SolveYourProblem
Article Series: Networking
How To Successfully Network Yourself
How
To Master the Art of Small Talk
The ability to develop relationships with
others through small talk is an acquired skill. It is critical
to learn how to connect and build rapport with others in order
to successful in the business world. When you are comfortable
speaking with others in different situations it will be easier
to get ahead.
To master the art of small talk it is important to attempt
to say hello first. Approach the other person with a smile,
make eye contact and offer a firm handshake. Take your time
during this introduction period to make sure you hear the persons
name, remember it and use it frequently through out the conversation.
The next step in effective small talk is a sincere
opening line. This line should let the other person know that you are
interested in having a conversation with them. A compliment,
if genuine, can be a terrific way to start a conversation.
Other ice breakers may be bringing up a current event or a
comment about the event that you both are at. No matter which
opening line you choose to use make sure you come across confident
and positive.
Initiating the conversation is a good start but the most important
part of small talk is keeping the conversation alive. Your
goal should not be to monopolize the dialogue but to participate
in it. This means asking relevant questions and listening attentively
to the answers. Experts suggest that you should spend 80 percent
of your networking time listening rather than talking. After
listening, you should elaborate with your own comments and
perhaps ask another question. Make sure your questions are
light and open-ended. Do not act like interrogator.
There are certain
topics that you should avoid in order for
small talk to be productive. Don’t talk about personal matters
such as your health or sex life. Also, try to stay away from
controversial or topics or subjects that may make others feel
uncomfortable.
Body
language is also important during small talk. Make sure
you are not giving off the impression that you are uncomfortable,
this can make others uneasy and less likely to engage in a
conversation. In addition, maintain eye contact through out
the conversation. Avoid glancing around the room it is rude
and distracting.
If you are joining
a conversation that is already in progress do so conservatively. This means observe and listen for a while
before jumping in. This will allow you to get a feel for the
dynamics of the discussion before contributing to it.
Just as important as the conversation itself, how
you end small talk is equally important. Have a few graceful exit lines
prepared ahead of time so you can depart smoothly. You should
ask permission to excuse yourself, and if you are talking to
someone with status you may even mention that you do not want
to monopolize all of his or her time. You should end the conversation
with a handshake and a smile to leave a good final impression.
After the meeting or event has ended do not disregard the
information that you have gathered, even if it seems trivial.
You may want to jot down a few notes or start a binder for
business cards. This will help you when your paths cross with
this contact again. Having some important tidbits from a previous
conversation will help break the ice the next time around.
Talking casually with others may not seem very significant
at first but it can help insure that your networking attempts
are successful. Learning how to do it effectively is a critical
step in socializing and developing relationships for business.
# # # # # SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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