Attending a conference isn't only about listening to the speakers it is also, if not even more so, about who you talk to while you are there. Many conferences attract an international audience and the speakers present in English. This means you will need to use English to communicate with the other delegates (people who are attending the conference too). Sounds scary, but it doesn't have to be.
Talking about yourself isn't always easy, in any language, some of us are just too introverted to want to do this. To make the most of the opportunities attending a conference can give it is important to learn how to do this.
As an introvert myself I understand, so have put together this ultimate guide to help you make the most out of your next conference, in English.
Promote yourself and your career
Attending a conference run by your organisation is a great way to meet other people within your company, especially if it is a multi-national. You write emails to colleagues every day, and maybe speak to them on the phone, now is your chance to meet them face to face. You will also meet employees from different departments, it's a great opportunity to promote yourself and your group.
You may be invited to represent your company at an international conference on psychology, education or nanoscience for example. Listening to the speakers will give you ideas to bring back and implement within your organisation. You can become an expert in a particular field within your company.
You may even get the chance to speak at a conference, to share your ideas or a process you have implemented within your organisation.
All of this sounds exciting but at the same time a little scary. There will be plenty of opportunities for networking at lunchtime or in the evening, but not if you are too afraid to speak or are unsure how to go about it.
Help me get started
Talking to people you have only just met can be nerve wracking. This type of interaction is called small talk.
How to get started:
Prepare
Think of some conversation topics in advance. The weather is something on which everyone will have an opinion. You could remark on the location of the conference, either the city or the conference venue. Keep your comments positive. The person you are talking to may come from that city or may have helped to choose the location. You wouldn't want to offend someone.
Try phrases such as:
"Lovely weather we're having at the moment, isn't it?"
"This hotel has great conference facilities, doesn't it?"
By adding question tags (isn't it, doesn't it) onto the end of your sentence you are inviting a reply. If you receive a simple yes or no answer it might be that the other person doesn't have time for a conversation.
If you receive a more elaborate reply such as "yes, the weather was beautiful first thing and I went for a run in the park" you have an opening to talk to the person a little bit more.
Introduce yourself
Delegates are often given name badges. Use the person's name when you talk to them. If you are unsure how to pronounce it just ask, or try to pronounce it and then ask if you have done so correctly.
"Jo-anne, have I said your name correctly?"
"Sibhain, I'm sorry I'm not sure I've pronounced that correctly."
Prepare some sentences in advance to talk about what you do. You know how to do this in your native language of course, but how do some of your responsibilities translate into English? Make sure you have the vocabulary to talk about your role so you don't stumble over your words.
"I'm responsible for editing the company newsletter, maybe you've seen some copies in your office?"
"I work in the marketing team at the Freeport location. I'm responsible for our local social media output."
How are you?
This sounds like an open question but quite often the answer we get back is just 'I'm good" or "I'm well". Try to have a different response prepared that will encourage conversation such as:
"I'm doing well, looking forward to listening to the next speaker. I am very interested in..."
"I'm good, thank you for asking. I just got back from holiday last week so am feeling refreshed and ready to start work again."
These answers are more open and can lead to the start of a conversation.
Question structure
Questions in English usually start with who, what, when, where, why or how. If you are not sure what to ask someone maybe start with one of these words and see where it takes you? Looking for inspiration:
Who do you work for?
What do you do?
When did you arrive at the conference?
Where did you get that cappuccino? I could only find black coffee?
Why did you decide to attend this conference?
How did you get here?
Changing the subject
You have suddenly thought of something you want to say, but it doesn't fit logically into the conversation. Change the subject with a phrase like
"By the way, did you know that..."
"Changing the subject a bit, did you hear that..."
You can also use this if a conversation is following a path you are not interested in and you want to take a more active part in the discussion.
Moving on
You have been talking to someone for a while and feel you have come to the end of the conversation. How do you move on without feeling rude? Use phrases such as:
"It's been nice to talk to you, now I..."
"I've really enjoyed our conversation, but I have to...."
"It was great to make your acquaintance, however I have to..."
Followed by:
"... just need to go and find one of my colleagues before the next talk starts."
"... just want to go and get a bottle of water for later this afternoon."
Using "I just..." is a softer way of saying that you are going to walk away from the person you are talking to.
Ready to go?
Remember, the first step is to prepare. Going to a conference isn't just about listening to the speakers. You will have many opportunities to talk to other delegates too. With this in mind know what it is you want to say about yourself. Make sure you have the English vocabulary to be able to do this and practice saying a few words to introduce yourself. You cannot know where a conversation is going to go, but if you can talk a little bit about yourself it's a good start.
All of this can be summed in up in two words 'small talk'. Some people like doing this and some people don't. If you fall into the second group it might be a good idea to practice this before you next conference.
Leave a comment and let me know how you get on at your next conference.
Looking for someone to practice with?
Contact me to arrange a personalised coaching session on this topic.
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