For those that have attended my professional networking seminars you’ve already heard many of my ideas on how to start a conversation and for those that haven’t yet attended I created the list below.
In addition, you can listen to an the very first episode of my new show that I create for Macmillan.
The name of the show is The Public Speaker: Quick and Dirty Tip for Improving Your Communication Skills and the first episode is called “How to Start a Conversation”
(yes, the name was changed from People Skills Pro to The Public Speaker for those that heard me talking about the show). The show is full of ideas and what you see below are some of the highlights.
Be genuine with a sincere curiosity and interest in other people
Shoulders back, smile, firm handshake. It’s OK to be nervous inside, just show confidence outside
Do not come on strong–focus on friendliness and politeness
Remember that most people are happy to engage in a conversation and appreciate when another takes lead
A simple direct approach is often very effective. E.g. “Hi Tony, I’m Lisa, what brings you here?” or Hi, I’m Lisa, a communication specialist, this is first <fill in event>, how about you? or “Hi, I’m Lisa…how’s the event going so far? Hi, I’m Lisa, hey…how’s that <food/drink> any good?
Find someone that knows the person (people) you want to meet and have them introduce you
Pay attention to the general news, to industry news, to the event happenings (speakers, interactions) to clothes, to jewelry,etc. Use this information to create open-ended questions based on these shared experiences. E.g. What did they think of the keynote speaker? I just read/heard that …what do you think?
You’ll need to share a bit of your own experience too but don’t dwell on that. This helps to establish common ground–once you do the conversation will naturally take off.
Don’t worry if you don’t get “down to business” it’s better to concentrate on making a new friend–collaboration will come later if you build a strong enough connection.
It helps to practice this skill with strangers in your favorite coffee shop or with people in the grocery linePlease let us know what you think in the comments below.
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