vv Expressions Business Networking Skills for Conventions and Meeting

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....?