Transcript Powerful Public Speaking and Presentation Skills

The Art of Networking:
Beyond the Basics
Grace A. Bagunu
CSI - Communication and Leadership
University of California, San Diego
Overview of Presentation
• The Art of Networking
– First impressions
– Nonverbal communication
– 30-second commercial
– Practice makes perfect (or better)
– Getting in the conversation
– Maintaining the conversation
– Closing the conversation
– The Follow-up
• What to do to prepare: Be Ready!
First Impressions
• Small talk is required for networking and
can make or break a potential connection
– Small talk is the first form of communication
we often have with new contacts
– Small talk is our “way in” to new interpersonal
and professional relationships
– Small talk is often our first opportunity to
make a first impression!
Nonverbal Communication
• Over 90% of communication is nonverbal
– 93% vocal and nonverbal, 7% verbal (words)
– Eye contact is key
• What you say matters, but not if you are staring at the
another person’s feet!
– Have a firm handshake
– Dress appropriately
– Position yourself for successful networking
The Art of Networking
• Networking requires effective interpersonal and
social interaction skills
– Tune into yourself and your conversational partners
– Be aware of nonverbal behaviors and their meaning
– Understand what is appropriate conversation topics in
various environments and contexts
– Watch for situational cues and be able to adapt
– Stand tall and confident
– Promote yourself well!
• Use your 30-second “commercial”
30-Second Commercial
• Introduction (name, school, major, background)
• Professional Interests (current professional activities, next
progressive professional move, ideal dream job)
• Skill sets (what are you good at)
• Leave an impression (share what is unique about you!)
“Remember the rule: 7 +/- 2, people need to hear your name at
minimum 5 times and as many as 9 times to remember your name!”
Practice Makes Perfect
• Networking requires constant practice
• Low-risk contexts help prepare you for
situations where the stakes are high!
• Try talking to strangers every chance you
get
“Any place with other people is a chance to network!”
Getting in the Conversation
• Position yourself to meet others
• Use eye contact/handshake/smile combo
• Remembering their name is your next priority
– “Hi, my name is Grace.”
– “Hi Grace, I’m Ken.”
– “Ken, so nice to meet you.”
• If you approach a conversation that has already
started, simply ask to join:
– “I couldn’t help but overhear what you were discussing, may I
join your conversation?”
Maintaining Conversation
• Networking is an art and requires presence
– Use props, the setting or environment, or a
current event to inspire interesting conversation
topics
– Research the company or potential guests ahead
of time and ask questions related to new
initiatives, new research, or current trends
– Ask open-ended questions instead of closed
ended questions
Listening to Conversation
• Listen for word cues, topic cues, change-oftone cues
• Be aware of when to take the lead in the
conversation and when to follow
• Let them know you care about what they have
to say using nonverbal and vocal cues
• Know when to end the conversation or segue
into another topic
Closing the Conversation
• Don’t walk away without wrapping up the
conversation
– To exit a conversation that hasn’t ended, say:
• “Please excuse me. It was very nice meeting you. I look forward
to speaking with you again soon!”
– The handshake/smile combo returns!
– If the conversation has ended and you want to continue
the relationship, be sure to exchange contact information
• “Ken, it was so nice to meet you. Do you have a business card? I
would like to follow-up with you to talk more in depth about
your career path.”
– If you suggest getting together again or connecting
through social media, do it!
The Follow-up
• What do you do once you have collected a business card?
– Write something meaningful to remember that person
– Find a way to follow-up
• Email
• Phone
• In-person meeting
– Send important correspondence
• Birthday card
• Holiday card
– Connect through social media
• Facebook
• Linked In
• Twitter
Be Ready!
•
•
•
•
Write your 30-second commercial
Practice having a firm handshake
Have business cards at all times!
Do research on the company/notable guests
attending the event
• Come up with appropriate open-ended questions
to use while networking
Grace A. Bagunu
[email protected]