Making space in conversations and meeting new people

Show interest by following up on what someone says

At a business networking event, someone mentions they’re changing how they work with customers. Rather than launching into a long introduction to your own company, you could follow up with: “What led you to make that change?” After they answer, briefly share a related experience of your own and leave room for the conversation to continue. That way, you can find a shared topic without immediately looking for a business opportunity.

Notice whether the conversation includes a mix of questions, answers, and comments from each of you. A series of personal questions without sharing anything yourself can feel like an interrogation. A long monologue, on the other hand, gives the other person no chance to steer the topic. You don’t need to measure the exact time each person speaks. What matters is whether you can both contribute and whether you respond to what was actually said.

In a group, make room for quieter people to contribute too. As the discussion leader, you can stop repeated interruptions and offer someone a chance to speak: “Zuzana, would you like to share your perspective now or after the meeting?” An invitation shouldn’t pressure anyone into sharing something personal. Silence alone doesn’t tell you whether someone agrees, is thinking, or needs a different way to join in.

End a conversation with a new contact in a way that fits what you’ve discussed. If you’d like to send them some material, check that they’re interested and ask how they’d like to receive it. Don’t promise to work together just to be polite. A brief thank-you and a clear end to the conversation are perfectly good options too. Staying in touch should reflect mutual interest and respect the other person’s choice not to continue.