141in terpersonal e ffectiveness Handout 11   (p. 2 of 2)
jo in an onGo inG  Group co nver SaTi on.
if w
e wait for people to approach us, we may never have friends.
Sometimes we must make the first move in finding friends. This often requires us to know how 
to tell if a group is open or closed, and then, when it is open, how to approach and join in the 
ongoing group.
fiGu re ouT  if a G roup iS  op en or cl oSeD.
in o
pen groups new members are welcome.
in c
losed groups new members may not be welcome.
op
en Groups
• •Everyone is standing somewhat apart.
• •Members occasionally glance around the
room.
• •There are gaps in the conversation.
• •Members are talking about a topic ofgeneral interest.c
losed Groups
• •Everyone is standing close together.
• •Members attend exclusively to each other.
• •There is a very animated conversation withfew gaps.
• •Members seem to be pairing off.
fiGu re ouT  hoW  To jo in an op en Group co nver SaTi on.
Ways of 
jo
ining an 
op
en Group po
tential 
ou
tcomes
Move gradually closer to the group. It may not be clear from the slowness of your 
approach that you want to join them; it might even look as though you were creeping up and trying to eavesdrop!
Offer to refill members’ glasses/serve them food.That could be overdoing things a bit. What would you do if they refused more food/drinks? Would it be clear enough that you wanted to join the group?