At networking events, it’s not hard to get people talking. But what’s harder to master is how to get people talking about their work in a way that drives connection and understanding.
When you meet someone new, how can you learn about their work quickly? How can you really get to know them and what matters to them — beyond their boilerplate (ahem: boring) job description? How do you get past the standard spiel and talk about the juiciest parts of their work?
Here are 10 conversation quick-starters I use to get people talking about their work.
Questions to get people talking about their work
- What’s something you’re really proud of?
- What has surprised you about….?
- What have you learned about….?
- What’s something new you’re exploring lately?
- What do you wish you had more time to work on?
- What would your fantasy work day look like if you could spend it doing your favorite things?
- What advice would you give your younger self/someone who is just starting out in this field?
- Why do clients call YOU for advice? What do they turn to you for?
- What are you most excited about?
- How do your professional skills show up outside of work?
And my most important tip: Whether you’re interviewing someone or just getting to know them, BE QUIET after you ask them a question. Don’t jump to fill in the dead air. Let them think and respond. My default nature is to be an impatient extrovert and talk, talk, talk. But when you give someone a beat, and stay quiet a few seconds longer than you might normally find comfortable, they usually take that space to share (and often really shine!).
P.S. Read my full breakdown of how to interview thought leaders, from the interview prep to the follow-up, and how I aim for deep understanding even on short interviews.
