Networking ninja | How to have conversations in English at WORK EVENTS
Small talk in English! Love it or hate it, light conversation is a key part of conferences, seminars, workshops, training sessions, networking events, team dinners, holiday parties…basically, any work event in English with a social aspect.
And if English isn’t your first language, striking up conversation with a room full of semi-strangers can feel terrifying. Until now! This article fully prepares you to have conversations in English at work events. After reading, you will be a networking ninja – armed and ready for small talk in English!
How to approach people in English
You enter the work event. You hear English. You see people. What next?
Let’s start with approaching a complete stranger. In fact – that’s the easy part! Simply say:
Hi, I’m [Name]. Nice to meet you!
If there a possibility you have mixed with this person before, you can add:
I don’t think we’ve met yet?
Alternatively, if the person is an acquaintance, say:
Hey [Name]! It’s been a while. How have you been?
And in case the person is already sitting down, you can politely ask:
Mind if I join you?
Stage One complete! You have begun the process of small talk in English!
“If you want to explain your general location, say that you work at that location. “
How to start conversations in English
Now is the moment for starting comfortable, friendly conversations in English. Try this:
Have you been here before?
Where are you from?
How long have you worked at [company name]?
What’s been your favourite part of [the event] so far?
And if speaking with an acquaintance, an option is to say:
Last time we spoke, you mentioned [topic]. How’s that going?
How to energize conversations in English
The ultimate tool for small talk in English is to comment on your surroundings. Whether that’s other people, the location, the food, or a massive queue, this is useful encouragement to keep the conversation going.
There are so many people here today!
This venue is [massive/ beautiful / fantastic]!
The food is delicious, right?
I noticed [something relevant about the event or surroundings].
How to extend conversations in English
At this stage, you might be moving from small talk in English to medium-sized talk in English! Here are some questions with a bit more substance:
How do you know [name of another person]?
What’s new in your professional life these days?
Any exciting plans or trips coming up outside of work?
What are your thoughts on [relevant topic]?
How to suggest a future meeting
If it feels right, here’s an expression to stay connected:
It would be great to stay in touch. Do you have a card or contact information?
How to exit conversations in English
Small talk in English requires big exits. When the time comes, here’s how to leave the conversation politely:
It’s been great talking with you. I should circulate and meet some more people. See you around!
I’m going to grab a drink/eat something/visit the bathroom/get some fresh air. It was nice meeting you. See you around!
One person down – now on to the next one!
Stay alert
Just like a ninja, you’ll need to stay attentive and ready to reply to another person’s question or comment. However, conversations in English can move very quickly, and it’s easy to feel lost! If that happens, remember it’s ok to ask:
Sorry – I didn’t catch that, could you say it again?
This shows that you are truly interested in understanding the other person, which makes you look good – remember, everybody likes a good listener.
With these tips in mind, be confident in your ability to make meaningful connections. Your next work event is going to be sizzling with your small talk in English.
Susie Shields
I train people to use English in a professional context. In my one-to-one sessions, online course and social media platforms, you’ll master tools to flourish in your English-speaking workplace. From job interviews to work meetings to presentations and more, you’ll prepare for professional challenges and speak with success.
