Charmed.

Attending functions and events aren't exactly the easiest things for those who are not used to speaking to random strangers. It is almost a nightmare for those who have problems switching topics almost very quickly and probably touching on almost every single topic you can ever think of. Try switching from cars to economics to politics to other hobbies like golfing, travelling, gaming or even simply talking about hotels and tourist destinations around the world. Talk about education and the world top university rankings, and talk about the largest banks, finance firms, accounting firms, and maybe try recalling the most recent corporate takeover or merger that took the world by surprise. Yes, it is a really daunting task, especially for those who never quite took an interest in all the above topics.

Well, it is probably natural to expect that such things seem to occur not very frequently, unless you happen to be the child of a really rich parent, or happen to know too many people involved with these groups of people. But such scenes with ties and suits and champagne glasses don't necessarily happen with the same settings and outfits. They can really occur just about anywhere, even in school. Simple gatherings for big groups of people often require you to make an effort to join a random conversation and quickly grasp what is going on in the conversation.

Networking. What a nightmare.

And just when you think that having to conjure story after story to keep the conversation going (and make yourself look like a well-read and experienced guy/girl) is the most difficult part, you are wrong. You need to learn to give the perfect smile and, more importantly, the perfectly-timed laughter. No loud, roaring laughter, but short, timed laughter that makes you look like you can be humorous yet still portray a mature image. What a headache. Now we all can understand why the corporate world and the playing grounds for the socialites are so dangerous and treacherous to roam around. One wrong judgement, comment, gesture or even laughter can cost you your reputation (and the next rung on your social and career ladders).

So maybe we should just stay away from such events and be happy hanging on to the rung we are currently on. But for those who are more adventurous and ambitious, perhaps picking up more 'PR skills' and improving on your charm-factor would seem to be the only way to help yourself up the next rung. After all, who climbs the ladders with pure hard work? The hard workers are kept doing their hard work while those who can talk can stand in front and lead with their 'leadership skills'. "Let us not get too involved with whether or not 'leadership skills' are simply all about charming others with a 'vision' which any other half-genius can probably think of."

So, what about those who attend such events with a wide smile? How genuine are those smiles and laughter? How real are these people other than their physical presence? Sometimes, I catch myself giving not-so-sincere smiles when I attend little gatherings. I feel guilty thinking back and realising how insincere and fake I was that particular night. Then, I realise that perhaps that's the way to behave if you want to be 'warm' and 'polite'.

Headache again.

Is this why the corporate world isn't for everyone, and more so for those who want to remain true to not only themselves but the people around them? Are most of the people at these functions enjoying themselves or are they there to merely fufil their obligations in attending suchs functions and 'giving face' to the organisers, and how many of them are merely acting throughout the entire night?

Maybe all these are the sacrifices you have to make to be seated at the same table as the tycoon next door and the minister 3 blocks away. Or hopefully, this is just a totally cynical perspective on dinners and functions. I really hope so. But even if it is true that all these are nothing but a group of part-time actors gathering every other month, why wouldn't you spend some time acting to get onto the next rung? Afterall, the only way you can live a life of luxury through acting is via Hollywood, and down here do don't need to be an A-lister - just have a pleasant-looking face, a warm smile, and a nice laugh.