In-Depth Tips from Dr English

Here's a posting on a topic we haven't covered before but one which is becoming increasingly important to business executives.

When attending a function or an event, it is never easy, even for native speakers, to go up to someone you do not know and develop a conversation. However, it is important to learn this skill so that you can network successfully and feel at ease with these types of surroundings.

This posting looks at some useful tips for networking and some standard expressions that you might possibly use in order to communicate effectively.

Conversation Tips (Networking)

1. Listen before jumping into a conversation. You may not want to deal with those people.

2. Make eye contact with one person in the group, smile and listen until they include you.

3. Introduce yourself when there is a pause in the conversation. You can always then bring out your name card.

4. If you have something relevant to add to a group's conversation, jump in then introduce yourself afterwards.

5. To initiate a conversation, you can talk about the situation, talk about yourself, or talk about the other person.

6. Avoid taboo topics (topics to avoid!):

• discriminatory jokes
• personal or sexual relationships
• health
• diets
• personal tragedies
• cost of anything personal
• income
• controversial topics like politics or religion
• free advice from professionals
• Overusing “I”

7. Don't blend; circulate. Spend five to seven minutes with each person or group. 8. Always remember to close a conversation. Shake hands and take your leave.

Useful Language for Networking Events

Opening Conversations

Only appropriate if you know they smoke:

Keeping a Conversation Going

Ending a Conversation Politely

If networking is a part of your job, try to become familiar with some of the phrases above.

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