Biglaw, In-House Counsel, Small Law Firms

Conquering Conferences: Making Every Conversation Count

Each interaction is an opportunity to engage in a meaningful and enjoyable dialogue.

By SEJAL PATEL  
on

Business conference access cards on table

Ed. note: This is the fourth article in a series providing a comprehensive guide to networking at conferences. Read the first here, second here, and third here.

In this installment of “Conquering Conferences,” we step into the heart of the event – the social rhythm of conversations.

Like dancers on a floor, each interaction at a conference is an opportunity to engage in a meaningful and enjoyable dialogue.

Let’s discover how to make every conversation count.

The Social Rhythm of Conference Conversations

It’s time to shake things up in the legal mixer, to swirl through the crowd with finesse and engage in conversations that are both professional and personable. 

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Here are some conversation starters that can help you glide through these social interactions with the grace of a seasoned dancer, blending professional topics with personal interest to create a harmonious and memorable exchange:

  1. “Been to this conference before, or are you a freshman?” — A cheeky way to ask about their conference history.
  2. “Got any courtroom war stories?” — Nudging them to share interesting cases.
  3. “Read anything lately that doesn’t have ‘v.’ in the title?” — A light-hearted book question.
  4. “How do you keep the scales of work-life balance from tipping over?” — Adds a relatable, personal element.
  5. “What’s your secret lawyer superpower? Mine’s caffeine tolerance.” — A quirky, personal-professional question.
  6. “Where did you grow up?” — A personal question that often uncovers common backgrounds.
  7. “Any favorite memory from law school?” — Brings a nostalgic, lighter touch.
  8. “What inspired you to choose law as a career?” — Gets into their personal motivations.
  9. “Do you have a hobby that takes your mind off work?” — Shifts the focus to personal interests.
  10. “If you weren’t in law, what would you be doing?” — Encourages them to share dreams and alternate passions.
  11. “What’s your go-to activity for stress relief?” — A personal insight into how they manage the pressures of the profession.
  12. “What’s the most unexpected lesson your legal career has taught you?” — Invites sharing of unique insights and experiences.
  13. “What’s your secret to staying motivated in this challenging field?” — Delves into personal strategies for professional perseverance.
  14. “What legal trend or topic are you currently keeping an eye on?” — Keeps the conversation relevant and industry-focused.
  15. “How do you think our profession will change in the next 10 years?” — Encourages forward-thinking and speculative conversation.

Now that we’ve danced through the conversations, it’s time to learn the art of the graceful exit.

In our next article, we’ll teach you to exit conversations smoothly, leaving a lasting impression without any awkwardness.

The Social Rhythm of Conference Conversations

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✔️ Engage in meaningful dialogues, blending professional topics with personal interests.
✔️ Use open-ended questions to encourage rich, interactive discussions.

Sejal PatelSejal Patel is the Founder of Sage Ivy, a New York-based consultancy specializing in empowering attorneys with innovative practice development strategies. With over 20 years of experience, Sejal applies her expertise in assisting clients convert their relationships into revenue by applying individualized strategies to their networks and leveraging their unique styles authentically.  

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