Office Party Survival Tips

By Debra Fine

If you're dreading the holiday office party and small talk doesn't come naturally to you, consider creating your own icebreaking cheat sheet, suggests Debra Fine, author of The Fine Art of Small Talk. You can save it in your blazer pocket or handbag

For starters, Fine suggests these icebreakers: "How does this season of the year impact your work?" "Tell me about your plans for the holidays" "What is your favorite holiday (and why)?" "What are your department's plans for the upcoming year?

Conversation killers to avoid, advises Fine, include "Merry Christmas! What are your Christmas Plans?" (not everyone celebrates Christmas); "Do you have children?" (not much to say if the answer is no); and "Is that XXXX real?" (fill in the blank-diamond, hair, etc.).