Walking into a room where everyone seems to know someone is uncomfortable in any language. Give yourself a small assignment: speak to one person who is standing alone, or join one open group. You are looking for a useful exchange, not an instant business opportunity.
Approach the easiest opening
- Hi, is this your first time at this event?
- How did you hear about tonight?
- Mind if I join you?
- I don’t think we’ve met — I’m Lina.
An open group usually has space between people and no one speaking in a hushed voice. Stand near the edge, make eye contact, and ask to join. That is clearer than hovering silently.
Introduce yourself without reciting a résumé
Ask questions people can enjoy answering
- What are you working on at the moment?
- What brought you into that field?
- Was there anything in the talk you disagreed with?
- Who have you enjoyed meeting tonight?
- Is there another session you’re planning to attend?
Share the airtime
After one or two questions, add your own related detail. If the other person knows everything about you and you know only their job title, the conversation has become a pitch or an interview.
Leave with a real next step
Ask for contact details only when there is a reason to continue. Mention it: “I’d like to read the report you mentioned.” A specific thread makes the follow-up less likely to disappear.