Strike Up a Conversation at a Business Event

If you're an extrovert, you might not find starting up a conversation with a complete stranger intimidating. However, most people find the idea of engaging a stranger in small talk challenging.

Who do you approach? How do you do it without feeling awkward? What do you say? These are all good questions that you may have asked yourself on more than one occasion.

If you are someone who recognizes the benefit of networking, but isn't always sure exactly how to start, here are five tips to help you strike up a conversation at a business event with someone you don't know.

Start with Sincerity in Mind

First and foremost, be yourself. Sometimes people are afraid to approach others because they don't feel worthy or feel they have anything to contribute. If you are prepared to share, it may make it easier.

This may mean beginning the conversation with a compliment or observation about the meeting. Whatever you choose, make sure it doesn't sound forced.

Devise an Opening Line

Speaking of beginning the conversation with a compliment, admiring someone's outfit or accessory is always a great ice breaker if you do it in a sincere and friendly, yet professional and non-sexual manner. Or choose a neutral topic to comment on such as the food or facilities.

If you have an opening line as well as topics of discussion in mind before you approach a fellow attendee, it will make the conversation go a lot easier.

Find Something in Common

About those topics of discussion, you may want to look for things you have in common such as why you are both attending this particular event.

Maybe this is someone you are familiar with because you work for the same company but in a different branch or division. Or perhaps they have a good reputation within the professional association you both belong to. If all else fails, bring up a current event like the latest movie blockbuster that everyone can talk about.

Focus on the Other Person

However you decide to open the conversation, focus on the other person. Ask them questions and listen carefully to be able to share your point of view or to ask additional questions.

Or to get the conversation flowing, you might want to approach someone you already know until you are comfortable branching out on your own. Then ask that person to introduce you to someone new.

Use the Crowd

Often people will target a small group or a single person as their jumping off point feeling more comfortable approaching fewer people. Instead, consider using the crowd. After all, they say there is safety in numbers.

Find a larger group having a discussion. For instance, if this is a luncheon, and there is one seat left at a table, take it. Now you can listen to what others are saying and not feel compelled to jump in until you have something significant to add.

Starting up a conversation with someone you've never met can be difficult if you don't prepare yourself in advance. However, if you handle it right you may just be rewarded with a new friend.