BEP 44c – Socializing: Starting a Conversation in English
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Jul 6, 2025
Discover the art of starting conversations in professional settings! Learn how to introduce yourself and engage in meaningful dialogues, even in a second language. This episode highlights effective strategies for networking, from using names to navigate introductions, to mastering conversation starters that keep the chat flowing. It also covers how to exit conversations politely—essential for any networking event. Tune in for practical examples to boost your confidence and enhance your career connections!
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volunteer_activism ADVICE
Use Names to Connect
Always mention the person's name when starting a conversation to create a connection.
Introduce yourself with your name and where you are from or work.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Penny Starts Conversation with George
Penny introduces herself to George at an HR conference as from Kuala Lumpur office.
She starts the conversation by commenting on the interesting speech they both heard.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Start with Safe Topics and Tag Questions
Use safe and simple topics like the event or weather to start a conversation.
Add a tag question to invite the other person to respond.
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Welcome back to Business English Pod for today’s lesson on how to start a conversation while socializing at work.
For many people, starting a conversation with someone can be a huge challenge. And it doesn’t get any easier when you’re doing this in another language! But it is one of the most important skills for building professional connections. A simple chat at a conference or event can lead to new opportunities, ideas, or contacts helpful for your career.
Learning to network confidently will help you feel more comfortable and prepared in professional and social situations. So what are some of the things you should think about? Well, you might start by introducing yourself, especially to someone you recognize but haven’t met in person before. You might also use questions to break the ice and start a conversation on a simple and safe topic.
Informal conversations can be tricky. For one thing, you need to know how to handle a situation where you forget someone’s name. You also need to be able to find ways to keep a conversation going and, when the situation calls for it, end it politely.
In this lesson, we’ll hear two dialogs that take place at an HR conference for an international company called Multi-Fresh. In the first dialog, we’ll hear Penny strike up a conversation with George. In the second dialog, Pat tries to strike up a conversation with George.
Listening Questions
1. What information does Penny give when she introduces herself to George?
2. What topic does Penny mention to get the conversation started?
3. What excuse does George give for finishing his conversation with Pat?
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