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Networking events can turn brief chats into career‑changing connections. When English isn’t your first language, though, small talk and self‑introductions may feel intimidating. Practise this conversation now so you can focus on the person in front of you, not the words in your head.
Context
- Setting: professional mixer, conference coffee break, or industry meetup
- Goal: introduce yourself, learn about the other person, exchange contact details, and set up a follow‑up
- Typical length: 2–4 minutes per chat
- Tone: friendly, professional, curious
Sample Dialogue
You: Hi, I’m Alex from GreenTech Solutions. What brings you to the conference?
Partner: Nice to meet you, Alex. I’m Maya, a project manager at EcoBuild. I’m here for the renewable‑energy track.
You: Perfect fit — GreenTech just launched a solar‑storage project. Have you worked with battery systems?
Partner: Not directly, but we’re planning to next quarter.
You: Maybe our teams could share insights. Do you have a business card?
Partner: Sure, here you go. Could I get yours as well?
You: Absolutely. I’ll follow up by email tomorrow so we can schedule a short call.
Partner: Sounds great. Thanks, Alex — enjoy the rest of the event.
Key Vocabulary & Phrases
Elevator pitch — 30‑second self‑introduction
Industry track — specialised conference topic
Business card — contact card exchanged at events
Great to connect — polite phrase to end conversation
Follow‑up email — message sent after the event to continue discussion
Quick Practice Drills
- Elevator Pitch Timer (1 min) — Introduce yourself in 30 seconds; refine until clear and confident.
- Question Volley (2 min) — Partner asks rapid small‑talk questions (“What’s your role?” “What do you enjoy most about it?”); answer without pauses.
- Memory Recap (2 min) — After a mock chat, list three facts about the person and one follow‑up action.
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