24 Jul 3 Tips for Networking Conversation
Talking with people and knowing what to say, when to say it, and how to best say it are issues that most of us deal with in our one-to-one conversations every day. Did you know that over 80% of us consider ourselves to be shy? Even I get shy in some situations and in others, I just prefer not to be the one intiating the conversation. But… I am considered to be a great communicator. For that assessment, you had to ask the right person at the right time.
I am genuinely interested in anyone I am talking with and for that reason, people open up to me. It is a family joke that give me 60 seconds with a stranger and I will know their personal history and what they are planning for dinner tonight.
Here are few tips that might help get the conversation started:
- Talk with senior citizens. Older people are easier to talk with since they have more stories, are more willing to share advice on subjects and are usually pleased when someone asks their opinion on something.
- Start a conversation with the most “important” person in the room. Many people with impressive credentials are shy or are ignored because others don’t think they should talk with them. Remember, everyone shares certain commonalities – families, travel, education, where you are now, what you are doing there, living in the area, etc.
- Find the “wallflower” and introduce yourself. I have found the people who hang back and observe are often the most interesting people in the room but you will need to get the conversation started.