Continuing a conversation when meeting for the first time (intermediate)
After being introduced at networking or gatherings, naturally extend the conversation by asking how you know each other and what you do, and politely wrap it up.
→ / ←
It seems like we are meeting for the first time. I'm David.
A native-like opener to introduce yourself naturally at a gathering. A sophisticated way to break the awkwardness yourself.
But how do you know the host?
A common question to find a shared connection at a party or gathering. It's a safe card that anyone can answer to open the conversation.
What do you do? (occupation)
I work in marketing.
'be in + field' is a natural way to refer to an industry instead of a specific title. 'I work in marketing' has the same meaning.
Hello, how have you been?
I enjoyed our conversation. I’ll take my leave now.
A polite closing to end a conversation naturally. It shows consideration by 'letting the other person go', allowing for a graceful farewell.
- 1
First meeting conversation expansion framework: Opener (I don't think we've met) → Finding common ground (How do you know ___?
- 2
) → Asking about profession (What do you do?
- 3
) → Response (I'm in ___).
- 4
Just follow these 4 steps and you can keep the conversation going for a few minutes without silence.
- host — host, inviter
- for a living — for a living, as a profession
- field — field, industry
- get back to it — to return to the work you were doing