subject: How to Start a Conversation at a Networking Event [print this page] How to Start a Conversation at a Networking Event
As a communication coach, one of the most common questions I get from clients are about starting conversations at networking events. This is something most people struggle with. Here are my top 5 ideas that I share with them, and I'll now share with you.
1. Understand that people are there to network. Most of the persons at a networking event are there to meet other people and they are eager to start chatting with someone new. When you approach them and introduce yourself, you will often see them smiling authentically. Keep this in mind to boost your confidence.
2. Approach friendly people first. Look through the room and notice the people who seem the friendliest and the easiest to approach. They're often the ones with an open body language, a relaxed posture and an excited look on their face. If you're uncomfortable talking to new people, start by approaching some of these friendly ones.
3. Be authentic. I think it's generally a bad idea at a networking event to approach other people and come up with false, corny excuses to start conversations with them. I think that rather than doing this, you want to be honest and real. So when you approach another person, introduce yourself and tell them that you've approached them because you wanted to meet them.
4. Be curios. Once you've approached a person and introduced yourself, one of the best things you can do is to manifest interest in finding our about that person and their professional activity. Ask them about what they do, where they work and how do they like it, listen actively and the conversation will takeoff.
5. Practice. The more you attend networking events and you practice starting conversations with other people, the better at it you'll get, and the more confident in yourself. Starting conversations is a learnable people skill. It just takes some practice, perseverance and the right technique.
As you improve your ability to start conversations, you will find it a lot easier to develop your professional network; and a good network will give that edge you need in your professional life.
