The Art of Mingling: Proven Techniques for Mastering Any Room by Jeanne Martinet

Author:Jeanne Martinet [Unknown]
Language: eng
Format: epub, azw
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Published: 2006-10-31T06:00:00+00:00

The Quotation Device

Many of my acquaintances swear by the Quotation Device. For some sticky situations—and especially in certain circles—this particular gimmick can be just the thing to create a sense of camaraderie between strangers. If you have any sense of the dramatic at all, you will discover that if you aren’t using this one already, you should be.

Here’s how it works: When someone says something that makes you or anyone else feel uncomfortable, or when you are at a loss for something to say, or just if it seems like the perfect moment, just pop in one of the following famous quotes from movies or TV shows. Your listeners will love it; it relaxes most people immediately. Whether or not we like to admit it, television and film are more of a common denominator than race, religion, financial status, or occupation. What you are actually doing with the Quotation Device is relieving psychological tension by calling forth a common cultural image. It almost always lightens the atmosphere, and it has the added benefit of being the kind of conversational punctuation mark that can allow you to change the subject or even exit from the group. Two rules: The line must be familiar to people (different media work in different crowds—for example, if you are at an event in Manhattan, Seinfeld lines are a sure thing), and you must quote it correctly.

Note: You are not to cite the source of the quote unless prompted. (Anyway, it’s usually a bad sign if they have to ask!)

Here are some of my favorites:

LINE USE

“I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” (Casablanca) When flattered, for general amity, or right before you hand someone your business card

“Frankly, my dear, I don’t give a damn!” (Gone with the Wind) When insulted or when dealing with a vicious gossip

“Years from now, when you talk of this—and you will—be kind.” (Tea and Sympathy) After a faux pas, like right after you have asked a nonpregnant woman when she is due

“Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy night.” (All About Eve) After having witnessed an argument or an insult or upon seeing the host’s uninvited ex-wife arrive

“That’s a horse of a different color.” (The Wizard of Oz) When stalling for time or after having been asked something you can’t or won’t answer

“It is a far, far better thing I do than I have ever done.” (A Tale of Two Cities) Upon setting off to get someone a drink, after having been asked to do any favor, or when heading toward a long bathroom line

“Not that there’s anything wrong with that!” (Seinfeld) After a politically incorrect comment, especially about someone being gay

“No soup for you!” (Seinfeld) At the buffet table, upon realizing the food is gone

“These pretzels are making me thirsty!” (Seinfeld) When eating pretzels

“Lu-cy … you’ve got some s’plainin’ to do!” (I Love Lucy) After drink spillage, messy food dropping, or the staining of furniture

“Shall we go for the ‘Full Monty’ ?” (The Full Monty) When going for seconds at the buffet table

“Beam me up, Scotty.

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