The document discusses 3 techniques for starting conversations: 1. Know the news - Stay up to date on current events to find topics of shared interest. 2. Know your home - Learn interesting facts about where you're from to share with others. 3. Know how to pitch - Be prepared to briefly talk about your goals, interests and background when the opportunity arises in conversation. Mastering these techniques can help anyone become a better conversationalist.

1. HOW TO START A CONVERSATION:
3 Techniques that Will Break the Ice
By: Courtney Jeremiah

2. NETWORKING

3. WHAT IS NETWORKING?
verb:
The act of making contact and exchanging
information with other people, groups and
institutions to develop mutually beneficial
relationships.
http://www.yourdictionary.com/networking

4. NETWORKING
What does a good “networker”
look like?

5. WHAT EMPLOYERS WANT
1. Ability to work in a team
2. Ability to make decisions and solve
problems
3. Ability to plan, organize and
prioritize work
4. Ability to communicate verbally
with people inside and outside an
organization
5. Ability to obtain and process
information
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)

6. 3 TECHNIQUES THAT WILL
BREAK THE ICE

8. TECHNIQUE #1:
KNOW THE NEWS
 If its newsworthy its
conversation worthy.
 Be sure to stay up to date on
current affairs in the city,
nationally or internationally.
 Read the paper, internet or
watch the news.

9. IN THE NEWS: JUNE 2014
Municipal Election Issues
 Public Transit
 Unemployment
 Improving Infrastructure
 Emergency Planning
 Cycling & Pedestrian
Issues
 Traffic
 Fiscal Responsibility

10. Take a minute to write your
Technique #1

11. TECHNIQUE #2:
KNOW YOUR HOME
 Learn interesting or
surprising facts about your
home country or host city
 “I’m from Toronto, one of
the top 5 most liveable
cities in the world.”
 “I’m from Toronto, the
financial services capital
of Canada.”

12. TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
This country has the greatest linguistic diversity than any
other large country - over 1,000 languages spoken.
INDIA

13. TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
This country fits into just one time zone despite its size.
(Canada has 6)
CHINA

14. TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
The most famous computer game –Tetris – was created by
programmer from this country?
RUSSIA

15. TECHNIQUE #2:
WORLD FACTS – DID YOU KNOW?
This city is home to the ‘Marilyn Monroe’ towers?
MISSISSAUGA

16. Take a minute to write your
Technique #2

17. TECHNIQUE #3:
KNOW HOW TO PITCH
 Cue – will occur naturally
 “What do you do?”
 I’m enrolled in the
Business program at
Centennial College. After
graduation I’d like to work
for a company where I
can help/do/apply…

18. TECHNIQUE #3:
KNOW HOW TO PITCH
 Before you ask for
anything from someone
in your network you
absolutely must build a
relationship.
 Ask for advice instead
of introductions
 Do your research

19. Take a minute to write your
Technique #3

20.  Technique #1: Know the News
 Technique #2: Know your Home
 Technique #3: Know How to Pitch
3 TECHNIQUES THAT WILL
BREAK THE ICE

21. BECOME A BETTER CONVERSATIONALIST
 Speak English with friends
 Watch the news
 Watch English language DVDs
 Listen to English radio
 Use the internet to find resources – e.g. YouTube
 Look up new a word in dictionary everyday
 Join Toastmasters
 Attend Alumni Events

22. Closed mouths don’t get fed.
- Anonymous

23. THANK YOU