How to deal with awkward situations at networking events: how to behave!

Now’s the time to implement your networking strategy! Perfect for meeting new professionals, offering your digital business card, making contacts and exchanging ideas on a wide range of topics, networking events can sometimes take unexpected, even… awkward turns! It’s important to handle these awkward moments professionally! Here are a few tips to help you cope.

Be well prepared

Before any business event, it’s a good idea to prepare in advance for how the event will unfold. It’s important to know who will be attending, who will be speaking and who is likely to be present. To avoid blanks, stammering or discomfort, carefully prepare your pitch! You need to have a brief, concise presentation of your background in mind. This will give you the confidence to talk more easily about yourself.

Set up conversation strategies

If you want to have a successful conversation, it’s essential to avoid moments of silence, which can make the other person feel uncomfortable. To avoid this, you can implement a conversation strategy that consists of asking open-ended questions, allowing your prospect to develop his or her answers. You can also choose to put your contact in the spotlight, encouraging them to talk about themselves with questions such as: “What are your projects?” “What are you working on at the moment? This will encourage your prospect to offer detailed answers, and thus avoid awkward moments.

You can also choose to talk about a topical subject that’s close to your heart, if you feel that the conversation with your prospect is running out of steam.

Getting out of a tricky situation tactfully

Certain situations can be a source of discomfort. This is the case, for example, if you forget a name or if someone monopolizes a conversation. To react tactfully, don’t hesitate to use diplomacy! Here are a few examples of phrases to help you get out of an awkward situation without offending the other person:

If someone is monopolizing a conversation, you could say something like: “Thank you for your opinion, I agree/disagree with you. And you [name of a third person], what’s your opinion on the matter?” You can also cut short a conversation that’s making you uncomfortable by using the excuse that you need to go to the bathroom or need to see someone.

Just remember that the more you think about it, the more your discomfort will be felt by the other person! Stay natural, polite and relaxed, and use humor if necessary to lighten a tense atmosphere.

Using body language

To get out of awkward situations, think body language! The body says a lot, and the person you’re talking to may be unconsciously guided by the signals your body sends out. For example, a smile and welcoming gestures are sure to put your prospect at ease! Similarly, avoid gestures that invite mistrust, such as crossed arms or a shifty gaze. It’s important to look at your prospect when you’re talking together, to show that you’re listening and that you’re interested in what he or she has to say.

Take your leave in style

Now it’s time for you to say goodbye, but the person you’re talking to is unstoppable? Are you afraid of offending them and creating an embarrassing situation by ending the exchange? Don’t panic, there are ways to end a conversation without making it awkward. To say goodbye, you can simply play the honesty card by explaining to your prospect that you have something to do after the event and don’t want to be late. You can also use friendly phrases such as: “Thank you for this exchange. I don’t have the time today to talk any further, but I’d be delighted to continue this conversation later”.

You can also conclude by presenting your digital business card so that your prospect can contact you again. Offer them your card, clearly stating your intentions, for example: “I’ve enjoyed chatting with you, so I’ll leave you my card if you’d like to get in touch with me.

If you’ve met exciting people at an event, don’t hesitate to send them a follow-up message on Linkedin, for example! Thank the people with whom you’ve exchanged by mentioning, for example, a detail of a conversation you had with them, to show your interest in the encounter. You can also set up a WhatsApp group to keep in touch with these new contacts on a regular basis.

If you’re faced with an awkward situation at a business event, it’s important to opt for open, caring behavior so as not to aggravate the situation. To avoid them, we advise you to prepare yourself as much as possible, by reciting a few phrases or questions to ask your interlocutors. If an awkward situation does arise, despite your best efforts to avoid it, keep in mind that it’s not serious, and that by remaining courteous, positive and respectful, you can easily get out of awkward situations!