Practice Conversations
 

Hi, I have been reading threads on GC for a while and finally set up my own account. I am a shy, nervous PNM going through NPC recruitment this fall. I am going to college by myself and have not had to make new friends since kindergarten! I was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me "practice" having conversations at recruitment parties. I have seen lists of what sort of questions to expect, but I want to practice making sure the conversations flow smoothly. Obviously, you can't tell me exactly what you are looking for in a new member. I am just looking for some practice and maybe a few pointers. If you are interested in helping me PM me and I will give you my AIM.

I'll tell you the same thing I tell the members in the chapter I advise:

(1) Go into each day with a set of 5-6 memorized questions that you can ask each person. Having a "memorized script" can really help you get over that shyness and get conversations moving but be sure that your questions are open ended so that the member that is recruiting you has to talk.

(2) Listen to what the member has to say. Comment on what she just said or ask for clarification. This gets your interacting with the member.

(3) Don't be afraid to talk about yourself. This does not have to be deep things but what TV shows you watch, where you like to shop, how is your day going, etc. Talking about yourself is easy because you are already an expert and the members will appreciate learning more about a potential new member.

If you want to practice conversation with someone, you might want to give GC more information about where you will be attending college or what chapters are at your university. (Or tell us where you are not going or what chapters are not at your college if you would feel more secure.) This way there is not a conflict of interest or potential infraction for members/alumnae speaking with a PNM prior to recruitment.

First off, just be yourself!

All of us know you will be nervous as all of us were!

When you meet the GLOs, just be calm! LOL!

Ask questions, answer questions, smile and dress nicely.

If you have met some GLO members be cordial and ask them questions about what you need to do and how to act.

It is not the end of the world, heck, they are just as under the gun as you are.

When meeting anyone new on either end, it is tuff and tramatic.;)

Anyway the very best of luck and you can also PM me!

I aint as dumb as some say I am for a guy!:D

princesspeach, i second ksuviolets advice to read the thread she highlighted in her post. each section has a heading that makes it easy to find just what you are looking for in the thread.

if you want to remain anonymous, DO NOT divulge the college you will be attending or the sororities on that campus.

Thanks for the link! That thread is really helpful.

If anybody is willing to practice with me, we can make sure you aren't from my school through PM or IM.

it will be much more helpful to you for you to practice face to face with people-not over the internet.

I agree, you need to have a speaking conversation to practice, not a typing conversation. Face-to-face would be best if you can find someone nearby but over the phone would probably help more than IMs.