Professional networking: making connections with polite language
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Think about these questions before reading. Share your ideas with a partner.
- What do you find most challenging about starting a conversation with a professional you don't know?
- Beyond just finding a new job, what are some of the less obvious benefits of building a strong professional network?
- If you had just 30 seconds to introduce yourself and what you do to an important contact, what key information would you make sure to include?
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Networking Like a Pro
Listen to the dialogue. Notice how the vocabulary and grammar from the lesson are used.
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Answer these questions in your own words. Support your answers with evidence from the article.
01According to the article, why is it often better to use polite and indirect questions in professional situations?
Sample answerThe article explains that direct questions can sometimes sound too abrupt or even demanding in a professional context. Using more polite, indirect forms helps to avoid this and communicate more smoothly.
02What specific vocabulary does the article highlight as being useful for professional networking?
Sample answerIt mentions several key terms, including 'elevator pitch' for a quick self-introduction, the idiom 'break the ice' for starting a conversation, and verbs like 'mingle' and 'follow-up'.
03In what way does the article connect the grammar focus with the practical skills needed for a conference?
Sample answerIt suggests that the grammar of polite questions is a necessary tool for the practical situation of a conference. To start, continue, and end conversations politely at an event, you need to use that kind of indirect language.
04Based on the skills and vocabulary mentioned, what challenges does the article imply are common in professional networking?
Sample answerThe article implies that the main challenges are social. For example, the focus on phrases to 'break the ice' suggests that initiating contact can be difficult, and the emphasis on politeness and 'building rapport' shows that creating a good connection is another key challenge.
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Vocabulary for networking
Vocabulary
These expressions will help you communicate more naturally and effectively in professional networking situations.
Examples
To touch base (with someone) — to make brief contact with someone to share or get an update.
This is a common, semi-formal phrase used in business emails and conversations. It's a polite way to say 'let's talk briefly' or 'let's reconnect'.
To establish common ground — to find a shared interest, opinion, or experience with another person, which helps in building a relationship.
A key networking skill. You can say: 'I tried to establish common ground by asking about his university.' It's often used with 'with'.
A fruitful discussion — a conversation that is productive and leads to positive results or new ideas.
This is a positive collocation. You can also talk about a 'fruitful meeting' or a 'fruitful partnership'. The opposite might be an 'unproductive' discussion.
To work the room — to move around a social event like a conference or party and talk to many different people in a confident and effective way.
This idiom describes a skilled networker. For example: 'She's great at events; she really knows how to work the room and make connections.'
To get your foot in the door — to get your first opportunity to work in a particular organization or industry, which could lead to better chances later.
This idiom is often used when talking about starting a career. For example: 'An internship can be a great way to get your foot in the door at a top company.'
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Networking collocations
Complete the sentences with the correct ending.
Match each sentence beginning on the left with the correct ending on the right.
Drag or click to match
Definitions
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Grammar: Polite and indirect questions
Grammar
In professional networking, direct questions can sometimes sound too abrupt or demanding. We use introductory phrases like 'Could you tell me...' or 'I was wondering...' to make our questions more polite. This structure changes the word order of the question that follows, making it similar to a statement.
Examples
Could you tell me what your company specializes in?
Notice the word order changes from a direct question ('what does your company specialize in?') to a statement format ('what your company specializes in').
I was wondering if you are attending the keynote speech tomorrow.
For yes/no questions, we use 'if' or 'whether' after the introductory phrase.
Would you mind telling me how you got into your field of work?
This is a very polite and common way to ask for someone's professional background.
Key points
- Always start with an introductory phrase (e.g., 'Could you tell me...', 'I'd like to know...').
- After the phrase, use statement word order (subject + verb), not question order.
- Common mistake to avoid: 'Do you know where is the main hall?' Correct: 'Do you know where the main hall is?'
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Correct the sentences
Read the sentences below. Each one has a mistake related to grammar or vocabulary from the lesson.
Each sentence contains one error. Find and correct it.
01Could you please tell me what time does the next presentation start?
Corrected version
Could you please tell me what time does the next presentation start? starts?
02I have sent a follow-up email yesterday to the contact I met at the conference.
Corrected version
I have sent a follow-up email yesterday to the contact I met at the conference.
03It's important to build rapport to your new colleagues during the first few weeks.
Corrected version
It's important to build rapport to with your new colleagues during the first few weeks.
04Our conversation was very fruitfully; we found several areas for collaboration.
Corrected version
Our conversation was very fruitfully; fruitful; we found several areas for collaboration.
05Volunteering at the event is a great way to put your foot in the door of the industry.
Corrected version
Volunteering at the event is a great way to put get your foot in the door of the industry.
06He is very good at mingles at parties and making new contacts.
Corrected version
He is very good at mingles mingling at parties and making new contacts.
07I wonder if you could give me an advice on how to break the ice.
Corrected version
I wonder if you could give me an some advice on how to break the ice.
08Her friendly and open manner helped her build a great rappor with the clients.
Corrected version
Her friendly and open manner helped her build a great rappor rapport with the clients.
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Useful phrases: making conversation at a networking event
Vocabulary
At a professional conference or event, starting, maintaining, and politely ending conversations is key to making valuable connections. These phrases will help you navigate these interactions smoothly and confidently.
Examples
'That was a fascinating talk, wasn't it?' — to start a conversation based on a shared experience.
Register: Neutral. Use this right after a presentation or speech. You can replace 'fascinating' with other adjectives like 'thought-provoking' or 'insightful'.
'So, what line of work are you in?' — to politely ask about someone's profession.
Register: Neutral. This is a slightly more formal and natural-sounding alternative to 'What's your job?'. It invites a broader answer than just a job title.
'That sounds fascinating. It reminds me a bit of...' — to show you're listening and to find common ground.
Register: Neutral. Use this to connect what the other person is saying to your own experience or knowledge. It helps build rapport and keeps the conversation going.
'I'd love to connect on LinkedIn if you're open to it.' — to ask for a professional connection in a low-pressure way.
Register: Neutral/Slightly formal. This is a modern and very common way to network. It's less direct than asking for a business card or email address immediately.
'Well, it's been great chatting with you. I should probably go and mingle a bit more.' — to politely end a conversation and move on.
Register: Neutral. This is a smooth way to exit a conversation. It's polite and signals your intention to meet other people, which is the purpose of the event.
'I'd be interested to hear more about [specific project] sometime. Perhaps I could drop you an email?' — to propose a specific follow-up.
Register: Neutral/Slightly formal. Use this when you've had a genuinely interesting conversation and want to continue it. Mentioning a specific topic shows you were paying attention.
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Networking at a conference
Read the passage about making the most of a professional event.
Fill in each blank with the correct word from the word bank.
Word bank
Attending a major industry conference can be overwhelming, but it's a fantastic opportunity to the room and meet new contacts. The key is to try and establish common quickly to start a meaningful conversation. If you have a discussion with someone influential, it might be the chance you need to get your in the door at a top company. Don't forget to exchange contact details so you can touch with them a week or so later.
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Discuss these questions with a partner. Try to use vocabulary from the lesson.
- Some people believe it's better to 'work the room' and meet many people briefly at an event. Others argue it's more valuable to have just one or two 'fruitful discussions'. Which approach do you think is more effective in the long run, and why?
- In some cultures, it's common to 'establish common ground' by discussing personal topics, while in others, this is considered unprofessional. What are the unwritten rules for building rapport and networking effectively in your country or professional field?
- Imagine you've met a key person who could help you 'get your foot in the door' at your dream company. What specific steps would you take in the following weeks to 'touch base' with them and build on that initial connection without seeming pushy?