5 Easy Ways to Bring Conversational Intelligence® to Your Professional Networking

I had a coaching session with one of my clients this week. We’ll call him “Jamal” for now. He is trying to change career paths and has been doing all the right things. Except for one area. He confessed to having some difficulty in the networking arena. In exploring further, he shared he’s been going to courses to learn new skills; he attended a few related meet-ups. But he goes to these events and doesn’t talk to anyone. He listens to the presentations/course — then leaves.

These learning events (courses, meet-ups, etc.) are perfect opportunities to network with like-minded people. But what if you are shy like Jamal is? How do you break the ice and start (and engage) in conversations if this isn’t natural to you?

I shared a few steps that he could do to help him break the ice and engage in conversations more naturally. I thought I’d share them here too.

Step #1: Tap Into Your Authentic Curiosity (“I wonder…”)

Start by wondering about the people in the room. What brought them there? What is their background? Might there be some common ground? What do they think of the course/meeting, etc.?

By tapping into your genuine curiosity you open up a door to a potential conversation. Faking small talk really doesn’t work. This is what makes people feel ‘icky’ (hence: ‘networking is icky’). But having a genuine conversation — even if it is small talk — does work.

Instead of faking the conversational interest, get real and wake up your authentic curiosity by asking yourself some questions — starting with the phrase: “I wonder…”.

“I wonder what brought this person here…..I wonder what he/she thinks of the event/conference….I wonder what kind of experience they have in the area I’m interested in….” — and so on.

Everyone has the capacity to be curious. For some it comes more natural. But if you aren’t present to it in the moment, you can wake it up by simply reminding yourself to wonder and be curious.

Step #2: Muster up a Few Seconds of Courage and Say Hello.

Like Jamal, some people will find the curiosity part easy. The ‘walking over and starting to talk’ part may feel excruciatingly difficult. But here’s the good news: All you need is a few seconds (5 or less)of courage to take those first initial steps. If you are already filled up (and armed) with genuine curiosity, you will know what to say when you approach someone.

Ask yourself this question: “Can I generate just a few (3-5) seconds of courage — right now? Because that’s all you need.

Most people indeed can do that. When I think of all the courage Jamal needed to move to Canada (from India) on his own; establish a new life; start a new job, and so on….I knew he already had courage in spades. He just needed to access it in the moment.

Again — asking yourself the question in the moment unlocks the door to courage:

Can I generate a few seconds of courage right now?

Step #3: Approach Someone; Introduce Yourself ; Ask a Question.

Now that  you are armed with authentic curiosity and a bit of courage, all you need to do is simply walk over to someone; say hello and introduce yourself; and ask one question. It might look like this:

“Hello, my name is Jamal. How are you enjoying the course?”

Chances are the person you approach will be grateful, gracious, and will reciprocate. Who knows, they may have been feeling as shy and intimidated as you have.

From there the conversation may simply flow more naturally. You likely won’t have to carry the weight of the conversation by yourself. But if they are a bit quieter by nature too, you can help nudge the conversation along by asking other questions such as: what brings you here? Do you have experience in this area? And so on.

Step #4: Listen.

Sometimes people who are shy and on the quieter side have an advantage. They are good listeners. If you’ve started a conversation then make sure you tap into your listening skills and keep that curiosity going. People love to be heard. So asking people about their experiences, perceptions and giving them a chance to talk can be a gift to them.

Of course, you can’t just stand there and only listen. You do need to talk too. Know that your curiosity and presence will support you and allow the conversation to unfold authentically.

Step #5: Complete the Conversation ….With a New Door Opened.

At minimum, you want to complete the conversation by acknowledging the person — e.g. perhaps telling them it was nice to connect. You can wish them good luck with their work or something that conveys a wish that they enjoy the course/conference.

You might also want to keep a door open to stay in touch in some way. With LinkedIn, it might just simply be a light connection: “Hey would it be okay if we connected on LinkedIn?”

Or if you feel you’d like to connect further, you might even make the request: “Would it be okay if I called you sometime to continue this conversation. I’d like to learn more about your thoughts/experience on….”

And reciprocity is always a good idea! You can invite them to connect further if you can be of any help to them.

When I shared these tips with Jamal, he went from a feeling that it would be impossible for him to force a conversation at one of these events to something very different. He felt more confident that he could be more natural and real as he approached people without being intrusive.  He was astounded how easy it was.

So Remember….

This isn’t about forcing yourself to do anything that feels inauthentic. Rather, these steps allow you to stand in a very authentic place and take tiny steps. You don’t have to carry a conversation all alone. All you have to do is take a few seconds to spark one. Some will ignite. Others may not. It’s okay. One conversation at a time and you’ll find yourself more confident and purposeful in all your interactions.

Conversational Intelligence® — one conversation at a time:

These ideas are aligned with the wisdom that comes from “Conversational Intelligence“. Learning to connect authentically; to listen; to build relationships even in the moment; and to have productive, healthier conversations is what Conversational Intelligence is all about. We all have the innate ability to foster these skills and take our conversations to a higher level.

Want to learn more about these ideas and other related topics? Stay in touch and sign up for my newsletter.

Eileen Chadnick (@Chadnick) is a certified coach specializing in career, executive and leadership development — and a communications pro (20+ years of experience). Principal of Big Cheese Coaching and Chadnick Communications in Toronto, Eileen draws from the disciplines of positivity, neuroscience, emotional intelligence – and Conversational Intelligence®(C‐IQ®) in her work as a coach, consultant, trusted advisor, and facilitator. In addition to authoring the book, Ease: Manage Overwhelm in Times of Crazy Busy, Eileen is also a contributing leadership and careers columnist with the Globe and Mail.

*Additional note: Conversational Intelligence® (C‐IQ®). C‐IQ is a Trademark by Benchmark Communications. Eileen Chadnick is trained as a core coach in Conversational Intelligence®.