The Art of Mingling 1-2

1. Overcoming Minglophobia
First, there are many ways to overcome your fear. The first thing is to fake that you are confidence (until you really are). One of the techniques is imagining that all people in the room are naked (and maybe wearing only ties and socks).

Now, it's time to approach someone or some group. The good person to start practicing with is the limpest, nerdiest one in the room. (It will be easiest.) He might be someone who is so quiet or pretending to look at some pictures or just laughing. Look for the person who dress like you (which means that you two have quite the same taste). If you are approaching the group, look for the group that people don't seem to know each other well (stand far from each other and talk and look around the room). Also remember the rule of thumb: There is safety in numbers. That is, the larger the group is, the easier to join (and escape).

2. Entrance
First, don't shake hands because it will interrupt a conversation (unless it is already interrupted). Next, don't smile or just smile without teeth.

When going in,
No toothful grin.
Use, for a while,
The closed-mouthed smile.
After a clever remark,
The lips may part.

Of course, lie sometimes (use your own sense). Now, the most important part: 4 basic ways of entrance.
(1) Honest approach. "Excuse me. I hope you don't mind my coming up to you out of the blue like this, but I don't know a single person here. I'm Danupon..." Try it and you'll see it always work!
(2) Fade-in. Walk into any group. Try not to be noticed and act as if you belong here. You have to complete you fading-in within some period of time: either say something or leave the group.
(3) Flattery (use opening line). Quiz: Which one of these work?
3.1 "Nice dress"
No. (Too personal)
3.2 "Nice earrings"
Yes. (You complement her taste without being too personal.)
3.3 "You must work out a lot"
NO. (Way too personal.)
3.4 "You all seems like such nice people. May I join you?"
No. (Too pretending).
3.5 "Can I talk to you guys. You are the only interesting group in this room."
No. (Too pretending and other group may overhear.)
3.6 "Do you mind if I join this illustrious circle of high-powered shakers and movers?"
Yes only if they are less powerful than you.
3.7 "I heard the laughter from acrss the room. Since at least one of you must be either very funny or very happy, I decided I'd come over and see if it might rub off on me"
Yes.

4) Sophistication test. Ask question like "So how did you get here?" and see what he will answer.
Answers: "The cab" -- will be boring. "I know the host from ..." -- Very good. Be careful using this. You may get a very bad answer as well.
Other questions that I like: "How's life treating you?" "So, what d'you think?"

Tips
1. Don't ask "What do you do for a living?" -- usually you won't know what to say next.
2. Split and talk to other persons at some point (don't go in pair).

Some useful opening lines
Practice in front of the mirror!
Risk free:
"How's life treating you?"
"How do you know the host/hostess?"
"I just can't believe how beautiful [name] looks tonight. Can you?"
"Isn't this ... delicious?"
Playful:
"I'm I interrupting something confidential?"
"Excuse me, but what is that wonderful looking thing you're drinking/eating?"