How to Start a Conversation - 3 Techniques to Break the Ice
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Transcript of How to Start a Conversation - 3 Techniques to Break the Ice
WHAT IS NETWORKING?
verb:
The act of making contact and exchanging information with other people, groups and institutions to develop mutually beneficial
relationships.
http://www.yourdictionary.com/networking
WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT
1. Ability to work in a team
2. Ability to make decisions and solve
problems
3. Ability to plan, organize and
prioritize work
4. Ability to communicate verbally
with people inside and outside an
organization
5. Ability to obtain and process
information
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
TECHNIQUE #1:
KNOW THE NEWS
If its newsworthy its
conversation worthy.
Be sure to stay up to date on
current affairs in the city,
nationally or internationally.
Read the paper, internet or
watch the news.
IN THE NEWS: JUNE 2014
Municipal Election Issues
Public Transit
Unemployment
Improving Infrastructure
Emergency Planning
Cycling & Pedestrian
Issues
Traffic
Fiscal Responsibility
TECHNIQUE #2:
KNOW YOUR HOME
Learn interesting or
surprising facts about your
home country or host city
“I’m from Toronto, one of
the top 5 most liveable
cities in the world.”
“I’m from Toronto, the
financial services capital
of Canada.”
TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
This country has the greatest linguistic diversity than any
other large country - over 1,000 languages spoken.
INDIA
TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
This country fits into just one time zone despite its size.
(Canada has 6)
CHINA
TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
The most famous computer game –Tetris – was created by
programmer from this country?
RUSSIA
TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
This city is home to the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ towers?
MISSISSAUGA
TECHNIQUE #3:
KNOW HOW TO PITCH
Cue – will occur naturally
“What do you do?”
I’m enrolled in the
Business program at
Centennial College. After
graduation I’d like to work
for a company where I
can help/do/apply…
TECHNIQUE #3:
KNOW HOW TO PITCH
Before you ask for
anything from someone
in your network you
absolutely must build a
relationship.
Ask for advice instead
of introductions
Do your research
Technique #1: Know the News
Technique #2: Know your Home
Technique #3: Know How to Pitch
3 TECHNIQUES THAT WILL
BREAK THE ICE
BECOME A BETTER CONVERSATIONALIST
Speak English with friends
Watch the news
Watch English language DVDs
Listen to English radio
Use the internet to find resources – e.g. YouTube
Look up new a word in dictionary everyday
Join Toastmasters
Attend Alumni Events