Starting Conversations

Starting conversations with people you know can be hard enough.  Striking up an exchange with a total stranger can be down right daunting.  So, today’s post is about taking the first few steps toward starting a conversation at a networking event or social setting.

The ideas upon which this concept is built are:

• Making first contact
• Introductions
• Small talk—topics
•  Icebreakers
•  Keeping the conversation moving
•  Storytelling
•  Ending a conversation gracefully

Making first contact starts with eye contact from across the room.  Work to seek someone out that you’ve connected with.  Try reading name badges.

Introductions. Introduce yourself to someone–just walk up and do it.  Or ask to be introduced by someone else to that third party you want to meet.

Small talk.  Here are some topics to consider to start conversations

• News of the day (current events)
• Books
• Movies
• The event you are attending

Icebreakers.  What can you say to get things going?  Is there something you share in your immediate surroundings? Can you admire a piece of their clothing? Ask “what brings you here today?” Ask if they know the host.

Keeping the conversation moving.  The object is to be engaged.

• Be positive
• Listen/Respond
• Ask questions
• Move seamlessly between topics of conversation—watch for transitions
• Let your partner do half the talking
• Include other people

Storytelling is a great device to engage people.  You can learn about them and they, in turn, can learn about you. Keep your stories to 2 minutes or less.  Use them to make a point. Take your stories and weave them into the other person’s responses to be sure and make it a two-way exchange.

Ending a conversation gracefully can be an art.  Always go with grace and style.  Save some information for another, follow up meeting–you want a meeting, so make an appointment. Remember to move on–there are others for both of you to talk with.

The art of conversation isn’t dead it just needs to be practiced.

Relentless