Approaching someone you don’t know, whether it’s at a networking event designed to meet new people or in private life can be one of the hardest part of making new connections. Many people think you need a clever opening line to start a conversation, or a perfectly rehearsed introduction. The reality is much simpler; the aim is to create an easy starting point that can naturally develop into a conversation. Once conversation gets going, the rest is usually much more easier. However, having a few natural networking conversation starters can make that first interaction feel much less daunting.
Start with your surroundings
The easiest way to start a conversation is to focus on something that’s happening around you. We Brits love talking about the weather, but mentioning the venue, presentation, food, programme or an industry topic can often make better conversation starters at networking events than simply commenting on the sweltering heat or rain.
Examples:
- “Have you been to this venue before?”
- “What did you think of that presentation?”
- “The food here is lovely.”
- “Is this your first time at this event?”
Ask open-ended questions
Keep in mind that questions that require more than a yes/no answer make it easier to keep the conversation going. You can ask about the other person’s role, their interests or experience rather than immediately talking about yourself. If you know the company they work for, you can ask more specific questions, and you never know where the conversation might lead. These types of questions can be particularly useful conversation starters for business networking, where you may want to learn more about someone’s role without making the conversation feel too formal.
Examples:
- “What kind of work do you do?”
- “What did you find most interesting so far?”
- “What’s been keeping you busy lately?”
How to break the ice at networking events
Once you’ve started the conversation, listen for opportunities to identify shared interests, whether professional or personal. They might mention an experience, connection or interest that you have in common. Perhaps you work in similar industries, know the same people or have attended the same event before. These common points can help the conversation develop naturally and make it easier to build a genuine connection. The best conversation starters for networking events often lead to a shared experience or interest that gives you something to talk about.
Don’t be afraid to share something about yourself
Don’t be afraid to share something about yourself, whether it’s from your professional or private life. Light-hearted facts are often the best way to break the ice, and uplift the conversation. In the end, networking shouldn’t feel like an interview. Professional networking conversation starters can help you get things going, but sharing your own experiences can make the conversation feel more genuine and two-way.
