The idea of walking up to strangers at a conference and striking up conversation can be intimidating. Fortunately, the PodCamp community is friendly and supportive! I have some tricks I’ve picked up over the years on overcoming shyness and breaking the ice that I’d like to share.
1. Think “I can do it”
Positive thinking drives you to achieve your goals. Negative thinking stops you from trying new things. Since PodCamp Toronto is all about learning and trying new things, don’t stifle yourself, think positively at the very beginning!
2. We all share something(s) in common
“Hi… <insert item in common>” is a great motivator for overcoming initial shyness. Not that I use canned material, but these ice breakers come in handy for me at tech events:
- is this your first time attending PodCamp Toronto?
- do you produce a podcast?
- (gesturing towards the iPhone in their hand) what are your favourite iPhone apps?
- (gesturing towards the moleskine in their hand) ooo a moleskine!
- So, how about that iPad?
3. Don’t divert your eyes
As you walk around the venue over the two days, try to maintain eye contact with everyone you happen to walk by. It makes you appear friendly and approachable. Maybe that someone is also trying to overcome his or her shyness to come over and talk to you! Maintaining eye contact can be difficult so what I do is notice their eye colour. Works like a charm.
4. Approaching groups
Approaching a group of people can be very intimidating. Casually entering seems to work for me (sometimes; it’s a timing game). Should the group be discussing a topic that I’m interested in (hobbies, current events, etc.), I casually enter during an appropriate break and ask “Are you talking about such-and-such?” then follow up with another question.
5. Present a session
The best way to have people come up to YOU! Seriously, presenting not only promotes you as an expert on a topic, it also gives you a confidence boost after doing what most people dread— public speaking.
6. Prepare before the event
PodCamp co-founder, Chris Brogan, blogged that he likes to get to know fellow attendees on Twitter before meeting them in person at upcoming events. I always liked this approach because it not only makes you approachable, it adds an additional excitement to look forward to at the event— meeting up with a new friend!
Of course, don’t forget to follow up with the new people you’ve met after the event. What do you do to break the ice at conferences?
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Daniele,
Thanks for sharing these fabulous and very specific tips. It’s reassuring to think I might not be the only one dying to connect with people, yet completely at a loss (and full of fear) as to how to do it without risking complete rejection and humiliation.
Thinking back on my various interactions with you, I can recall how good I’ve felt each time you’ve approached with a friendly face and a sincere question or comment — so I know that these tips will work for those brave enough to use them (or maybe it’s just your natural born daniele-charm)
Have a great time at PCTO. We will be missing all of you!!
Andrea
xoxo
Thanks Andrea! Unfortunately, the only way to get over that fear is to do it. And do it often. Like everything in life, I suppose
I learned that there really is no magic formula except to just keep positive and try again.
I’ll be missing you guys at PCTO but at least there’s live Tweeting!
Good tips and ideas, Daniele!
In particular, I think the one about making eye contact is something more people should practice - you know the old joke: how can you tell the extroverted geek in a room full of geeks? They’re the one looking at the *other* person’s shoes.
great tips, I am surprised you didn’t say anything business cards. There a great way to bring people back to your podcast/blog, and it helps people remember you. I use them to break the Ice Hi my name is … have you ever heard of… hand the card out. I found out it helps out a lot and grows your brand. hope to see you all at Podcamp Toronto