vv
Expressions
Business Networking Skills
for Conventions and Meeting
Idioms by groups
Conventions and meeting represent opportunities to develop business
friendships and broaden networks. Debra Fine, the author of The Fine Art
of Small Talk", suggests a few techniques to improve their small talk skills:

  • Be the first one to say "Hello!" and introduce yourself. Act as if
    you are the host and introduce new arrivals to conversational partner
    or partners.

  • Smile first and always shake hands when you meet anyone.

  • Uses these ice-breakers: 1.  “How do you know the host/hostess”?
    2.  “What are some of your family holiday traditions?” 3.  “Since we
    have last gotten together, what is new with your family/work?” 4.  
    “Tell me about your plans for this holiday season…” 5.  “What is your
    favorite thing about the holiday season?  Why” 6.  “Bring me up to
    date on what you have coming up/planned for the upcoming year?”
    7.  “Describe your typical holiday festivities…” 8.  “What special gifts
    do you have planned to give this year?” 9.  “What was the best gift
    you ever received?  Why?” 10. “How does the holiday season impact
    your work/industry?”

  • Get somebody to talk, to lead with a common ground
    statement regarding the occasion or location and then asking
    a related open-ended question. For example, "What do you hope
    to gain for this conference?" or "What have you heard about the
    speakers?"

  • Make extra effort to remember names and then use them
    frequently in the conversation.

  • Maintain eye contract in any conversation. People don't feel
    listened to if you're not looking at them. Never glance around the
    room while they are talking to you.

  • Listen carefully for information that can keep the conversation
    going.

  • Play the conversation game. When someone asks, "How's
    business?" Don't simply answer "Pretty good" or "Not much". Tell
    more about yourself so that others know more about you.

  • Be careful with business acquaintances. The person might just
    get fired or laid off.

  • Don't ask too much personal questions... Lead to dead end
    conversations.

  • Be prepared to have something interesting to contribute.
    Staying on top of current events will provide you with great
    conversation builders, leading with: "What do you think of.., Have you
    heard?" "What is your take on?"... "What is your opinion" or "Tell me
    your thoughts on..."

  • Show an interest in your conversational partner's opinion, too.

  • Be aware of body language. Nervous or ill-at-ease people make
    others uncomfortable.

  • Be prepared with exit lines. For example, I need to check in with a
    client over there. I skipped lunch today, so I need to visit the buffet.
    Who do you know at this meeting that could help me with....?
About Debra Fine
Debra Fine, is the
author of The Fine Art
of Small Talk
(Hyperion).  She
presents keynotes and
seminars on
conversational skills
and networking
techniques
internationally. Contact
Debra at 303-721-8266
or visit her web site  at
www.DebraFine.com