This is a short post with a few tips & tricks that I hope will help enhance improve your experience in social events. These tips can be applied to any sort of event where you are meeting people, eg professional networking, wedding etc. Note that this is NOT a comprehensive list of everything you should do at a social event.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE HOUSE
Dress well. Groom yourself. Put effort into how you present yourself. You would think that this is obvious, but it is horrifying how many people dress to barely meet the dress code. Wear one article of clothing that is unique. A social event is about meeting people, and this gives others an easy way to talk to you if they want.
Think about a default way you want to introduce yourself. Most times, your conversations will start naturally. However, you want to be prepared for those times when it doesn't. A short simple intro will start with your name, one irrelevant but fun fact about you, and one relevant fact about you if the applicable to the situation.
Example A – my name is John, my favorite animal is the unicorn, how about you?
Example B – my name is John, my favorite animal is the unicorn, and I'm a software developer at Microsoft. What about you?
Example C – my name is John, my favorite animal is the unicorn, and I'm friends with the groom. What about you?
BEFORE YOU ENTER THE EVENT
Once you get near the venue, talk to at least 3 random people. Do whatever you are comfortable doing.
LEVEL 1 – impersonal simple quick low-pressure conversations
– hiya! where's the best place to get a coffee around here?
– thanks! I hope you have a wonderful day!
LEVEL 2 – slightly personal simple quick low-pressure conversations
– notice something SPECIFIC and unique/nice about someone, NOT THEIR LOOKS
– hey I love those boots.
– Have a great day!
The reason to do this is to get into the mood of talking to people. Social muscles need to be warmed up!
DURING THE EVENT
The first thing you do when you get to the event is to talk to the very first person you see before you anything (get a drink, go to the bathroom, check your coat etc). Same intention as above – to warm up your social muscles.
During a conversation, once you feel like there is a connection, IMMEDIATELY EXCHANGE CONTACT INFO. Interactions are often suddenly interrupted, so you want to get that contact info while you still can.
AFTER THE EVENT
People meet lots of people at social events, so you want to solidify any new contacts ASAP. Immediately send a "nice to meet you" email or text to everyone you met. If possible, include something that reminds that person of something both of you connected over.
Review the event. Think of one thing that you did well. It is important to give yourself credit. Think of one thing that you think you could have handled better, and how you could have handled it better. It is important that we grow and improve.
THE END
Hope this helps! Happy to go into more detail, or give more ideas.