Hello Reader,
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Happy New Year!

If you're like most people, you just wrapped up holiday parties and rang in the new year last night. Maybe you navigated multiple conversations, met new people, reconnected with old friends, or found yourself in that classic situation of wanting to join an interesting discussion already in progress.

Here's the thing: whether you're at a New Year's Eve party, a family gathering, or eventually back at networking events, the way you handle these moments can make all the difference in how people remember you.

As we kick off 2026, I'm wishing you a year full of meaningful connections and opportunities that genuinely excite you. And since strong relationships are built in these everyday moments - at parties, at work, everywhere - I wanted to share some conversation essentials to help you make the most of every gathering this year.

The Art of Joining a Conversation

Whether you're at a party with friends, a family holiday gathering, or eventually back at the office mixer, here's how to enter conversations smoothly:

DO:

• Wait for a natural pause before joining
• Acknowledge that you're joining ("Mind if I jump in?" or "Sorry, couldn't help but overhear - this sounds interesting!")
• Listen first to understand the context

DON'T:

• Interrupt someone mid-sentence (yes, even if you're excited about what they're saying)
• Act like you've been there the whole time
• Single out one person for exclusive conversation in a group setting

Safe Conversation Starters for New Connections

Whether you're meeting your cousin's new partner at a holiday dinner or a new colleague at an eventual work event, these topics are engaging without being invasive:

GREAT OPENERS:

• "How was your holiday? Do anything fun?"
• "What's keeping you busy these days?"
• "Any New Year's resolutions, or are you skipping that this year?"

TOPICS TO AVOID INITIALLY:

• Age or anything that could be age-related ("When did you graduate?" "How old are your kids?")
• Relationship status or why they're single/not married
• Whether they have or want children
• Political affiliations or controversial current events
• Religious beliefs or practices

NEW PODCAST: The Workplace Behaviour That's Damaging Your Relationships

Think your colleagues feel heard? In this episode, I reveal the most damaging workplace behaviour that's quietly destroying your professional relationships. I break down three warning signs that show you're not really present with your coworkers, plus three simple solutions that take just 30 seconds but can transform how you're perceived at work.

Exclusive Event: Business Dining Etiquette Class | Jan. 14

I'm partnering with sales trainer Ami Trivedi of High Performa to bring you a special program: an elevated dining experience designed to sharpen your etiquette, strengthen your presence, and teach you how to turn conversations into clients - without feeling too salesy.

Interested? Reply to this email and I'll share all the details with you.

Gen Z Professionals: Monthly Coffee Meet-Up | Jan. 21

Calling all Gen Z professionals! Join us for a casual space to connect with peers, talk through workplace challenges, and find community. No forced networking vibes - just real conversations with people who get it. Whether you're navigating workplace dynamics, or dealing with imposter syndrome, this is your judgment-free zone.
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​Know a Gen Z professional who could use this? Please feel free to forward this their way or connect us - I'd love to meet them!

Final Thought

The best conversations - whether at a New Year's party or in a conference room - happen when we're genuinely curious about others, present in the moment, and mindful of boundaries. This new year, let's commit to making every interaction feel meaningful and respectful, no matter where it happens.

Here's to a year of great conversations, fewer awkward interruptions, and more genuine connections in 2026!

Warm regards,

Trina Boos
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Founder & CEO
Boost Academy of Excellence
​boostacademyofexcellence.com
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