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The Art of Mingling, Fourth Edition: Fun and Proven Techniques for Socializing in Person
Fully revised with 40% new material—presented with Jeanne Martinet's trademark wit and practicality—The Art of Mingling provides you with everything you need to help you thrive at any in-person gathering.
Does the idea of going to a party make your mouth go dry? Are you more comfortable on FaceTime than you are face-to-face? Do you find yourself living a screen-only life? You're not alone; ninety percent of the world suffers from minglephobia, and Jeanne Martinet has the cure.
While most people have always had a fear of mixing with new people, our digital reality promotes an ever-increasing trend toward social isolation, and the habits we acquired during the pandemic have cause our mingling muscles to atrophy even more. We need face-to-face conversations as much as we need food or air. The Art of Mingling encourages you to get off your apps, get back out there and make real-life connections. In this well-timed fourth edition, the author has completely updated her sure-fire system for overcoming social fears and having a great time at any type of business or social get-together.
Filled with both simple and advanced techniques, tricks, tips, lines, and maneuvers, and illustrated with entertaining examples, The Art of Mingling teaches
* The value of interacting in person
* Basic survival strategies for the Truly Terrified
* Opening lines and gambits that really work
* Tools and rules for keeping the conversation going in the right direction
* The all-important etiquette of escape
* Why some white lies are essential
* Faux pas recovery techniques
* How to avoid the dumb use of smartphones
* The secret to being a good listener
* Tips for mingling in public venues
* Much-needed tactics for navigating political topics
* Instructions for following up after the party
* And much, much more!
Does the idea of going to a party make your mouth go dry? Are you more comfortable on FaceTime than you are face-to-face? Do you find yourself living a screen-only life? You're not alone; ninety percent of the world suffers from minglephobia, and Jeanne Martinet has the cure.
While most people have always had a fear of mixing with new people, our digital reality promotes an ever-increasing trend toward social isolation, and the habits we acquired during the pandemic have cause our mingling muscles to atrophy even more. We need face-to-face conversations as much as we need food or air. The Art of Mingling encourages you to get off your apps, get back out there and make real-life connections. In this well-timed fourth edition, the author has completely updated her sure-fire system for overcoming social fears and having a great time at any type of business or social get-together.
Filled with both simple and advanced techniques, tricks, tips, lines, and maneuvers, and illustrated with entertaining examples, The Art of Mingling teaches
* The value of interacting in person
* Basic survival strategies for the Truly Terrified
* Opening lines and gambits that really work
* Tools and rules for keeping the conversation going in the right direction
* The all-important etiquette of escape
* Why some white lies are essential
* Faux pas recovery techniques
* How to avoid the dumb use of smartphones
* The secret to being a good listener
* Tips for mingling in public venues
* Much-needed tactics for navigating political topics
* Instructions for following up after the party
* And much, much more!
Audible Audio
Published October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As a mom of five and a former pastor, I’ve spent years in crowded social settings, so I came to this book hoping for thoughtful, kind, and practical guidance for navigating gatherings with authenticity. Instead, I found a tone that was not only disappointing, but often very offensive.
Early on, I was put off by repeated suggestions to single out “wallflowers,” “party misfits,” and people labeled “socially challenged” as practice tools. This framing is demeaning and treats people as props rather than humans worthy of respect. As the book went on, I genuinely began to wonder if it was intended as satire rather than self help, because the advice felt so out of step with basic compassion.
Sections encouraging fibbing as a social strategy and promoting calculated flattery were especially troubling, implying that dishonesty and insincerity are prerequisites for connection. Add in references to “repugnant occupations,” and the overall tone becomes condescending and morally tone deaf.
By about 20 percent in, I had encountered enough manipulative and belittling concepts to know this book was not for me. While marketed as self help, it reads more like a handbook for social performance than a guide grounded in sincerity or care for others.
Social skills do not require lying, flattery, or using people as practice exercises. For readers seeking respectful, ethical, people centered guidance, this book misses the mark entirely.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own. Pub Date October 6, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own. Pub Date October 6, 2026.
★
PinkStinx
Early on, I was put off by repeated suggestions to single out “wallflowers,” “party misfits,” and people labeled “socially challenged” as practice tools. This framing is demeaning and treats people as props rather than humans worthy of respect. As the book went on, I genuinely began to wonder if it was intended as satire rather than self help, because the advice felt so out of step with basic compassion.
Sections encouraging fibbing as a social strategy and promoting calculated flattery were especially troubling, implying that dishonesty and insincerity are prerequisites for connection. Add in references to “repugnant occupations,” and the overall tone becomes condescending and morally tone deaf.
By about 20 percent in, I had encountered enough manipulative and belittling concepts to know this book was not for me. While marketed as self help, it reads more like a handbook for social performance than a guide grounded in sincerity or care for others.
Social skills do not require lying, flattery, or using people as practice exercises. For readers seeking respectful, ethical, people centered guidance, this book misses the mark entirely.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own. Pub Date October 6, 2026.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy. All opinions are my own. Pub Date October 6, 2026.
★
PinkStinx
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Last year I launched a major exploration of friendship. I hosted a monthly brunch discussion and book club. I read a dozen or so books about the subject. I talked to everyone about it. The Art of Mingling seemed like a good fit - after all, the first step towards friendship is creating connection. Alas, this was a swing and miss for me. Following Jeanne Martinet's suggestions would turn the reader into the used car salesman of partygoers. Yikes! Please do not follow the suggestions as given in the book. As someone who hosts a lot of parties and actually enjoys small talk, I am familiar with the techniques discussed here and actively avoid people who use them. I am still giving The Art of Mingling three stars because there is good information in the book, helpful suggestions, ideas I am happy to use. But the reader should use extreme discernment in choosing what to keep and what to toss from Martinet's instructions. Following the steps outlined in this book would get you banned from future parties at my house. Thank you to everyone involved in the production of the audioARC, including Macmillan Audio and NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is a helpful and humorous book; a must-read for all introverts.
It has helpful tips that I needed to hear, such as viewing party mingling with individuals as 5-10 minutes rather than barnacling onto them for the rest of the night, many tips on how to smoothly end or exit an interaction without being rude, and avoiding sitting down at social events unless you have to (which makes it harder to leave an unpleasant or boring interaction). I also appreciated the tips on how to get out of a situation in which you forgot a person's name (happens to me all the time), and a reminder that even if someone brings up a wrong or idiotic idea, it's important to disentangle the person from the idea, and sometimes silence is the best defense.
As someone who avoids hosting parties at all costs (and this is unfortunately becoming the norm, leading to fewer parties overall, a 70% decrease apparently), I enjoyed the tips about how to organize a party to be more kinetic to increase organic interaction, how to assign people small tasks in order to help them start mingling and mixing with others (which one can offer to do themselves when at someone else's party; it works both ways), and the importance of interacting with each guest at least once and avoiding having your time monopolized.
"You are standing alone in a sea of talking people. What should you do? Nothing. You are fine. Everything is perfect. For the moment, absorb the energy of the party. If you don't know what to say, say nothing. If you don't know where to go, go nowhere."
Martinet does a wonderful job reminding readers not to take rejection seriously, to lower expectations, to not take failure-to-follow-up personally, to stay calm and collected, and to experience mingling for what it is: a transient interaction that might turn into a long-lasting connection or a fleeting shared moment.
What kept this from being a 5-star read is some contradictory or superfluous advice. For example, "be yourself" appears toward the end, but it falls flat after many chapters on how to lie, pretend, and manipulate situations. Further, there was some strange (and honestly, rude) advice about how to crash parties, and some suggestions that I don't think would land well, such as saying "Hashtag awkward!" if you commit a faux pas (please don't say this).
Overall, this is a helpful, quick read that keeps a positive, lighthearted energy throughout. Martinet had some really cute and funny one-liners, for example, "I bet hell is like this. You can see the bartender, but they can't see you," and I walked away feeling more socially motivated after reading this book.
"With every hello you experience, there will be a goodbye. With every goodbye, a new hello."
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the opportunity to read an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
It has helpful tips that I needed to hear, such as viewing party mingling with individuals as 5-10 minutes rather than barnacling onto them for the rest of the night, many tips on how to smoothly end or exit an interaction without being rude, and avoiding sitting down at social events unless you have to (which makes it harder to leave an unpleasant or boring interaction). I also appreciated the tips on how to get out of a situation in which you forgot a person's name (happens to me all the time), and a reminder that even if someone brings up a wrong or idiotic idea, it's important to disentangle the person from the idea, and sometimes silence is the best defense.
As someone who avoids hosting parties at all costs (and this is unfortunately becoming the norm, leading to fewer parties overall, a 70% decrease apparently), I enjoyed the tips about how to organize a party to be more kinetic to increase organic interaction, how to assign people small tasks in order to help them start mingling and mixing with others (which one can offer to do themselves when at someone else's party; it works both ways), and the importance of interacting with each guest at least once and avoiding having your time monopolized.
"You are standing alone in a sea of talking people. What should you do? Nothing. You are fine. Everything is perfect. For the moment, absorb the energy of the party. If you don't know what to say, say nothing. If you don't know where to go, go nowhere."
Martinet does a wonderful job reminding readers not to take rejection seriously, to lower expectations, to not take failure-to-follow-up personally, to stay calm and collected, and to experience mingling for what it is: a transient interaction that might turn into a long-lasting connection or a fleeting shared moment.
What kept this from being a 5-star read is some contradictory or superfluous advice. For example, "be yourself" appears toward the end, but it falls flat after many chapters on how to lie, pretend, and manipulate situations. Further, there was some strange (and honestly, rude) advice about how to crash parties, and some suggestions that I don't think would land well, such as saying "Hashtag awkward!" if you commit a faux pas (please don't say this).
Overall, this is a helpful, quick read that keeps a positive, lighthearted energy throughout. Martinet had some really cute and funny one-liners, for example, "I bet hell is like this. You can see the bartender, but they can't see you," and I walked away feeling more socially motivated after reading this book.
"With every hello you experience, there will be a goodbye. With every goodbye, a new hello."
Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin's Press, for the opportunity to read an advance reader's copy in exchange for my honest opinions.
September 30, 2026
An interesting-enough read. Martinet immediately identified my type of social awkwardness; like others, I'm pretty good in small groups (and can handle myself well enough in situations where the conversation topics are clear, like when I'm working a booth at a conference or volunteering at a historic site), but my mind goes completely blank if I'm at a larger party where I only know a person or two. Or even at a networking reception where I theoretically have things in common with people.
Martinet also identifies that in-person socializing is a good, healthy thing for people and that we're damaged by doing all of our socializing online. I'm part of a number of online communities--heck, I met my husband through one--so it's not that I don't appreciate them. But there are times that it's good to get out and actually talk to people. In person. Even people you don't know.
Martinet gives advice for various aspects of mingling, most of which could work at either social parties or business functions. She describes techniques to join conversations, how to get out of conversations, how to build yourself up to start mingling. what to do if you make a faux pas. Late in the book, she has a whole chapter about dealing with politics in conversation (mostly about avoiding politics in conversation).
A lot of the general concepts are helpful and, like many other self-help books, though I may not fully buy all of her advice, it's helpful for getting into the right headspace. And there are legitimately some helpful tips for how to handle parties and mingling.
However.
A lot of the actual lines and examples Martinet gives are extremely cringe. I would never say them. Someone saying many, many of her lines would be just incredibly awkward. She frequently provides five or six sample lines to use in a given situation, and of those, there's usually one I would consider an actual option to use in real life.
I'd recommend this book as a general guide to help give you some general ideas about how to handle social situations. I'd just avoid a lot of the specifics.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Martinet also identifies that in-person socializing is a good, healthy thing for people and that we're damaged by doing all of our socializing online. I'm part of a number of online communities--heck, I met my husband through one--so it's not that I don't appreciate them. But there are times that it's good to get out and actually talk to people. In person. Even people you don't know.
Martinet gives advice for various aspects of mingling, most of which could work at either social parties or business functions. She describes techniques to join conversations, how to get out of conversations, how to build yourself up to start mingling. what to do if you make a faux pas. Late in the book, she has a whole chapter about dealing with politics in conversation (mostly about avoiding politics in conversation).
A lot of the general concepts are helpful and, like many other self-help books, though I may not fully buy all of her advice, it's helpful for getting into the right headspace. And there are legitimately some helpful tips for how to handle parties and mingling.
However.
A lot of the actual lines and examples Martinet gives are extremely cringe. I would never say them. Someone saying many, many of her lines would be just incredibly awkward. She frequently provides five or six sample lines to use in a given situation, and of those, there's usually one I would consider an actual option to use in real life.
I'd recommend this book as a general guide to help give you some general ideas about how to handle social situations. I'd just avoid a lot of the specifics.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me an ARC to review. I am the target audience for this book. Large parties are a nightmare for me. If you can pry me out of the house, I'll find someone I know and stick with them if I can and generally slip out early. Martinet nails it for folks like me and offers an extensive list of gambits, opening lines, and mingling strategies, including how to exit gracefully (without simply disappearing).
I enjoyed her writing style as well. She achieves a nice mix of humor and useful information. I've been reading it a bit at a time, hoping to retain some of the strategies at my next nightmare, um, mixer, but I can't see myself using many of the lines, and some of the entrance and exit strategies just don't fit my style. I appreciate the effort Martinet has made in gathering this information.
It feels like the gatherings she frequents are not at all like the ones I've attended. Hers feel very NYC, big city affairs with women in freakishly high heels and everyone holding a cocktail and eating finger sandwiches or caviar. I'm sure many of her techniques would work at any kind of mixer, but I wish she'd included a few more middle class descriptions and ideas.
I have to admit that at one point in reading all this information and strategies I began to feel stressed at just the thought of having to deal with all of this. I have a networking event coming up soon, so I'll try a few out.
Oh, one other thing--please don't talk to me in an elevator! If you start the conversation while we're waiting, okay, but it seems weird to me to start it up in that little box with no way to escape!
I enjoyed her writing style as well. She achieves a nice mix of humor and useful information. I've been reading it a bit at a time, hoping to retain some of the strategies at my next nightmare, um, mixer, but I can't see myself using many of the lines, and some of the entrance and exit strategies just don't fit my style. I appreciate the effort Martinet has made in gathering this information.
It feels like the gatherings she frequents are not at all like the ones I've attended. Hers feel very NYC, big city affairs with women in freakishly high heels and everyone holding a cocktail and eating finger sandwiches or caviar. I'm sure many of her techniques would work at any kind of mixer, but I wish she'd included a few more middle class descriptions and ideas.
I have to admit that at one point in reading all this information and strategies I began to feel stressed at just the thought of having to deal with all of this. I have a networking event coming up soon, so I'll try a few out.
Oh, one other thing--please don't talk to me in an elevator! If you start the conversation while we're waiting, okay, but it seems weird to me to start it up in that little box with no way to escape!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Wow. I can't fathom a better book for people who want help learning how to mingle or engage in small talk. It's clear, concrete, and has tons of examples to use verbatim or tweak. I'm not surprised to see it's on its 4th edition and has sold 150,000+ copies.
I find many parts of the book fascinating because mingling is basically the opposite of my personal preference, so I've never considered many of the tactics she recommends. It's a fantastic guide that breaks down the mechanics in a way that's clear and achievable. Martinet treats it almost like a game (and small lies are just part of the fun - what?), BUT her advice is solid, VERY concrete, and she gives tons of examples that make a lot of sense, are easy to use, and are easy to customize. She does recommend using the subset of techniques that work best for you, but there are so many examples I think everyone can find something workable here.
The book is structured to cover a range of topics - starting a conversation, continuing a conversation, ending a conversation, handling difficult conversations (including religion and politics with strangers or family--much needed in today's world), and how to follow up after the event. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with this type of thing, and for people who maybe just want a few new ideas for tricky situations.
5 out of 5 stars not because it's an essential book that everyone should read, but because I can't think of anything more helpful for people who are seeking this type of advice
-----
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review expressing my personal opinions.
I find many parts of the book fascinating because mingling is basically the opposite of my personal preference, so I've never considered many of the tactics she recommends. It's a fantastic guide that breaks down the mechanics in a way that's clear and achievable. Martinet treats it almost like a game (and small lies are just part of the fun - what?), BUT her advice is solid, VERY concrete, and she gives tons of examples that make a lot of sense, are easy to use, and are easy to customize. She does recommend using the subset of techniques that work best for you, but there are so many examples I think everyone can find something workable here.
The book is structured to cover a range of topics - starting a conversation, continuing a conversation, ending a conversation, handling difficult conversations (including religion and politics with strangers or family--much needed in today's world), and how to follow up after the event. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who struggles with this type of thing, and for people who maybe just want a few new ideas for tricky situations.
5 out of 5 stars not because it's an essential book that everyone should read, but because I can't think of anything more helpful for people who are seeking this type of advice
-----
NOTE: I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for a review expressing my personal opinions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I have always been an introvert, small talk just doesn't come to me,until I leave and can think of all the things I should have said. When I saw this book on NetGalley, I had to read it. There were many things that didn't apply to me, like conferences, business parties, big social events, but there were so much that did apply to me. The parts that didn't, I can understand better now why they do what they do. The book isn't just read and put it away, for me, it is a book that I will have on my bedside, and will need to pick it up often, to help me on my journey. It is always moving forward and as I move forward, I encounter different things, and this book will help me understand not only myself but others too.
I have been taking steps to reach out, but it is going to be a work in progress, it isn't going to happen overnight, it will take time, practice, and I see some things I wished I had done differently, but I tell myself, I am a work in progress. Take my time, and little by little, I will be the person, I have wanted to be, but my brain has not been on board with me moving out of my comfort zone of being a wallflower, I am looking forward to my future, and becoming the me I am going to be in the future. I see this book in my future for years to come.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Griffin through NetGalley.
I have been taking steps to reach out, but it is going to be a work in progress, it isn't going to happen overnight, it will take time, practice, and I see some things I wished I had done differently, but I tell myself, I am a work in progress. Take my time, and little by little, I will be the person, I have wanted to be, but my brain has not been on board with me moving out of my comfort zone of being a wallflower, I am looking forward to my future, and becoming the me I am going to be in the future. I see this book in my future for years to come.
I received an ARC from St. Martin's Griffin through NetGalley.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Back in grad school, one of my instructors gave some wise advice: read a book on "elements of style" to refresh the rules of grammar and keep your writing sharp. I take the same approach with etiquette books. I was eager to check out this updated guide to mingling, especially the new chapter on engaging with people of differing political views, but I have to admit I was a bit disappointed. The advice seems aimed at a narrow audience—white, middle class or higher, and female. I can’t imagine a man being able to pull off asking for protection from an unnamed person who “must be avoided,” complete with a secret signal. Honestly, if I met someone using many of the techniques here, I’d want to get away fast and warn others they might be unsafe. The truth is, sometimes you just need to leave a party if you’re not feeling social or are unwell, or accept that it’s fine to be a wallflower—leaving early is always an option. While there are lessons to be learned in this book, I’d recommend pairing it with another and trying the techniques with a willing, good-natured group, not unsuspecting people who never agreed to entertain a pushy mingler.
The author does an excellent job narrating the book, making it an enjoyable experience. If you’re interested, the audiobook is a quick and easy listen.
The author does an excellent job narrating the book, making it an enjoyable experience. If you’re interested, the audiobook is a quick and easy listen.
October 8, 2026
A handy refresher for shy folks who still have to show up.
I run events and still get shy and anxious when it's time to actually dive into a room, so I went in hoping for practical help, and this delivered. I dipped in and out rather than reading cover to cover, and honestly I think that's the best way to use it: grab the section you need before an event, or read it straight through if you're starting from scratch.
The best parts are the ready-to-use lines: how to answer "how are you" on a bad day, graceful ways to exit a conversation, and what to say when you blank on someone's name. The listening section stood out most. "Instead of making your point, help them make their point" is something I'll keep. It's light and funny, not preachy.
The one thing I didn't love is how often the tips lean on little white lies. That's not really my style, but there's plenty here that doesn't rely on them.
Good for introverts, people new to networking, or anyone who wants a confidence refresher.
I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway.
@stmartinspress is the publisher :)
I run events and still get shy and anxious when it's time to actually dive into a room, so I went in hoping for practical help, and this delivered. I dipped in and out rather than reading cover to cover, and honestly I think that's the best way to use it: grab the section you need before an event, or read it straight through if you're starting from scratch.
The best parts are the ready-to-use lines: how to answer "how are you" on a bad day, graceful ways to exit a conversation, and what to say when you blank on someone's name. The listening section stood out most. "Instead of making your point, help them make their point" is something I'll keep. It's light and funny, not preachy.
The one thing I didn't love is how often the tips lean on little white lies. That's not really my style, but there's plenty here that doesn't rely on them.
Good for introverts, people new to networking, or anyone who wants a confidence refresher.
I received a copy through a Goodreads giveaway.
@stmartinspress is the publisher :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The Art of Mingling, Fourth Edition is a practical guide for anyone who finds networking events, parties, or even casual social gatherings intimidating. Jeanne Martinet argues that face-to-face conversation is a skill that can be learned, and this updated edition reflects how much our social habits have changed in the years since the pandemic and the rise of constant digital communication. Along with practical conversation starters, the book covers everything from joining groups gracefully to exiting conversations without awkwardness.
I appreciated that this is a very hands-on book. Rather than focusing on broad theories about confidence, Martinet offers specific techniques that readers can put into practice right away. Not every suggestion matched my own communication style, but I still came away with useful ideas for making conversations feel more natural and less stressful. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
I appreciated that this is a very hands-on book. Rather than focusing on broad theories about confidence, Martinet offers specific techniques that readers can put into practice right away. Not every suggestion matched my own communication style, but I still came away with useful ideas for making conversations feel more natural and less stressful. My sincere thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy.
October 14, 2026
I received a free digital ARC of this book thanks to NetGalley.
I thought that this book had a few good tips, although it also had a lot which seemed like they wouldn't go over well at all in most social settings. To be honest, I didn't think about what was meant by "mingling" when I chose the book and was hoping for more general advice that helps conversations in all the social situations with people you already know but don't click with. This book is about mingling with, for the most part, total strangers, or at best acquaintances. Unfortunately where I live, parties full of strangers just don't happen once you're past college age, so I wouldn't have many scenarios in which to try to use the book's advice.
Maybe someone in certain business settings would be at more events where this would come in useful. I do feel a bit more confident to mingle in the future after reading this.
I thought that this book had a few good tips, although it also had a lot which seemed like they wouldn't go over well at all in most social settings. To be honest, I didn't think about what was meant by "mingling" when I chose the book and was hoping for more general advice that helps conversations in all the social situations with people you already know but don't click with. This book is about mingling with, for the most part, total strangers, or at best acquaintances. Unfortunately where I live, parties full of strangers just don't happen once you're past college age, so I wouldn't have many scenarios in which to try to use the book's advice.
Maybe someone in certain business settings would be at more events where this would come in useful. I do feel a bit more confident to mingle in the future after reading this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I was excited when I was approved to read the advance copy of this book. Fourth Edition.
I was hoping for some good tips and insights on how to better communicate and mingle at parties, work events, etc.
I am naturally pretty quiet, unless I'm around people I know well.
It felt like the book had a lot of shallowness, And the author suggests lying as one of the techniques, as well as "practicing" your social skills on wall flowers, or people she feels "don't matter".
Very unwelcoming way to help people learn to mingle.
I appreciate NetGalley and ST. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this edition, in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with what I thought I was going to get from this.
I was hoping for some good tips and insights on how to better communicate and mingle at parties, work events, etc.
I am naturally pretty quiet, unless I'm around people I know well.
It felt like the book had a lot of shallowness, And the author suggests lying as one of the techniques, as well as "practicing" your social skills on wall flowers, or people she feels "don't matter".
Very unwelcoming way to help people learn to mingle.
I appreciate NetGalley and ST. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this edition, in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately, I was disappointed with what I thought I was going to get from this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Art of Mingling treats socializing like a game full of tricks instead of a real conversation between people. A lot of the advice feels fake, manipulative, and even a little mean. The idea of using shy people as “practice” is especially off-putting, and the book seems way too comfortable with lying or pretending in order to get through a social situation.
Some of the tips are memorable, but many of them are so awkward and rehearsed that they could make someone feel even more self-conscious. The book also seems to confuse being bold with being likable. It does not offer much real insight for people who struggle with social anxiety, and anyone looking for advice on making genuine connections may find it pretty shallow.
The Art of Mingling treats socializing like a game full of tricks instead of a real conversation between people. A lot of the advice feels fake, manipulative, and even a little mean. The idea of using shy people as “practice” is especially off-putting, and the book seems way too comfortable with lying or pretending in order to get through a social situation.
Some of the tips are memorable, but many of them are so awkward and rehearsed that they could make someone feel even more self-conscious. The book also seems to confuse being bold with being likable. It does not offer much real insight for people who struggle with social anxiety, and anyone looking for advice on making genuine connections may find it pretty shallow.
October 7, 2026
Not the book I was hoping it would be. As someone who can talk to anyone anytime, I often get asked why aren’t I nervous, how can I not care what people think of me, what if someone doesn’t like me…..all things an introvert is thinking and rightly so. Thus I was hoping this book was one I could pass on to those friends. But I won’t be doing that.
This body of work low key makes fun of shy types,the quite, the reserved, the Drama free.
Also it ignores the fact that if all of the world talked and talked, if we were all extroverted…no one would be a to get a word in!
Let alone it misses the mark on building confidence and what one wants to get out of mingling. A partner, a friend, networking…it’s all very different in approach.
This body of work low key makes fun of shy types,the quite, the reserved, the Drama free.
Also it ignores the fact that if all of the world talked and talked, if we were all extroverted…no one would be a to get a word in!
Let alone it misses the mark on building confidence and what one wants to get out of mingling. A partner, a friend, networking…it’s all very different in approach.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Net Galley gave me the opportunity to listen to the audio version of The Art of Mingling: Fun & Proven Techniques for Socializing in Person by Jeanne Martinet
All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.
In a time where everyone that was isolated and has forgotten how to engage with others, The Art of Mingling gives the tips, tricks, skills and thrills of engagement. Advice for all ages shared in a humorous and helpful manner. The tips on how to navigate discussions on difficult situations such as politics and religion were incredibly helpful.
This is a wonderful book to bring back human connections with mingling.
All thoughts and opinions are mine and mine alone.
In a time where everyone that was isolated and has forgotten how to engage with others, The Art of Mingling gives the tips, tricks, skills and thrills of engagement. Advice for all ages shared in a humorous and helpful manner. The tips on how to navigate discussions on difficult situations such as politics and religion were incredibly helpful.
This is a wonderful book to bring back human connections with mingling.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When I requested this book, I knew I was taking a chance, as I typically lean toward fiction. That said, it was a topic I felt as though I could benefit from. Unfortunately, this book didn't meet my expectations. I wanted it to really hone in on the fear of engaging in these social situations, but it primarily focused on 'you're already mingling, here's what to do now.' It leaned into things like not using our devices, navigating political conversations, how to politely leave a conversation, etc. I think this book has it's merit, but the description of it misled me to the book.
October 6, 2026
This book opened my eyes to what I feel should have been obvious! While I am not saying that I have had the chance to completely revamp my mingling, I gained skills and awareness from this book that have had me testing out techniques and critiquing my and other's behavior while mingling.
The wiring was infused with the right amount of humor to keep it fun but not detract from the point. Narration was a great way to enjoy the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest r view
The wiring was infused with the right amount of humor to keep it fun but not detract from the point. Narration was a great way to enjoy the book.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ALC in exchange for an honest r view
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is an excellent resource! Social skills are important, and they can be learned. Social anxiety is real, and The Art of Mingling offers practical, relevant tips to help you feel more comfortable and confident connecting with others in various situations. The author’s narration was excellent and made this an engaging listen!
Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.
Thank you to the author, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Fun and informative little book on how to get along at parties 0r business socials. There are a lot of good tips and some funny stories in here. Martinet must be a very entertaining guest whether she has been invited or crashed a party. I usually am a wall flower and hide at big parties, but I am looking forward to trying some of her suggestions.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
First, this is actually an older book, but a new fourth edition is out with new info. I’ve read a few books lately about friendship, community and making friends. This book is SPECIFICALLY about mingling; think, how to make small talk at parties. I found it highly entertaining, with the author teaching you all kinds of tips & tricks she’s named with memorable names like “Mingle with a Wallflower”, the “Fade-In”, the “Flattery Entreè” and so on. She pretty much covers everything you need to know to seem like a confident social butterfly, including what to do about faux pas and how to talk about dicey issues. I liked it but towards the end, just as I was thinking “I’ll never remember all these tricks”, she said something I always say to my trainees! Read it, absorb it - and then forget about it! The technique you need will come to you when it’s needed! Again, a very specific book but might be a good recommend if you have a client with this specific issue.
December 17, 2025
A (dated) book of charming entrances, graceful exits, and witticisms for in between. It's sometimes a better read for having a good laugh than for learning, and some of these tips would make people think you're very strange or unwell. But I did try to commit some good jokes and party hosting tips to memory. While I enjoy mingling and don't particularly struggle with it, this book could be valuable and instructive to people who are on the Autism spectrum, chronically socially anxious, or just out of practice.
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