Ever been at a networking event and didnโt know how to start a conversation? With these ๐ญ๐ฌ แช แฏ แ ๐ฎ๐ฝ๐ฝ๐ฟ๐ผ๐๐ฒ๐ฑ ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ฒ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ฝ๐ & ๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ฐ๐ธ๐ย you will always have something to say! Check out our video below and learn how to approach interesting people in every situation.
Donโt have time to read?ย No worries, we summarised all the tips in this short video below!
Icebreaker tips and tricks
1.ย Show that youโre interested.
Make sure to let others talk about themselves and their experiences as well. Try to pick in on topics that interest you too. Itโs proven that if you mimic the other personโs body language and energy, they will be drawn towards you.
2.ย Avoid Yes/No questions.
Make room for longer conversations by asking more open-ended questions. For instance, instead of asking โDid you enjoy the event?โ ask โWhat was your favourite part of the event?โ
3.ย Let the other person explain things to you.
If youโre talking to someone and they mention something new to you, ask for more elaboration on the topic. This not only keeps the conversation going but gives you a chance to learn something new!
4.ย Read the news.
Itโs always a good idea to have a back-up topic to talk about that you heard from on the news. Youโll feel more at ease with a back-up and the news often creates a common ground with a lot of people.
5. Share your experience.
If the person youโre talking with mentions something that youโve experienced as well, share your own experience with them. This way you two will become closer.
6. Use the F.O.R.D. technique.
These four letters will give you a push in the right direction for conversation starters with anyone.
- F-amily: How many children do you have? Have you been living here for a long time? What do you like most about this city?
- O-ccupation:ย What do you do for a living? What are you currently working on? What is the most difficult part of your profession?
- R-ecreation:ย What do you do in your free time? Where can I get the fabric you used to create this? How long have you been playing tennis?
- D-reams:ย What is your biggest dream? If you could travel anywhere, where would you visit? What have you always wanted to do?
7.ย Be honest.
Be genuine and do not lie. Imagine what kind of questions you would like to answer and ask them to others. If you like to have longer conversations or ask something a little more personal, be honest and do it. Chances are the other person likes this just as much as you!
8. Feed their self-esteem.
A compliment immediately draws someoneโs attention. Just be careful itโs genuine and you donโt exaggerate!
9. Practice makes perfect.ย
Talk. Talk. Talk. Whether youโre on a train or in a cafรฉ. Train your networking skills as much as possible!ย 10. You arenโt alone.ย Remember that you are not the only one who feels strange or shy around strangers. Even those who look very confident may feel insecure at times. Break the ice and youโll soon expand your network!