Fill in the Blanks Networking PhrasesOnline version Fill in the gaps to complete the sentences by Richard Davenport 1 experience telling keynote been of hear about time 1 . Making Smalltalk Commenting on the surroundings : " Have you to this conference before ? " Asking open - ended questions : " What do you think of the speaker ? " " How did you this event ? " Sharing a personal anecdote : " I was just someone about a similar I had . . . " " Reminds me the I . . . " 2 interested attending mentioned seem 2 . Introducing Yourself Offering a firm handshake : " Nice to meet you . I'm Phil Jackson . " Mentioning a mutual connection : " Someone you were , Joe Swinson from JLK Consulting . I'm Fred Thurston . " Highlighting a shared interest : " We both to be in AI for recruitment . I'm Alison Hayes . " 3 more experience knowledge way thought reminds work mentioned impressed 3 . Continuing the Conversation Asking follow - up questions : " So , you Logistics software . Can you tell me about that ? " " That's interesting . How does that ? " Sharing personal experiences : " I've had a similar . Once , I . . . " " That me of a time when . . . " Offering a compliment or praise : " That's a great point . I've never of it that . " " I'm by your of Kaizen principles . " 4 exchange time information up talking catch going conversation afraid pleasure Perhaps 4 . Exiting the Conversation Expressing gratitude : " It was a to you , Joe . " " Thank you for your . " Indicating a time constraint : " I'm I have to be now . " " I need to with someone else . " Offering a follow - up : " we can continue this later . " " Would you like to contact ? "