Keith Prowse launches guide to get the table talking

Keith Prowse Press Release: 2 April 2009

With the social season nearly upon us, Keith Prowse, the UK's first for hospitality has launched a guide to help get the table talking. 
 
As corporate hospitality becomes increasingly integral to organisations’ marketing strategies, the need for a return on investment has never been greater.  Used to help build relationships, close deals and even encourage the competitors’ clients; corporate hospitality ensures face to face interaction by marrying the business environment with a social setting. 
 
With events such as Wimbledon, Henley, Cartier International Polo and The Ashes 2009 just weeks away, diary dates are already being made.  Following research with their key clients who include FTSE-100 companies and SMEs, Keith Prowse has launched the definitive on the day ‘dos and don’ts’ to ensure both guests and hosts get the most out of the 2009 corporate hospitality season. 

Dos to get the conversation flowing 

  • Break the ice gently by kick-starting conversations with light-hearted topics.
  • “How do you know host/hostess’ and ‘Where do you live?” are sound ways to inoffensively inquire about others.  This method also lets you set the scene to introduce yourself.
  • Ask questions! Let the other person know that you are interested in what they have to say, people love to talk about themselves and this will help those who are less confident relax.
  • Keep your questions open so that you can elicit a full response.  Using the information provided, guide the conversation to an area that you too are comfortable with. 
  • If stuck for conversation, talk about the sporting/social activity that you are gathered at in an attempt to find common ground. 
  • Be sure to talk to the guests both sides of where you are sitting.  If you see someone who is not in conversation, try and bring them in to your conversation.    

Don’ts that are a sure-fire way never to be invited again!

  • At all costs avoid the topics of sex, politics, credit crunch, religion and house prices!
  • In the event of opposing of opinions: don’t raise your voice, argue or tease the other person.
  • Bear in mind the pace of the conversation at the table and don’t over do it!  You may think that awkward silence is bad but it’s equally a social crime to be too overbearing and inquisitive.
  • If you are bored with the current conversation, don’t glaze over, smile and nod hoping the other person won’t notice you’ve stopped listening to them! 
  • There’s nothing worse than smiling about something that’s unbefitting of a smile!
  • Don’t, while in mid conversation with someone, make eyes and start chatting to someone else sitting four people away – this is the ultimate rebuff.

Ted Walker, Marketing Manager for Keith Prowse said: “An objective of corporate hospitality is for guests and the host to enjoy the event; developing their business relationship in a more social and relaxed atmosphere.  There is a huge kudos about being invited to such events, however, some people can still find it an imposing experience.  Hence we put together some simple rules that will ensure that both the host and the guests get the most from their day and get a return on their time and monetary investment”.