Okay, followers of my blog may have noticed a recurring theme… to do with my fear of networking! I would promise that this will be the last time I talk about this topic, but I hate to make promises I can’t keep 🙂
As most of you probably know by now, I find it hard to meet new people, I’m incredibly shy and slightly paranoid about what people may think of me, so the idea of networking is my worst nightmare! However, I have to admit that the more of it I do, the easier it is becoming (kind of)!
The art of conversation doesn’t come naturally to me, I’ve never really been one for small talk and am more of a really good listener than a talker. Recently I met someone new and I’m ashamed to say I couldn’t think of how to keep the conversation flowing. It wasn’t their fault and I certainly hadn’t lost interest in what they were saying… I just couldn’t think of anything to say – my mind went blank!
I’m sure we’ve all experienced the “I’ve run out of things to say, what do I do now?” awkward silence stage at some time (or maybe that’s just me ;)), so what’s the best thing to do if the conversation dies?
- Listen – really listen to what the other person is saying… nod, smile to show you’re interested and keep eye contact. There’s nothing worse than talking to somebody who is looking around the room and appears bored!
- Pleasantries – try to “mix it up” a bit and have light pleasant conversation as well as a meaningful direct one. This will show the other person that you do have a sense of humour and are not serious all the time.
- Body Language – watch your body language, lean forward when the other person is talking to show you’re interested. Don’t sit / stand with your arms folded, it gives the sense of a barrier which is off putting to others.
- Questioning – try to ask open-ended questions, questions that require more thought than a yes or no answer.
- Respect – treat the other person how you would want to be treated. If you don’t want them to cut across what you say then don’t do it to them!
Following the above tips should help towards keeping the conversation flowing and help keep you relaxed! Of course I now need to practise what I preach!
By the way, I apologise if you find the word conservation instead of conversation – I always used to get them mixed up when I was younger 🙂