How to Enter a Group Conversation at a Networking Event
Entering a group conversation at a networking event is difficult for many people, especially if you do not know someone in the group. The struggle with entering this kind of conversation is overcome by applying some strategy and understanding body language. It is not necessary to speak to join a conversation. Albert Meharabian, a body language researcher, discovered that the impact of a message is 7 percent words, 38 percent vocal sounds and 55 percent non-verbal. Ray Birdwhistell, an anthropologist, discovered that face-to-face communication is less than 35 percent verbal and more than 65 percent non-verbal.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Analyze the group from a comfortable distance. Avoid staring at anyone in particular, but try to gauge the group's receptiveness by evaluating body language. Open body language includes open palms, unbuttoned jackets, uncrossed arms, smiling, looking at people outside the group, loud conversation and laughter. Closed body language includes emotionless focused facial expressions, crossed arms and quiet conversations. Group conversations with a lot of open body language are easier to enter than group conversations with closed body language.
-
2
Approach the group by walking directly toward it or casually making your way through a crowded room. Look at the group as you approach, and maintain open relaxed body language without staring at any one in particular. If someone looks at you as you approach, make eye contact and smile then continue observing the group as a whole. Introduce yourself to the person you smiled at when you get to the group by sticking out your hand and saying, "Hi, I'm John. What's your name?"
-
-
3
Stand with the group when you get to it. Avoid standing outside of the group by making sure you are maximally visible by all or most of the group. Let your eyes gently bounce from person to person in the group. Make eye contact and smile with anyone that looks at you. Do not stare or focus on any one in particular unless someone speaks to you, or unless you intend to speak to someone directly with questions or comments that follow up on that person's part of the conversation.
-
4
Listen to the main conversation and any accessory conversations occurring in the group. Open groups often have side conversations occurring within the group. Continue smiling and making eye contact with people in the group to build your presence within it. Start joining the conversation by showing relaxed and positive reactions to things people say. Relaxed positive reactions are slight emotional responses such as a grinning or chuckling. Try to match the group's general non-verbal behavior without over or under reacting.
-
5
Introduce yourself to the entire group with a smile, but not necessarily by shaking hands, when there is a pause in the main conversation. Alternatively, introduce yourself to people in an accessory conversation when they pause. If you have something to add to the conversation, then say it to the group, or to the person who spoke last or to someone else who is part of the conversation. Introduce yourself after you finish saying your addition to the conversation.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Do not react inappropriately by smiling at negative conversation topics, such as tragedy, death or disease.
Extended eye contact can become a sign of romantic interest or aggression. Never hold eye contact with someone unless you are directly conversing with them.
Use a soft smile and gently raise your eyebrow for an instant to say hello to someone without speaking.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit group of business men and women image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
