Tips for Talking to Strangers

It feels like everyone knows everyone nowadays. Networking can play a huge factor in some people’s rates of success, and you don’t want to feel like you’re falling behind. Randomly striking up conversations with strangers can feel awkward, or when you’re not in the mood, draining. Networking events tend to be a bit overwhelming because there are so many people that it’s hard to know who to talk to. Networking also extends far beyond these events, from connecting on LinkedIn to meeting someone at a bar. Due to the 2020 pandemic, face-to-face networking feels like a thing of the past. Everything has been virtual for so long that you may have forgotten how to network for real, so it is necessary that you’re able to jump back in. You never know who you could end up sitting next to, and now that COVID restrictions are lifting, it’s important to know how to speak to strangers when the time arises.

Networking

First and foremost, always act sure of yourself, even if you’re not. Networking with people in-person can be nerve-wracking, but don’t let that anxiety get the best of you. Force a smile and pretend to be confident, and you may be surprised to see how much more confident you actually feel. While, of course, you always want to be yourself, try to act like a slightly more outgoing and interesting version of yourself. Sell yourself! You want to catch the attention of whoever you’re talking to so that you don’t just become another stranger they meet. If you radiate positive energy, the person you’re speaking to will feel it too, and the conversation will go smoother overall. It doesn’t hurt to have a couple opening lines in your pocket in case you need them!

Another great tip for talking to strangers, or even anyone, is to make connections. Humans love when other people take interest in them and their lives. Ask the person where they are from or where they went to college and use this information to engage in a conversation. If you have previously taken a trip to their hometown, or you have a relative enrolled at the same school they went to—these are great links that connect you because it forms a more personal connection. If you can work it into the conversation, briefly tell an interesting story about yourself. During interviews, employers constantly hear candidates rattling off their different strengths and qualities, so switch things up a little bit while you’re networking. You want to impress the person you’re speaking with, but don’t shy away from showing your personality.

Lastly, don’t enter the conversation empty-handed. Do a bit of research beforehand so that you are prepared with background information. If you know that employees from a company you’re interested in will be at a networking event, let them see you’re interested. Learn about what the business does, what they offer, and gather some questions you may have for the employees attending. If you ask questions about their work and want to potentially connect in the future, your chances will be much higher if they know you put in the effort.

Networking is all about forming a bond with the other person. The more energy you put into talking to people, the stronger the relationships become.