Navigating Networking with Ease
It’s that time of year when social calendars fill up quickly—networking events, holiday office functions, family gatherings, and meeting friends you haven’t seen in months. For some, it’s an exciting season of connection. For others, it might feel like you’re being asked to put yourself out there more than you’d prefer.
And if you’ve ever wondered:
“How do I feel more at ease and less awkward at a networking event?”
You’re not alone.
This is one of the most common questions I hear from clients this time of year. While the awkwardness is universal, the reasons behind it can vary:
You feel pressure to say the “perfect” thing and present yourself flawlessly.
Talking about yourself feels like selling—and selling feels inauthentic and sleazy.
You’re unsure how to break into conversations or keep them flowing naturally.
If you’re nodding your head, here’s a mindset shift that will change the game:
People don’t always remember what you say—they remember how you make them feel.
When we focus too much on crafting the perfect pitch or rehearsing our words, we miss the real opportunity: connection.
3 Simple Tips to Feel at Ease (and Make a Memorable Impression)
1️⃣ Focus on the Other Person
One of the easiest ways to feel more at ease in a social or networking situation is to take the spotlight off yourself. When we focus too much on what we’re going to say, we can end up overthinking, feeling awkward, or coming across as overly rehearsed. Instead, shift your attention outward—focus on the other person.
Ask open-ended questions that invite conversation:
“What brought you to this event?”
“What’s been keeping you busy lately?”
“What’s your favorite part about the holidays?”
These types of questions are simple but effective. They’re open-ended enough to encourage thoughtful responses, and they show genuine interest in the other person. This naturally creates a connection while giving you more time to feel comfortable and engaged.
When you stay curious, you take the pressure off yourself and create an environment for the other person to open up, making the conversation flow more naturally.
2️⃣ Be Present and Engaged
It’s not just about asking questions—it’s about how you respond. Active listening is one of the most underrated social skills, but it’s key to making a great impression.
Here’s how to stay present and engaged:
Listen deeply: Avoid thinking about your next question or how you’ll respond. Instead, focus fully on what they’re saying.
Show interest: Use non-verbal cues like nodding or smiling, and maintain eye contact to show you’re tuned in.
Ask follow-up questions: Build on what they share. For example, if they say they just got back from a trip, ask, “What was the highlight of your trip?”
People want to feel heard and understood. By being genuinely interested in their responses, you make them feel valued—and that’s far more memorable than delivering a perfectly polished elevator pitch.
3️⃣ Slow Down to Speed Up
When you’re feeling anxious or nervous, it’s easy to start talking too quickly or overanalyzing every word. This can make you feel even more awkward and less in control. The solution? Slow down.
Take a moment to breathe before responding. Pausing not only gives you time to think but also makes you come across as more thoughtful and composed.
Here’s why this works:
Confidence in pacing: Speaking more slowly conveys calmness and authority, even if you’re feeling nervous inside.
Room for dialogue: Slowing down creates natural pauses, giving the other person space to contribute and making the conversation feel more balanced.
Clarity: When you pace yourself, your words are more deliberate, making you easier to understand and follow.
Slowing down doesn’t just help you—it also helps the other person feel more comfortable and engaged in the conversation.
The Holiday Season Is About Connection, Not Perfection
Remember, the best conversations aren’t perfectly rehearsed; they’re authentic and engaging.
So, if you’re heading to a holiday party, networking event, or family dinner and feeling that familiar awkwardness creep in, take the pressure off yourself. Focus on the other person, stay present, and let the conversation unfold naturally.
Connection doesn’t come from what you say—it comes from the energy and presence you bring to the interaction.
What’s one connection you’re looking forward to making this season? Hit reply and share—I’d love to hear!
Happy connecting,
Caitlin
P.S. If this resonated, share it with a friend who could use a confidence boost this season. 🎄
