Prepare for the event - you will be mixing with people you know well, interacting with new people or both. Give some thought to conversation starters, topics for discussion and recall information from previous meetings or events. This will assist you to interact and converse.

Listen - as much as, if not more than, you speak. Try to be an active listener, someone who listens intently; you will be regarded as an effective communicator (and you're not doing the talking - you're listening!).

Allow every speaker to be heard - don't interject, interrupt or speak over someone else. This skill is most difficult to employ when the conversation is emotionally-charged. Be calm and considered in your responses and discussions.

Ask open-ended questions - this is the way to expand the discussion. Closed-questions requiring only a 'yes' or 'no' answer do not promote conversation.

Learn more to broaden your knowledge - read widely, know current affairs, be involved and lead an active life. You will be viewed as an interesting and interested person who has lots to talk about.

Develop your sense of humour and use it appropriately.

Steer and build on the conversation - this involves listening carefully to the responses to expand the discussion or lead it in another direction.

Know the topics to include or exclude from a conversation - prior knowledge about the individuals or company will help here.

Use eye contact, facial expressions and body language to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm.

Don't feel the need to constantly correct others' speech, grammar, etc - this is a sure way to end a conversation.

Try these tips and your conversations are sure to be interesting and lively!