How to start a conversation with strangers on different occasions
How To Start A Conversation With Strangers On Different Occasions
How to start a conversation with strangers on different occasions
Getting to know someone on your own at social events and networking events can be a daunting task.
Walking into a room and talking to strangers, giving them a positive impression of yourself is something that many people shy away from.
At such events, many pretend to be busy to avoid meeting strangers.
But with a bit of initiative, these events can become work for you.
10 tips to ease the pain of surviving such events:
1. Pay Attention To The Handshake
Have you ever shaken hands with someone who gripped your hand so hard it literally hurt? Or did his loose fist feel like a cold, dead, wet fish?
A bad handshake creates a bad impression. When people are nervous, they shake hands either too loudly or too slowly and loosely.
You certainly don't want anyone to think you're weak and uncomfortable or overconfident.
Practice with someone, make your handshake perfect and memorable.
2. Pay Attention To Body Language
Pay attention to your body language throughout the event.
If you're too quiet, you may come across as bored, unfocused, and introverted. As a result, others may become irritated and avoid you.
Also if you are too nervous then everyone will want to avoid you. Most people don't want to talk to someone who is upset.
3. Arrive Early
If you're attending a networking event with your company, it's usually not up to you when you show up. But in cases where possible, try to attend early.
Because, there will not be many people there, so the environment will be less uncomfortable. Many of the people who show up early may be just as shy as you, they may be thinking the same thing as you. Arriving early will give you a chance to acclimate to the environment and select a good place to sit.
4. Practice The 'Elevator Pitch'
Imagine you're in an elevator, meeting a potential client, you have 90 seconds, how do you introduce yourself in that short time?
Everything you need to mention: your company name, who your clients are, what you do, how you became so good at your job, and what your future goals are?
This is how you introduce yourself at various networking events.
5. Be Yourself
Some over-exercise and become anxious. As a result, they end up either behaving like machines or showing overconfidence.
If you're warm and friendly, people will know they're talking to someone like them, not someone annoying and arrogant.
6. Don't Brag
Don't talk aimlessly without giving others a chance to speak. People usually talk more when they are nervous. If you find yourself babbling by yourself without giving others a chance to speak, stop, take a breath and ask others a question about them.
7. Talk About Different Things
You don't always have to talk about work. There is no problem if you switch to a funny or general topic while chatting with someone. Your bond with the person you're talking to is getting stronger and he'll remember you for a long time—that's a sign of that.
There is a line or border that should not be crossed Don't start telling others your secret. If you want to discuss a movie, you can.
8. Take Note
When you meet someone influential, take notes on what they do and what kind of conversations you have with them. It may come in handy to contact him again in the future. Attending an event will earn you several business cards by the end of the event. It is not possible for you to remember everyone separately.
Communicating after an event with people you don't know or don't remember can be quite difficult. However, don't start taking notes in front of someone after getting to know them. Find a separate and quiet place and note everything down on your phone.
9. Keeping In Touch With Acquaintances
Since you took some notes on the event, this step becomes easier. Connect with people on LinkedIn. If you have anything to know or say, you can send an email.
If they want to know any information from you, the communication step will be easy.
10. Exchange
Don't expect a lot from new acquaintances without giving them something.
Consider sharing useful tips such as required methods, where to find what, who does certain types of work.
In any matter people think "what will I gain" first. So no communication is worthless.
