Conversation Starters for Business and Beyond

This course is for professionals who want to connect more easily with the colleagues and clients around them. Maybe you aren't sure what to talk about or feel pressure to put on a show instead of being authentic. Together we'll discover the frameworks that make it easier to start short, meaningful conversations.

After taking this workshop:

• You'll know the 4 keys to making connection when you only have a few minutes

• You'll have questions to ask at your next encounter

• You'll discover the frameworks for customizing these questions to your personality and situations in the future

I'm Stephen Mayo, President of The Questions Company. I spent close to 2 decades in financial services and consulting, using business analytics to help large companies use their data more effectively.

Early in my career, I didn't see the value in friendly conversations. I was focused on building great spreadsheets, testing the financial models, and meeting deadlines. I didn't appreciate how important it was to build relationships with people inside and outside my organization. And even when I discovered how important it was, I was nervous to start those conversations myself. What should I talk about? What if I asked too many questions? What if I prattled on and the other person became annoyed? Or what if I sounded boring or stupid?

But gradually I learned that the ability to chat with other people isn't an in-born trait. It's a skill that can be learned and developed. And with practice I learned how to overcome my nerves, start conversations, and ask questions that created real connection. Today I have many business relationships that started with casual conversations before a meeting, or at social events, and even on planes and trains.

In this workshop you will discover:

• How to show up to the conversation ready to engage

• How to get the other person's attention

• How to find a topic

• 4 key principles for connecting when time is short

• How to wrap up the conversation so they'll want to talk again

You could keep doing what you're doing. But imagine how fun and satisfying it would be to know you can start a meaningful conversation, anywhere? What would that be worth to the trajectory of your career? What would that do for the quality of your relationships?

Come join this workshop in December so you can put these principles in practice at holiday parties and throughout 2025.

When you're ready to begin, click on the 'Register' button to sign up.