English communication skills- Networking- How to Get Acquainted-Great Questions 

Networking is building relationships which may or may not help you in your career or day to day life .

Have trouble starting a conversation? Want to encourage the other person to talk about his or her life and work?

Sure fire questions:

“What do you love most about what you do?”

“How did you happen to get into (this type of work, this business)?”

“What brought you to  (Denver, New York, Chicago, Miami…)?

Ask these questions; listen for opportunities to offer ideas or contacts that provide expertise or  help.  Specifically, offer possible contacts as a resource, associate, prospect or friend.

Even if you cannot immediately respond as a resource, make a mental reminder about the person.

Networking is simple– be open to relationship that will continue to generate support, contacts, referrals, and satisfaction.

Be sure to watch our English Speech Tips videos and Accent Reduction Tip videos  for more English pronunciation and accent reduction exercises.

What to say in small talk?

Top key to small talk is listening.

Use people’s words as the guide.  People are always giving ideas about what you might say or ask.

The rule of thumb from Larry King, long standing popular talk show host.  “My first rule of conversation is this: “I never learn a thing while I’m talking.  If I’m going to learn, I’ll have to do it by listening.”

Satisfyomg Small Talk

Just as it is little things that build strong relationships, it is small talk that develops the rapport which leads to information, opening opportunities and strong connection.

Small talk happens both when people know each other and when unacquainted.

Want success in small talk? Begin with an opening statement about something that you and the other person have in common. Could be the weather, the setting, the host or leader of the group, food, driving or parking conditions, local happenings. Keep it short.

Then ask a question related to the topic –such as, “how do you know Terry Jones? ”

After the answer, add a statement which reveals something about yourself. Then add another question if the other person does not automatically add to the conversation.

Changing topics is easy. Use a transition as simple as “That reminds me,” and present another statement, followed by a question. Stumped for a question– “What do you think?” never fails.

Gracious leavetaing? Mention a reason, then repeat something you remember from the conversation about the other person and end with “good talking with you” or “see you later.”

If unaquainted with the person, interject early your name and your profession– “By the way, I’m Lee and I work at the local Kroger supermarket.” That way the other person knows a great deal about you right away. All people work; some do not get payment– mother of one, crafter, help raise my grandkid, gardener.

Be on the lookout– discover interests, experiences, values, goals, dreams, insights to motivations.

Lastly, satisfying small talk is like tennis or table tennis, back and forth and not monologue. Both persons revealing somthing about themselves brings satisfaction .

Networking – Do Conversations

Migel de Cervantes in “Don Quixote” in the early 1600s stated: “It’s not where you are born, but who your friends are.” Nowadays, the popular saying is “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Vocabulary word is networking.

Networking is a lifelong process of meeting people, making contacts, developing friendships, and building professional relationships.

How do you network?

The key:  “Each person’s life is lived as a series of conversations. “ Deborah Tannen