How can you start an effective conversation at your next networking event?

Fundamental Competencies
Written By Stacia Aylward

The Challenge

Prepare two or three open-ended questions that you can use to initiate conversations at any event. Consider questions like: What brought you to this event? Who are you most hoping to meet at this event? What's the most interesting thing you've learned at this event?

Why do this?

Effective networking is a skill that requires preparation and practice--for both introverts and extroverts. 

Open-ended questions are the best way to start a conversation. It gives the person you are meeting an opportunity to share something about themselves, which creates opportunities for you to ask additional open-ended questions that could lead to a new friend, a new referral, or new business.

What’s next?

Practice avoiding asking questions that can be answered with a simple "yes" or "no." Instead, make all of your questions open-ended. Good open-ended questions begin with words like "what" or "how."

Stacia Aylward

Zelos CEO Stacia C. Aylward is an executive leader and lifelong learner with broad professional experience in envisioning and leading programs, projects and teams; facilitating and teaching adults; conducting research; and developing client relationships using proven methodologies in many government and technical fields, including economics, education, healthcare, housing, non-profit governance, IT and law. Stacia holds a master’s degree in Communication and Information, a bachelor’s degree in English, a Six Sigma black belt certification, and a Coach Approach to Leadership credential.

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