In our last post, we offered tips on Making Meetings Matter. We got great feedback on it, and a lot of interest in one of our tips – Learn to “Work a Room.” So we’re going to commit a couple of posts to the topic.
This week – one simple question to start a relationship with a stranger:
“What do you enjoy doing outside of work?”
Nancy tells the story about her husband, Jim, asking her this question on their first date many years ago. Clearly it launched quite a conversation!
He still asks this question at parties today. He’s learned to mix it up over the years with other ways to ask: “What are your hobbies?” “What do you do for fun?” “What are you doing for fun this weekend?”
This type of question opens people up, and you get to see a side of them that you would never have guessed.
It’s a good question to ask when you are with a boss or executive and their partner – it draws people out and paves the way for many follow-up questions. Or, if you’re the boss, it can make you seem less intimidating to your employees and their partners.
After many years of marriage, Nancy may be a little weary of hearing Jim’s question, but it charms people and gets them to open up every time! So, if you’re not comfortable with ‘small talk,’ try asking this question and you’ll see how quickly you’ll be engaged in an interesting discussion.
We’ll offer more ideas on working a room in our next Tactful Self-Promotion Tips Newsletter. In the meantime, just try out this question – end enjoy the conversation that comes from it!