I find large groups exist in three states of matter:
1. crystalline / couple position:
Couples sit around the table, there is about 15cm distance between each molecule. One person at the table holds the conch and speaks.
2. bipolar / sex-segregated:
One end of the table holds all men, the other all women. The women talk about men and the men talk about poop and race cars.
3. gaseous:
All people move freely around the room and bounce off each other, there is vigourous chatter everywhere. Often there is alcohol involved.
Your job as a host is to increase the temperature to where all molecules break apart and you reach gaseous forms of communication.
Yes thanks :p I used to be extremely uncomfortable in social situations so I have to reflect a lot.
I don't like having a lot of attention on me but that actually works great because people love talking about themselves. In group situations I try to identify super extroverted people and people with a high energy level that day and bounce random stuff off them to get the ball rolling, they will entertain the group. Then I'll single out a low-energy person and get them talking about their life.
But that's just what works for me. It also sounds weird and formulaic when I say it like that but it's not a premeditated thing, I just natually act that way.
Probably the most important thing when hosting is to project that you enjoy having these exact people around at this exact moment. If you can get yourself into that mood good things will follow. It's easier with people who fit into your dynamic.
1. crystalline / couple position: Couples sit around the table, there is about 15cm distance between each molecule. One person at the table holds the conch and speaks.
2. bipolar / sex-segregated: One end of the table holds all men, the other all women. The women talk about men and the men talk about poop and race cars.
3. gaseous: All people move freely around the room and bounce off each other, there is vigourous chatter everywhere. Often there is alcohol involved.
Your job as a host is to increase the temperature to where all molecules break apart and you reach gaseous forms of communication.