Build professional connections
Students practise networking language for professional events, conferences and workplace introductions.
Lesson overview
Students develop the confidence to start, continue and end professional networking conversations naturally.
Lesson aims
- Use networking vocabulary confidently.
- Introduce yourself and describe your role.
- Ask follow-up questions and show interest.
- Exchange contact details and suggest staying in touch.
- Use present simple and present continuous to talk about work and current projects.
Warm-up questions
- Where do people usually network?
- What makes a good first impression?
- What questions are useful when you meet someone professionally?
Key idea
Good networking is not only about talking about yourself. It is also about listening actively, asking thoughtful questions and creating a professional connection.
Effective Networking Strategies
Read the text about networking strategies and discuss the questions with a partner.
Effective Networking Strategies
Networking is an essential skill in today's professional world. Whether you're looking for a new job, seeking business opportunities, or simply wanting to expand your professional circle, good networking can open many doors.
First, always be prepared. Bring business cards and have a clear idea of what you want to say about yourself. Your introduction should be brief but memorable. Practice explaining your profession and interests in just a few sentences.
Second, ask questions and listen actively. Networking isn't just about talking about yourself. Show genuine interest in others by asking about their work, their challenges, and their goals. People remember those who listen well.
Third, follow up after the event. Send a brief email or message within 24-48 hours. Mention something specific from your conversation to help the person remember you. This simple step can turn a brief meeting into a valuable professional connection.
Finally, remember that networking is about building relationships, not just collecting contacts. Focus on quality over quantity. A few meaningful connections are more valuable than dozens of business cards you'll never use.
Questions
Networking vocabulary
10 minutes · Drag and drop the correct words or phrases into the sentences.
At a conference coffee break
Read and practise the dialogue.
Nina: Hi, I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m Nina Rossi from BrightTech.
Daniel: Nice to meet you, Nina. I’m Daniel Reed. I work for a logistics company called MoveFast.
Nina: Great. What exactly do you do there?
Daniel: I’m a project coordinator. At the moment, I’m working on a new delivery tracking system. What about you?
Nina: I’m in sales, but I’m currently helping with a ...
Comprehension
Networking conversations
Listen to three short networking conversations. Answer the questions, then use the reveal button to show the answers inside each question box.
Conversation 1
Conversation 2
Conversation 3
Conversation 1
Conversation 2
Conversation 3
Present simple and present continuous
Use the present simple for your role and regular responsibilities, and the present continuous for current activities and projects.
Present simple: I work in marketing. / She manages client accounts.
Present continuous: I’m working on a product launch. / We’re preparing a new campaign.
Networking pattern: I work as..., and at the moment I’m working on...
Networking grammar drill
Useful networking phrases
Practise functional language for starting, developing and ending conversations.
| Function | Useful phrase |
|---|---|
| Start a conversation | I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m... |
| Ask about a role | What exactly do you do? |
| Ask about current work | What are you working on at the moment? |
| Show interest | That sounds interesting. / That must be exciting. |
| Find common ground | We work with similar clients, actually. |
| Exchange detailsChoose the best phrase
|