Essential English Phrases for Networking Events and Conferences

I remember my first big conference. I stood near the coffee machine, staring at my badge, hoping nobody would talk to me. Classic mistake. The truth is, networking doesn't require a perfect accent or a business degree. You just need a handful of English phrases for networking that feel natural.

Let me share the phrases that saved me – and that my students now use without stress.

Opening a conversation

The hardest part is the first three seconds. Don't overthink it. Use a simple observation or a direct question.

• "Great talk, wasn't it? I really liked the part about…"
• "Hi, I’m [name]. I work in [field]. What about you?"
• "First time at this conference?"

Why these work: They're not clever. They’re just friendly. The other person can answer with a yes/no and then add more if they want.

Keeping small talk alive

After the opener, you need to fill the gap before you run out of things to say. My trick? Ask open-ended questions that start with “How” or “What.”

• "How did you get into [topic]?"
• "What’s keeping you busy at work these days?"
• "Are you enjoying the event so far?"

If the conversation stalls, share something about yourself. For example: “I actually flew in from Tokyo this morning – still jet-lagged, but excited to be here.” That gives the other person a hook to ask something back.

Exchanging information

Don’t just hand over a business card. Add a sentence that makes the exchange feel human.

• "Let me give you my card – and feel free to connect on LinkedIn."
• "I’ll send you that article we talked about. What’s the best email for you?"
• "Here’s my number. Text me if you want to grab coffee tomorrow."

One personal tip: After the event, send a quick message within 24 hours. It’s the difference between “that nice person I met” and “who was that again?”

Ending the conversation gracefully

Nobody likes the awkward “umm… well…” shuffle. Use a polite closing that leaves the door open.

• "It was great meeting you. I hope we cross paths again."
• "I’d better grab a seat before the next session starts. Enjoy the rest of the event!"
• "Let’s stay in touch. Good luck with your project!"

Notice none of these are lies. They’re just friendly goodbyes.

Here’s the simple flow I follow – it works every time:

One final thought

You don’t need to be the life of the party. You just need to be present and use a few phrases that feel like you. The best networkers aren’t the ones who talk the most – they’re the ones who listen and ask good questions.

Ready to practice? Try these phrases aloud before your next event. Then come test your English level for free on English Measure – we’ll check your reading, listening, writing, and speaking skills and give you a clear picture of where you stand. Start your free test here.