If tonight feels like an audition, give yourself a different role. You can be the person who pays attention. You do not need a dazzling introduction, a finished project, or a story that makes the whole room turn toward you. Start with enough openness to discover what one other person cares about.
One small step to take with you
At the event, ask one person what brought them there. Listen to their answer, then ask one follow-up about a detail that interests you.