7 Networking Conversation Starters

7 Networking Conversation Starters | ​Although reading has many obvious benefits, do you realize it can help you sharpen your conversational skills, too? If you feel anxious about attending a Networking event where you don't know anyone, reading can bring you greater confidence.
 
Try these strategies for yout next networking event

1. Scan the headlines. When reading your morning newspaper, look over the headlines and titles first. Whether you get the paper delivered to your house or read the local news online, look over all the article headings. Upon finding a subject that appeals to you, read the article. What do you think about it? Is there anything the article left out? Do you trust the reporting?
2. Read articles and books that interest you. If you already find the subject matter fascinating, you'll be more likely to remember it once you read it. It just makes good sense to hone in on information or stories that you find fascinating to share in conversations.
3. Take note of topics that are currently trending. Popular and current subjects give you a good idea of what people are talking about. If you read those types of news articles, you'll definitely have something of interest to share with others.
4. Read a variety of material. A great way to start a verbal exchange with someone is to mention a book you've read lately. Books from the top 10 lists of bookstores and publishers make great fodder for conversation, regardless of whether they're fiction or non-fiction.
   
   
5. Formulate an opinion. Know your own feelings and ideas regarding a particular subject you read about. Although it's helpful to be able to describe facts from an article, you'll have an even richer conversation if you add in your thoughts, ideas and experiences related to the subject matter.
   
   
6. Inject topics you read about into your conversations. Use the subjects you read about recently to start a verbal exchange. For example, let's say it's Saturday night and you just arrived at a friend's party. You're looking around and notice you don't see many familiar faces. You feel a niggling sense of nervousness while wondering what you'll say to the other partygoers.
7. Sit back and listen to others. Pay attention to conversations going on around you. Someone might mention a subject you just read about.  Ask people what they think about a particular story or character in the book.  Others will contribute thoughts, ideas and reactions to the subject matter that differ greatly from your own. An important part of conversing is listening and allowing reciprocation by the other person.

 
Reading is an effective method of gathering and storing information to talk about at the next social gathering you attend. A person who is well-read can be great entertainment at get-togethers and provide plenty of grist for some titillating conversations.
 
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