The Art of Small Talk: English for Networking and Building Rapport

For many professionals, especially non-native English speakers, the idea of "small talk" can be intimidating. It might seem trivial, but it's the foundation of networking and building professional relationships. Small talk is how you build rapport and trust before diving into business.

This guide provides simple strategies and key phrases to help you navigate small talk with confidence at your next business event. Mastering these phrases in the BizVoc app will prepare you for any networking opportunity.

1. Find a Good Opening

The easiest way to start a conversation is to comment on your shared context: the event itself.

• "This is a fantastic venue, isn't it?"
• "Have you been to this conference before?"
• "What did you think of the keynote speaker this morning?"
• "Hi, I'm [Your Name]. What brings you to this event?"

2. Ask Open-Ended Questions

Keep the conversation flowing by asking questions that require more than a "yes" or "no" answer. Use words like "what," "how," and "why."

• Instead of "Do you work in marketing?" try "What kind of work do you do?"
• Instead of "Are you enjoying the event?" try "What's been the most interesting part of the event for you so far?"
• "How did you get started in your industry?"
• "What are some of the biggest challenges your team is facing right now?"

3. Listen Actively and Find Connections

The goal of small talk is to find common ground. Pay attention to what the other person is saying and look for opportunities to connect their experience to your own.

• "That's fascinating. We're facing a similar challenge at my company."
• "Oh, you're based in Berlin? I was just there last year for a project."
• "It's interesting you mention [Topic], because I was just reading an article about that."

4. Keep it Safe and Professional

Stick to safe topics. Good subjects include work, industry trends, travel, hobbies (if they come up naturally), and the event itself. Avoid controversial topics like politics, religion, or personal finances.

5. Know How to Exit Gracefully

Part of successful networking is knowing how to end a conversation politely to allow both of you to meet other people. See our guide on essential networking phrases for more tips.

• "Well, it was a pleasure speaking with you. I'm going to grab a coffee before the next session."
• "I don't want to monopolize your time. It was great to connect."
• "It was great to meet you, [Name]. I hope you enjoy the rest of the conference."

Build Connections with Confidence

Small talk is a skill that can be learned and practiced. By equipping yourself with a few key strategies and phrases, you can turn brief encounters into meaningful professional connections.

Ready to master the language of networking? Join the BizVoc waitlist for curated decks on professional communication.