In 2013 I wrote this piece on “Ready-made Conversation Starters – for Conferences“.
It’s a suggested solution for my reluctance to initiate first contact at a conference lunch table. I mean, I’m there to get to know people and yet I don’t manage to casually start a conversation.
In August I’ve been to the US for the first time and at this conference I managed to start conversations. I think that 2 things changed. Firstly, I really wanted to get over myself and secondly the other ones were American. What I know about US culture gave me permission to try to chat people up. When in Rome, do as the Romans do…
Luckily I found out early on that “So, what’s your favorite session so far?” is an excellent conversation starter.
I want to keep that line and to keep making contact. For the mostly German confs I attend, I plan to get my inner American on and get to know people. 🙂