Nailing a Networking Event: Conversation Starters

Does the mere thought of starting a conversation with a stranger at a networking event fill you with dread? It can make even the most extroverted networker anxious. If you’ve never given much thought to it, lack of preparation could be exactly why it’s awkward! But if you plan ahead of time with a few effective icebreakers you can alleviate this fear.

Are you prepared to strike up a conversation at your next networking event?

Before you go, I encourage you to sign up for the NetWorkWise online course Conference/Event Playbook. This training delivers expert advice on how you can begin a discussion and engage in small talk with individuals who can potentially impact your network.

Throughout the course, I guide you on a journey that provides many valuable strategies and insights on gaining the best possible outcome as you prepare and learn to maximize a networking event like a pro. You’ll discover how to embrace this opportunity—and cultivate connections with the right people.

There’s a right and wrong way to get a conversation started at a networking event. And to help get you on the right track I’m going to give you a peek inside some of the tips covered in our Conference/Event Playbook online training course.

Tip: Set your mind to it

To form connections at a social gathering you must employ the proper mindset and feel confident enough to walk up to anyone and initiate a conversation. And of course, you need to make a good impression while doing so. You’ll get out what you put into it, so set yourself up for success from the start! Developing these skills is vital to building relationships and enhancing your sphere of influence.

Tip: Ask open-ended questions

When starting a conversation, you need to avoid asking something that merely elicits a yes or no answer. The idea is to open up the discussion, and then have it flow into something further. You won’t get very far if you’re simply garnering one-word responses that really don’t have the potential to lead into a lengthier dialogue—or a way to deliver your elevator pitch.

Tip: Avoid personal topics

Steer clear of anything subjective. Asking someone if they have kids, or if they’re dating or married, or who they voted for in the last election could be a turnoff at a professional event. Focusing on these kinds of topics can feel inappropriate or off-putting to those you’re trying to create a connection with.

Tip: Use these examples

Never underestimate the power of making the first move and taking the initiative. By simply introducing yourself to a stranger your efforts will be appreciated! Starting with a classic line such as “Hi, I’m Adam, what’s your name and what do you do?” can go a long way.

Here are a few others I recommend you incorporate into your repertoire:

• “They did a great job publicizing and promoting this event, what enticed you to attend?”
• “Wow, this event space is beautiful/unusual/interesting, what do you think about it?”
• “I had no idea it would be so crowded, what made you decide to come to this event?”
• “What’s something that caught your attention recently and really made you laugh?”
• “If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what would it be?”
• “Great shoes, where did you get them?”

Get the idea?

Tip: Know how to end it

While it’s important to understand the best ways to initiate a discussion, you also need to know how to politely end a conversation which you can learn more about here. You want to make a graceful exit and still offer a good impression, and be tactful in doing so. And this isn’t something many people think about, so preparing for this puts you a step ahead of everyone else.

To assist you even more we’ve developed The Guide to Starting and Ending a Conversation at a Networking Event. This downloadable resource, along with many others, is provided to you through the Conference/Event Playbook online training course. It’s a fantastic reference tool that includes more examples to utilize when attending your next social gathering—sign up today!

Conversation starters don’t really have to be about anything in particular. The point is to get somebody talking, hopefully about themselves. In general, you want to say something that will make the other person feel good. When engaging with others at a networking event always be genuine and sincere and ask good questions. As Maya Angelou said: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you have said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”