1. Use the 3-second rule. Deep breath, count to three, and adopt a great attitude - curious, enthusiastic, calm, etc. When you see someone you want to talk to, say 1, 2, 3 and walk over without hesitating. Don't give your brain time to take over and come up with excuses. Seize the moment and approach calmly.
2. Say something. A casual statement about the city or weather or general item. Then an open question beginning with who, what, where, when or how... selecting a topic that directs attention away from the two of you. "Do you know anything about this company?" Use a prop if needed.
3. Build trust quickly. Link yourself to the event by talking about your work, school or community involvement - something local and reliable. You might say "My office is in Montreal, and I come here almost every year."
4. Hunt for common ground. Be on the lookout for opportunities to say "Me, too" or "What a coincidence" or "Funny you should say that." Of course, be honest and sincere.
5. Evaluate. After 20 seconds you should know if a person is interested in talking. If it's not going well, politely exit the conversation and don't be discouraged. Be fearless and calm, and detach yourself from the outcome.
6. Synchronize. If you feel a connection, escalate the intensity by subtly mirroring the person's overall body position and voice (tone, speed, volume).
7. Engage. If it's been 2 minutes, take the encounter where you want, or ask for a phone number or e-mail address. Or indirectly, pick up on something you've been talking about and offer to send a link or some info if they will share an e-mail address (or LinkedIn). If your request is rejected, then say politely, "It was nice chatting with you," and go about your business with your confidence intact.
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