The
biggest part of recruitment is conversation. You spend each round
talking to people you have never met and trying to have conversations
that go beyond small talk. For many people this is intimidating, so
let's work on eliminating those fears.
If
you are nervous or shy, there are two things that you need to overcome.
The first is fear. Yes, talking to new people can be intimidating.
However, the women you are talking to are college students just like
you. Most likely, you watch some of the same television shows, have read
the same books and watched the same movies. There is nothing to fear.
The
second thing you can do to overcome feeling nervous is to have
something to say. Before you arrive at your first round, prepare.
Research the chapters on your campus and write down a couple of
questions for each group that you'd like to ask. This way, if there is
an awkward pause, you can fill in and find out something you'd like to
know. Also, think about a good story you'd like to tell. What was the
best thing you did over break? What funny thing did the kids you babysit
do last week? Did anything interesting happen when you moved into your
dorm? How did you end up choosing to attend this school?
Once you overcome feeling shy and nervous, there are a few other things you can do to be a good conversationalist:
- Talk slowly and clearly. This way you'll be understood. Talking too fast makes you seem nervous.
- Hold eye contact. Shows that you're paying attention to the conversation and are interested.
- Notice details. Comment on a unique piece of jewelry or a beautiful painting you noticed in the house or suite.
- Offer interesting insights. Have something more to say on a topic than "uh huh."
- Ask questions. This shows you're paying attention and are interested -- and helps keep the conversation moving.
- Smile. Smiling shows that you're enjoying the conversation.
- Be enthusiastic. Let the sorority women know you're excited for recruitment and to visit with their chapter.