Ever been at a networking event and didn’t know how to start a conversation? With these 𝟭𝟬 ᒪ ᐯ ᑎ 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗰𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗶𝗽𝘀 & 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗸𝘀 you will always have something to say! Check out our video below and learn how to approach interesting people in every situation.
Don’t have time to read? No worries, we summarised all the tips in this short video below!
Icebreaker tips and tricks
1. Show that you’re interested.
Make sure to let others talk about themselves and their experiences as well. Try to pick in on topics that interest you too. It’s proven that if you mimic the other person’s body language and energy, they will be drawn towards you.
2. Avoid Yes/No questions.
Make room for longer conversations by asking more open-ended questions. For instance, instead of asking “Did you enjoy the event?” ask “What was your favourite part of the event?”
3. Let the other person explain things to you.
If you’re 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. Read the news.
It’s always a good idea to have a back-up topic to talk about that you heard from on the news. You’ll 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 you’re talking with mentions something that you’ve 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: What do you do for a living? What are you currently working on? What is the most difficult part of your profession?
- R-ecreation: 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: What is your biggest dream? If you could travel anywhere, where would you visit? What have you always wanted to do?
7. 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 someone’s attention. Just be careful it’s genuine and you don’t exaggerate!
9. Practice makes perfect.
Talk. Talk. Talk. Whether you’re on a train or in a café. Train your networking skills as much as possible! 10. You aren’t alone. 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 you’ll soon expand your network!