How do you engage your visitors?
How do you share your passion and information about the site you work at with customers? Do you have your own "style" or go to starter sentences /questions? Is it best to let people approach you, or do you approach them? How do you avoid info dumping? Or avoid a conversation dying painfully?
I've been reading a few posts on here about how different guides have different methods, but I wanted to ask for some more specific advice and suggestions.
For context:
Yesterday was my first day volunteering for my local heritage trust at one of their historical sites as a "visitor engagement volunteer," and I kinda fumbled it.
After standing around useless for a few hours, I shadowed a senior volunteer who encouraged me to copy what she had been doing and divulge some information about a particular room to a couple of passing visitors.
It was one of the most awkward interactions I've ever experienced. Very one-sided. Almost like a hostage situation. But I was encouraged to continue and do the same for the next few groups (which was equally uncomfortable).
Admittedly, I'm a massive introvert, and my social skills are only passable at best. But regardless of that, I've come to the conclusion that my senior counterpart's style of striking up a convo and lecture doesn't work for me. Any advice?