REVEALED: Advanced Business English Networking Secrets
with Luke
(from Luke’s English Podcast)
3 June 24
Audio
Networking is more than just exchanging business cards; it's about building meaningful relationships that can propel your career forward.
Our latest podcast episode dives deep into the art of networking with insights from Luke, the mastermind behind Luke's English Podcast.
Whether you're new to the networking scene or looking to refine your skills, this episode is packed with valuable tips and phrases to help you navigate professional conversations like a pro.
One of the first things we tackled in the episode was identifying the conversational pitfalls that can derail your networking efforts.
Certain subjects are best avoided to maintain a professional and comfortable environment. These include:
As Luke pointed out, it's crucial to be mindful of these topics and steer the conversation towards safer ground.
Once you've navigated away from the potential landmines, the next step is to keep the conversation flowing smoothly.
Here are a few techniques we discussed:
Understanding when to use open and closed questions can make a significant difference in your networking interactions.
Closed questions, which can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no," are great for starting the conversation and making the other person feel comfortable. For example:
Open questions, on the other hand, encourage the other person to elaborate and share more about themselves. For instance:
By balancing these two types of questions, you can create a dynamic and engaging conversation.
Active listening is a powerful tool in any conversation. It shows that you are genuinely interested in what the other person has to say and helps build rapport.
Some active listening techniques include:
For example, if someone mentions a recent project, you could respond with: "That sounds fascinating. Can you tell me more about the challenges you faced?"
Networking conversations don’t always go smoothly. Sometimes, you might ask a question that’s a bit too personal, or there might be an uncomfortable silence.
Here’s how to handle those moments gracefully:
Silence can feel awkward, but it's often a natural part of conversation. Instead of panicking, use this opportunity to gather your thoughts and think of a new topic to discuss.
A good fallback is to ask a safe, open-ended question or make a positive comment about the event or environment.
If you accidentally ask an inappropriate question or make a faux pas, the best approach is to acknowledge it briefly and move on.
Over-apologizing can draw more attention to the mistake. A simple, "Sorry about that," followed by a change of topic, is usually sufficient.
Ready to take your networking skills to the next level?
Tune in to our latest podcast episode with Luke from Luke's English Podcast.
Whether you're attending a conference, meeting new clients, or just looking to expand your professional circle, these tips and techniques will help you make a lasting impression.
Don’t miss out on these invaluable insights that can transform your networking game. Happy networking!
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