B2English

At a Networking Event

Use these phrases to confidently introduce yourself, discuss your work, and build professional connections at networking events or conferences.

Key Phrases

Voice
Breaking the ice · 2 ways to say it

Mind if I join you? I don't really know anyone here yet.

casual

Good for approaching a small group or someone standing alone.

Hi, I don't think we've been introduced. I'm Alex.

neutral
Asking about work · 2 ways to say it

So, what are you working on these days?

casual

What line of work are you in?

neutral

A very natural, common alternative to 'What do you do?'

Explaining your role · 2 ways to say it

I'm with a tech startup, mostly just handling the development side of things.

casual

Using 'with' is a standard spoken way to state where you work.

I oversee the marketing operations for a mid-sized logistics firm.

neutral
Small talk about the event · 2 ways to say it

What'd you think of that last keynote speaker?

casual

Have you had a chance to attend any interesting panels today?

polite
Exchanging contact info · 3 ways to say it

Are you on LinkedIn? We should definitely connect.

casual

Do you happen to have a card, or can I get your cell number?

neutral

US English.

Would you have a card on you, or could I take your mobile number?

polite

UK English.

Wrapping up the conversation · 2 ways to say it

I'm gonna go grab a coffee, but it was great chatting with you.

casual

I should probably let you mingle, but it was a pleasure meeting you.

polite
Suggesting a future meeting · 2 ways to say it

We should grab a coffee sometime and talk more about this.

casual

Let's schedule a brief call next week to see if we can collaborate.

neutral
Promising to follow up

I'll shoot you an email next week so we can bounce some ideas around.

casual

'Shoot someone an email' is an extremely common idiom for sending a quick message.

Practice Dialogue

Designer
Hi, I don't think we've been introduced. I'm Sarah.
Consultant
Nice to meet you, Sarah. I'm Mark. How are you finding the event so far?
Designer
It's pretty good! The last panel, which focused on AI, was actually super helpful. What'd you think?
Consultant
I missed that one, unfortunately. I was stuck on a call. What line of work are you in?
Designer
I oversee UX design for a tech startup. Mostly handling the user research side of things right now. You?
Consultant
I'm an independent consultant. If a company needs to streamline their supply chain, they usually bring me in.
Designer
Oh, that sounds intense. I imagine you travel quite a bit for that kind of work.
Consultant
Yeah, a fair amount. Anyway, I should probably go grab a coffee before the next session, but are you on LinkedIn?
Designer
I am, yeah. Let me just pull up my QR code for you so we can connect on there.
Consultant
Perfect. I'll shoot you a message later this week so we can stay in touch.

More Work & Study (B2)

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