For many professional speakers, finding your next speaking opportunity comes from networking off-stage, and offline.
But small talk can be tricky—how do you make a good impression and get people to want to work with you?
The infographic below can off some ideas on how to network like a pro.
People want to be with people who make them feel special not people who are “special”. Take responsibility to help people you talk to feel as if they’re the only person in the room.
Be the first to say hello!
Introduce yourself. Act as if you’re the host and introduce new arrivals to your conversational partner or partners.
Smile first and always shake hands when you meet anyone.
Take your time during introductions! Make an extra effort to remember names, and use them frequently in the conversation.
Maintain eye contact in any conversation. Many people in a group of three or more people look around in the hope that others will maintain eye contact on our behalf. But people don’t feel listened to if you’re not looking at them.
Listen carefully for information that can keep the conversation going.
Show an interest in every person. The more interest you show the wiser and attractive you become to others.
Get somebody to talk about why they’re attending the event, and you are on your way to engaging them in conversation.
See the original article here.
About the Author:
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.
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