ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS

PROFESSIONAL NETWORKING
Professional networking is when you build relationships with other professionals both in your
career field and in other related fields. Networking allows you to foster relationships with others
that are mutually beneficial to the careers of you and those in your network. The goal of
professional networking is typically to be able to ask favors of people in your network and to
help them in return. For example, if you are looking for a new job, you may ask someone in your
professional network to put in a good word for you at their company.
You can build a professional network in various places both online and in person. Common
places where people network with others include:

• Networking events
• University alumni clubs
• Sports groups or teams composed of professionals
• Conferences and expos
• A current job
• Social events like parties and weddings
• Online social media sites that are geared towards professionals
Importance of oral communication skills in networking

Oral communication skills are essential for networking. When you're networking, you need to be
able to introduce yourself, talk about your work, and make a good impression on the people you
meet. If you have strong oral communication skills, you'll be able to do all of these things
effectively.

Here are some of the specific benefits of having strong oral communication skills in networking:

• You'll be able to make a good first impression. When you meet someone for the first
time, your first impression is crucial. If you're able to speak clearly, confidently, and
engage in conversation, you'll be more likely to make a good impression and leave a
lasting impression.
• You'll be able to build relationships. Networking is all about building relationships.
When you can communicate effectively with people, you're more likely to connect with
them on a personal level and build strong relationships.
• You'll be able to persuade others. If you want to be successful in networking, you need
to be able to persuade people to want to help you. With strong oral communication skills,
you'll be able to clearly articulate your goals and convince people that you're worth their
time and investment.

Who should you include in your professional network?

There are several people you can include in your professional network. The following are
suggestions as to who you can include in your network.

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College professors
If you were particularly close with any of your college professors, you should include them in
your professional network. Any professors you had throughout your college career as well as
specific ones who taught in your field or major can all be members of your network.

Previous classmates
You can include former classmates from college in your professional network. Additionally, if
you were part of a sorority or fraternity, you can use your brothers or sisters as your network as
well.

Friends
While it may seem obvious, some people forget to include their friends in their professional
network. Let your friends know of your career aspirations so they can be aware of the goals you
want to accomplish in case an opportunity arises on their end.
Coworkers
Both former and current coworkers should be part of your professional network. Coworkers have
a clear understanding of your professional capabilities, so they can help you outline achievable
goals or advancements.
Members of professional clubs or associations
If you are a member of a professional organization or club, you should network with others in the
organization. Mingling with people outside of your immediate work environment but still within
your profession can provide new perspectives and resources.
Family
Your family is also an important part of your professional network. Even if your immediate
family isn't in your professional field, you should still keep them updated on your goals just in
case a relative knows someone who could help you in your career.
HOW CAN YOUR PROFESSIONAL NETWORK HELP YOUR CAREER?
Your professional network can play an important role in various aspects of your career. The most
obvious way is by providing potential leads to a new job. The following are additional benefits
of having a professional network:
Helping find candidates for job positions
If you are in a management role and are responsible for hiring new employees, your network can
help you discover a talent you may not otherwise connect with.
Learning about a job opening
If you are planning to leave your current position or have already left it and are looking for a new
job, your professional network can make the process easier. The people in your network can pass
along any job openings in your field that they know of and prepare you with any relevant
information they have about the company.

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Providing professional advice
Another great benefit of having a professional network is the advice you get from those in your
network. Whether you're making a presentation or a career switch, the people in your network
can often add valuable insight that can benefit your professional efforts and goals.
Finding out about potential clients
If you work in a position that requires you to find new clients and foster relationships with them,
your network could provide you with potential clients and even set up the introduction in some
cases.

ACTIVITY: SPEED NETWORKING EVENT AT A CONFERENCE

Instructions:

1. Stand up and mingle. Walk around the room and meet as many participants
as you can.
2. Mingle with others. When you meet someone, first, introduce yourself. You
can say something like, "Hi, my name is [your name]. Nice to meet you."
3. Next, hold a 3-minute conversation with him/her in English. ( Sample
conversations are given).
4. When the bell rings, exchange business cards and move to another person
and do the same until you have met at least ten different participants.
5. In the conversation, ask the person you meet about their work, their interests,
or how they got to where they are today. Be sure to listen actively and ask
follow-up questions.
6. Oral Report: After the activity, report to the class about the people you
have met.

Etiquette Tips for Networking Events:

• Be polite and respectful to everyone you meet.

• Make eye contact and smile.
• Introduce yourself and shake hands.
• Ask open-ended questions and listen to the other person's answers.
• Avoid talking about yourself too much.
• Be mindful of your body language

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Sample Conversation/Dialogue 1

Person 1: Hello! My name is [your name]. It's nice to meet you.

Person 2: Hi, [your name]. I'm [their name]. It's nice to meet you too.
Person 1: So, what brings you to this event?
Person 2: I'm here to learn more about [the event topic] and to network with other
people in my field.
Person 1: That's great! I'm here for the same reason.
Person 2: So, what do you do?
Person 1: I'm a [your job title] at [your company]. I do [brief description of your
job].
Person 2: That sounds interesting. I'm a [their job title] at [their company]. I do
[brief description of their job].
Person 1: Cool! It sounds like we have a lot in common.
Person 2: Yeah, we do.
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
Person 1: Well, it was really nice talking to you, [their name]. I hope we can stay in
touch.
Person 2: It was nice talking to you too, [your name]. I'd love to stay in touch.
Person 1: Here's my business card.
Person 2: Thanks! Here's mine.
Person 1: Great! I'll be in touch soon.
Person 2: Sounds good.
Sample Conversation/Dialogue 2
You: Hello, my name is [your name]. I'm a [your job title] at [your company]. It's
nice to meet you!
Other Person: Hi, I'm [other person's name]. I'm a [other person's job title] at [other
person's company]. Nice to meet you too!
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You: What brings you to this event?
Other Person: I'm interested in learning more about the latest trends in [industry].
What about you?
You: Me too! I'm also looking to connect with other people in the field.
Other Person: Well, you've come to the right place!
[You talk for a bit about your work and interests.]
………………………………………………………………………………………
………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………….
Other Person: I'd love to hear more about your work on [project].
You: Sure! I'm really excited about it. It's a [brief description of the project].
Other Person: That sounds really interesting! I'm working on something similar at
my company.
[You continue talking about your work and the project.]
You: It was great talking to you, [other person's name]. I hope to see you again
soon!
Other Person: It was great talking to you too! Maybe we can get together for coffee
sometime and discuss our projects in more detail.
You: That would be great! Here's my business card.
Other Person: Thanks! I'll be in touch.
[You shake hands and go your separate ways.]

Sample Conversation/Dialogue 3
Introducing yourself:
"Hello, my name is [your name]. I'm a [your job title] at [your company]. It's nice
to meet you!"
Asking open-ended questions:
"What brings you to this event?"
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"What are you most interested in learning today?"
"What are you working on these days?"
"What are your thoughts on [current event]?"
Finding common interests:
"I see you're wearing a [sports team] jersey. Are you a big fan?"
"I noticed you're interested in [topic]. Me too! What's your favorite [topic]
book/movie/resource?"
"I'm from [your hometown]. Have you ever been there?"
Keeping the conversation going:
"That's so interesting! Can you tell me more about that?"
"I've never thought about it that way before. That's a great perspective."
"I'd love to hear more about your work on [project]."
Ending the conversation:
"It was a pleasure talking to you, [person's name]. I hope to see you again soon!"
"I need to grab a refill on my drink. Would you like to join me?"
"I see someone I need to introduce myself to. It was great talking to you!"

Sample Conversation/Dialogue 4
Person A: Hi, I'm [your name]. Nice to meet you!
Person B: Hi [your name], I'm [their name]. Nice to meet you too!
Person A: What brings you to this event?
Person B: I'm here to learn more about the industry and meet new people.
Person A: Same here! What are you interested in?
Person B: I'm interested in marketing and social media.
Person A: Cool! I'm actually studying marketing in University.
Person B: That's awesome! What do you like most about it?

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Person A: I like the creativity and the fact that I can use my skills to help
businesses grow.
Person B: I can see why. It sounds like a lot of fun.
Person A: It is! So, what are your plans after University?
Person B: I'm hoping to get a job in marketing or social media.
Person A: Well, I wish you the best of luck!
Person B: Thanks! I appreciate it.
Person A: It was great meeting you, [their name].
Person B: It was great meeting you too, [your name].
Person A: Here's my business card. If you ever have any questions about
marketing, feel free to reach out to me.
Person B: Thanks! I will.

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