Business English - Networking and Small Talk: Building Rapport in Business

Activity 1: Let's Get Started! (Warm-up)

Why are networking and the ability to make effective small talk considered important skills for building professional relationships and advancing one's career in many industries?
What aspects of networking or initiating small talk do you personally find most challenging, especially in a formal business context or when meeting new people from different backgrounds?
Can you share an example of a time when a brief conversation, an effective icebreaker, or a networking interaction led to a positive outcome or a valuable professional connection for you or someone you know?

Activity 2: New Words (Vocabulary)

Let's explore some essential terms and phrases related to networking, making small talk, and building professional rapport. Understanding these will help you navigate such situations more confidently.

1. Networking (noun/verb): (noun) The action or process of interacting with others to exchange information and develop professional or social contacts; (verb) To interact with other people to exchange information and develop contacts.

Example: Effective networking at industry events can lead to new job opportunities or business partnerships.

2. Small Talk (noun phrase): Polite, friendly conversation about general or unimportant subjects, often used to start conversations, fill silences, or build initial rapport before discussing business matters.

Example: Mastering small talk about topics like weather, travel, or hobbies can help ease into more serious business discussions.

3. Build Rapport (verb phrase): To establish a good mutual understanding, trust, and an ability to communicate well and harmoniously with someone.

Example: Asking open-ended questions and actively listening are key ways to build rapport with new contacts.

4. Icebreaker (noun): Something said or done (e.g., a comment, a question, an activity) to relieve tension, overcome shyness, or get conversation started when people meet for the first time or in a new group.

Example: Commenting on the conference venue or a shared experience can be a good icebreaker.

5. Follow up (phrasal verb): To contact someone again after an initial meeting or conversation to continue building the relationship, share requested information, or discuss further opportunities.

Example: It's important to follow up with a personalized email within a few days of meeting someone at a networking event.

6. Elevator Pitch (noun phrase): A very brief (typically 30-60 seconds) and persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does, what you do, or an idea you have; short enough to be delivered during an elevator ride.

Example: Having a polished elevator pitch ready allows you to introduce yourself and your value proposition concisely and effectively.

7. Make a Connection (verb phrase): To successfully establish a link, contact, or relationship with someone, often for professional or social benefit.

Example: Her goal at the event was to make a connection with at least three people working in her target industry.

8. Exchange Contact Information (verb phrase): To give each other details such as phone numbers, email addresses, social media profiles, or business cards so you can stay in touch after an initial meeting.

Example: After a productive conversation, they decided to exchange contact information to explore potential collaborations.

Activity 3: Reading - Maria's Successful Conference Networking

Read the following passage about Maria, a marketing specialist, attending an industry conference. Notice how she uses networking and small talk skills.

Maria, a marketing specialist, attended a major industry conference with the primary goal of networking effectively and learning about emerging market trends. Initially, the large crowds made her feel a bit overwhelmed. However, during the first coffee break, she decided to use a simple icebreaker. Approaching a person standing alone near the refreshments table, she commented on the interesting keynote speech they had both just attended. This easily transitioned into some pleasant small talk about their respective roles and companies. Maria focused on listening actively and asking open-ended questions, consciously trying to build rapport and find common professional interests rather than just talking about herself or her company immediately.

Later that evening, at a dedicated networking event, Maria had her concise elevator pitch ready for when people asked about her work at 'Innovate Solutions.' She found it was a great way to make a connection quickly and clearly. She managed to engage with several influential figures in her field by initiating thoughtful conversations that went beyond superficial small talk. With individuals where she felt a strong professional synergy and potential for future collaboration, she made sure to politely exchange contact information, often offering her business card first and then asking for theirs. Crucially, she made mental notes of key conversation points to follow up with personalized emails the following week, perhaps referencing a specific topic they discussed or sharing a relevant article. By the end of the three-day conference, Maria felt her consistent efforts to engage in meaningful small talk and strategically network had been very successful, laying valuable groundwork for several promising professional relationships and potential future collaborations.

Comprehension Questions:

After reading the passage, answer the following questions:

What was Maria's primary goal for attending the industry conference, and how did she overcome her initial feeling of being overwhelmed?
How did Maria use an icebreaker to initiate a conversation, and what was her main focus when trying to build rapport with new contacts during small talk?
What is an elevator pitch, according to its use in the passage, and how did Maria utilize hers during the dedicated networking event to make a connection?
What important step did Maria plan to take after she would exchange contact information with new connections, and why is this step crucial for effective networking?

Activity 4: Role Play - Making Conversation at a Networking Event

Read the following dialogue with a partner. One person can be Alex, and the other can be Ben, two professionals meeting for the first time at a networking event.

Alex: This is quite a large turnout for the conference this year, isn't it? The networking opportunities seem excellent. That last keynote speaker was quite insightful too. (Icebreaker)

Ben: It really is! I completely agree about the keynote. I'm Ben, by the way, from Tech Solutions Inc. This is my first time attending this particular annual event.

Alex: A pleasure to meet you, Ben. I'm Alex, from Innovate Corp. What kind of small talk have you found works best for you at these large industry gatherings?

Ben: I usually find it effective to start by asking about their experience at the event so far, or their specific field of interest within the industry. So, Alex, what primarily brings you to this conference? Are you hoping to make a connection with anyone specific or explore particular themes?

Alex: My main goal is to learn about new AI trends in marketing and hopefully network with some of the thought leaders in that space. I even have a short elevator pitch prepared just in case the opportunity arises to introduce my company's work!

Ben: That’s very smart! An effective elevator pitch is so useful in these situations. I’m also hoping to build rapport with potential collaborators for a new sustainability project we're launching.

Alex: That sounds fascinating! It really is all about finding those mutual interests and potential synergies through good small talk initially, isn't it? This has been a very pleasant conversation.

Ben: I agree, Alex. It's been great talking with you. Here's my business card. We should definitely try to exchange contact information. Perhaps we can follow up after the conference to discuss those AI trends further?

Alex: That’s a great idea! Here’s my card as well. I'll make sure to follow up with an email by early next week. It was genuinely good to make a connection with you today.

Ben: You too, Alex. I hope you enjoy the rest of the networking event and make many more valuable connections!

Discuss Together:

After reading or performing the dialogue, discuss the following with a partner:

Alex and Ben used several strategies for networking and small talk (e.g., icebreakers, asking open questions, finding common ground, exchanging contact details, planning to follow up). Which of these strategies do you think is most important for successfully building rapport, and why?

Activity 5: Let's Practice - Networking Know-How

Objective: Practice using key terms and phrases related to networking, small talk, and building professional rapport.

Scenario: Mr. David (a senior colleague) is giving advice to Chloe (a junior employee) about how to make the most of an upcoming industry networking event.

Mr. David: Chloe, I hear you're attending the industry networking event next week. That’s excellent! It’s a great opportunity for professional .

Chloe: Yes, Mr. David. To be honest, I'm a bit nervous as I don't have much experience. I'm not always sure how to start conversations.

Mr. David: A good is key to breaking the initial silence. You could simply comment on the speaker if you've just attended a session, or perhaps mention something interesting about the venue itself. That usually leads quite naturally into some initial .

Chloe: Okay, an icebreaker to start some small talk. That sounds manageable. And what if someone asks what I do or what my company does?

Mr. David: That's where having a concise and engaging prepared is very useful. It helps you introduce yourself and your work effectively in a short amount of time. The overall goal is to with people who could be valuable contacts.

Chloe: How do I ensure the conversation develops positively once it's started?

Mr. David: Focus on active listening and showing genuine interest in what the other person is saying. That's how you truly and make them feel valued.

Chloe: That makes sense. What if I meet someone I think could be a really useful contact for my career or our company’s projects?

Mr. David: In that case, definitely try to before the conversation ends. Offer your business card and politely ask for theirs if the moment feels right.

Chloe: And then, after the event, is that generally it until we might meet again by chance?

Mr. David: Oh no, not at all! It's absolutely crucial to with a personalized email or a LinkedIn connection request within a few days. Mention something specific from your conversation to help them remember you and to continue nurturing that new connection.

Try to fill in the blanks with the correct words or phrases from Activity 2.