Have you been at a networking event and “gotten stuck” with someone? You want to move on and meet other people, and you have no idea how to do so politely. It appears that the other person would also like to network with others, and, she, too, fidgets nervously rather than ending the conversation.
You’re not alone. Many people are so concerned with starting a conversation that they give no thought to extricating themselves.
Your last words are as important as your first words. Plan and rehearse (if necessary) exit statements. Since at least 90 percent of your message is communicated through your body language and vocal tone, rate, pitch and inflection, keep an “open” stance and sound upbeat. You can easily tell the difference between people who say, “It was nice meeting you,” and you think, “Yeah, sure” vs. those who sincerely say, “It was nice meeting you.”
When do I exit the conversation?
You’re not alone. Many people are so concerned with starting a conversation that they give no thought to extricating themselves.
Your last words are as important as your first words. Plan and rehearse (if necessary) exit statements. Since at least 90 percent of your message is communicated through your body language and vocal tone, rate, pitch and inflection, keep an “open” stance and sound upbeat. You can easily tell the difference between people who say, “It was nice meeting you,” and you think, “Yeah, sure” vs. those who sincerely say, “It was nice meeting you.”
When do I exit the conversation?
Watch for that body language, but here are some sure signs:
• When the other person’s eyes noticeably begin wandering around the room
• When others shift their stance toward other people in the room or toward the door
• When the conversation lags
• When the other person repeatedly answers in a monotone with nothing words like “interesting.”
How do I exit the conversation?
• Ask for the other person’s card if you do not yet have it.
• Set up a time to call or meet with the other person.
• Excuse yourself shortly after another person has joined the conversation.
• Be up front. Be cordial and begin your remarks with “It has been nice talking with you and …
I will keep your card on file for when I need …”
It’s my first time here, and I would like to meet some of the other members, too.”
I can only stay for an hour, and I want to say “hi” to several other people.”
I’d like to continue this conversation. May I call you next week?”
I’ll e-mail you that referral tomorrow.”
And when all else fails:
“I want to get something else to eat (or drink).”
Say Good-Bye to those that you met
Plan time at the event to say good-bye to those that you met. Keep it short, upbeat and positive, and always use people’s first name (which you will have remembered!).
• When others shift their stance toward other people in the room or toward the door
• When the conversation lags
• When the other person repeatedly answers in a monotone with nothing words like “interesting.”
How do I exit the conversation?
• Ask for the other person’s card if you do not yet have it.
• Set up a time to call or meet with the other person.
• Excuse yourself shortly after another person has joined the conversation.
• Be up front. Be cordial and begin your remarks with “It has been nice talking with you and …
I will keep your card on file for when I need …”
It’s my first time here, and I would like to meet some of the other members, too.”
I can only stay for an hour, and I want to say “hi” to several other people.”
I’d like to continue this conversation. May I call you next week?”
I’ll e-mail you that referral tomorrow.”
And when all else fails:
“I want to get something else to eat (or drink).”
Say Good-Bye to those that you met
Plan time at the event to say good-bye to those that you met. Keep it short, upbeat and positive, and always use people’s first name (which you will have remembered!).
