50 ways to start a conversation in English at work

Socializing and networking doesn’t come naturally to everyone. Whether it be a language issue  or a question of skills and behaviors, many professionals struggle when networking and socializing with new people. How do you start a conversation when you walk into a meeting room and there are a lot of people you don’t know? Introducing yourself is the obvious first step: “Hi, my name’s Renate and I’m a member of the purchasing team.” … Easy… but what comes next?  If you are shy this can be awkward in your own language –  AND doing it in a foreign language can be really challenging!  Our InCorporate Trainers often find that seemingly small challenges such as this can cause an unnecessary amount of pressure. A few trainers have come up with 50 phrases to help you break the ice and start a conversation. Many of the phrases can be used in any context – but some are only used in certain situations. You don’t need to remember them all just pick the ones you feel comfortable with and can say naturally.

Collecting someone from reception

1. Did you have any problems finding us?
2. Did you find the parking area ok?
3. How are things going?
4. I like your laptop bag. Where did you get it?
5. Do you know…?
6. What are you hoping to get out of today?
7. How was your weekend?
8. Did you hear that…?
9. What have you been up to lately?
10. Are many of your colleagues coming today?

Waiting for the presentation/meeting to start

11. Is it OK if I sit here?
12. I don’t think we’ve met before. My name is…
13. Where are you from?
14. I think you were at the XXX meeting last month, weren’t you?
15. Do you know what the Wi-Fi code is?
16. When did you arrive?
17. What brings you here today?
18. How was your journey?
19. Nice weather / terrible weather, isn’t it?
20. I could really use a coffee. Do you know where the machine is?

During the coffee break

21. Do you mind if I join you?
22. How’s the coffee?
23. Can I pour you a coffee?
24. What do you think of it so far?
25. I was a bit late this morning; did I miss anything in the first 10 minutes?
26. Which department are you in?
27. Don’t you work with…?
28. I can’t believe how many people are here today.
29. Do you find it hot in here?
30. I found it interesting that XX said …?

During lunch

31. Is this seat taken?
32. So, what do you think of this morning?
33. Have you eaten here before?
34. How’s your steak / fish etc.?
35. Have you had a good day so far?
36. Do you know many people here?
37. Do you know what the program is for this afternoon?
38. How did you get into this business?
39. What do you do?
40. Did you travel in today or come last night?

After a presentation/meeting

41. What did you think of today?
42. What’s been the highlight of the day for you?
43. What have you learned today?
44. I liked what xxx said about yyy.
45. How’s today been for you?
46. What do you think about…?
47. What are you working on at the moment?
48. How long have you been working here?
49. Are you taking a taxi to the hotel/ train station / airport ?
50. Do you have any plans for the weekend?

Even more resources

You’ve now got 50 practical phrases and of course there are  many, many more. Here are 5 more tips for you.

• Pay attention to how others start a conversation. Then see if this works for you.
• If you want to read more about socializing in English this blog post talk about why small talk can be so hard AND what you can do to make it easier.
• And if you sometimes struggle with your English over business lunches then take a look at this blog post.
• Our eBook on “Why small talk is so big in America” provides cultural insights which will help you work with American colleagues and suppliers.
• This post has 5 practical tips for successful networking.