Good conversation can leave you more exhilarated than alcohol; more refreshed than the theater or a concert. It can bring you entertainment and pleasure; it can help you get ahead, solve problems, spark the imagination of others. It can increase your knowledge and education. It can erase misunderstandings, and bring you closer to those you love. — Dorothy Sarnoff
I truly believe networking is the key to moving ahead in life, especially professionally. Before the pandemic, I often attended networking events to build professional connections.
I grew up in Asian culture where networking was not that important. I am glad awareness is growing now.
When I moved to North America, I wanted to join the growing tech community. For that, I had to attend multiple events per month.
I used to think to ask, “How are you merely” is so dull. In quest of this fundamental question, I found the following 23 questions to be asked to keep the conversation going on.
The essence of this article is in the following YT video. The video has already crossed 6 million views.
How To Skip the Small Talk and Connect With Anyone | Kalina Silverman | TEDxWestminsterCollege
Here’s the list of 23 questions you can start asking instead of the basic boring “How are you”?
Here we go…
What brings you in a good mood?
Describe to a 5-year-old what you do in life.
What are 3–5 words that describe you best?
I recently completed executive presence coaching, and this question made me realize that I can literally describe myself in 3–5 words.
Five words came to mind: collaboration, continuous learning, innovation, humility, and family.
What always puts a smile on your face, or what makes you happy?
How do you contribute to your neighborhood/community?
What are the 3–5 most important aspects to support your lifestyle?
What is something you know you do completely differently than other people?
Is there something you need immediate help in your professional life?
Is there a person I can connect you with within my organization or here at the event?
How do you feel about taking a risk?
What’s your most (un)healthy habit? It’s really interesting.
What would you change about your life if you could go back in time?
What genre of books/movies has the most impact on your life?
Do you enjoy any specific music genre?
For example, I love Jazz.
Jazz is not just music, it’s a way of life, it’s a way of being, a way of thinking.— Nina Simone
What’s the nicest compliment you’ve ever received? From who?
What’s your biggest fear that you’ve overcome?
For me, it was the fear of authority. Meditation helped me a lot to overcome this fear.
Where would you live if you had no ties to any specific place?
What was your favorite subject in school?
What was the last book that you read?
When did you wake up this morning?
It’s a really interesting one.
You know that feeling when you wake up in the morning and you’re excited for the day? That’s one of my main goals in life. — Kristen Dunst
What was the first thing you did this morning after waking up?
For example, I do my personal projects from 6–8 AM.
How do you relax yourself when stressed out?
I go on a hike or long walks. Walking always helps to boost my mood.
What is your favorite meal?
What’s your favorite question?
