Situation: You are sitting at the conference in a city you both know very well. There have been a number of long and boring presentations. You haven’t been introduced. Before you start a conversation, decide on the following:
- Where the conference is being held
- What the conference topic is
- Why you are here (to give a presentation, to make contacts, to do deals, etc).
| 1. Speaker A
Start the conversation:
“I think this is the most boring presentation I’ve ever heard. I’m … (name), by the way. I don’t think we’ve met before. ‘
| 2. Speaker B
“Pleased to meet you. I’m … (name).’
Continue the conversation by asking about one of the following:
- what your partner thinks of the conference
- talks your partner has participated
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3. Speaker A
Continue the conversation by asking about one of the following:
- your partner’s company (location, main activities)
- your partner’s job (how long he/she has had it)
- where your partner is staying (service, comfort, conveniences)
| 4. Speaker B
Continue the conversation by talking about one or more of the following:
- the city (the architecture, prices, sights)
- the weather (typical for this time of the year)
- shopping (the best places you have found to buy presents)
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5. Speaker A
Continue the conversation by talking about one or more of the following:
- sightseeing (the places of interest you’ve already visited)
- the nightlife (a restaurant, a bar you’ve visited)
- a recent item of news (politics, sport, etc.)
| 6. Speaker B
Break off the conversation, making an excuse.
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