whether you’re a veteran ERUUFian or new, introduce yourself to someone you don’t know, especially if you see them standing alone.
- Use small talk as a gateway: Starting with lighter topics like the weather, upcoming events, or local news opens the way.
- Ask open-ended questions about common experiences:
*“What struck you about today’s service?”
* “How has your week been?”
* “What’s something interesting that happened to you recently?" - Be open-minded to others’ ideas and worldviews: What might you learn from the person you’re talking to?
- Actively express curiosity: Follow-up questions show your interest and encourage further conversation.
- Introduce this person to someone you know nearby. Connect them with others.
“If I don't poke my head out of my shell and show people who I am, all anyone will ever think I am is my shell." —Shonda Rhimes
