BC 302 Social Communication - Module I

BC 302 Social Communication - Mod I

Small Talk - Building Rapport - PR and Networking

Small Talk

• Small talk is light, informal conversation.

• It’s commonly used when you’re talking to someone you don’t know very well and at networking and social events.

How to Make Small Talk

• Ask open-ended questions.

• Practice active listening. 

• Put away your phone.

• Show your enthusiasm

Open Ended

Give me a conversation starter.

Poll

What do you think is the best conversation topic?

• Weather

• Traffic

• Family

• Hobbies

• Sports

Poll

Among the following which one would be your go to answer for a random question?

• “Mhmm”

• "Tell me more”

• "Interesting"

Small Talk Topics

• The climate

• Shows, movies, plays, etc.

• News

• Food, restaurants, or cooking

• Their hobbies

• Travel

• Sports

Open Ended

Let's try again.

Give me a conversation starter.

How to End a Conversation?

“This has been great -- thanks for telling me about X. Do you have a card?”

Rapport

/raˈpɔː/

noun

a close and harmonious relationship in which the people or groups concerned understand each other's feelings or ideas and communicate well.

Building Rapport

• The act of building relationships with others in which both parties feel supported and understood.

• Rapport is important when networking, during interviews and when developing your career at a certain job.

• While building rapport can take time, it is helpful as you work to accomplish important career goals.

Open Ended

Why is it important to build rapport?

Why is building rapport important?

• Relationships with inspirational people.

• Relationships with key stakeholders. 

• Relationships with possible connections.

• Relationships with interviewers and hiring managers. 

How to build rapport

• Find times to connect.

• Be friendly but genuine.

• Ask questions about the person’s work, life or interests.

• Remember details from your conversation—especially their name.

• Build on previous conversation with follow-up questions.

How to build rapport

• Answer their questions about yourself.

• Find a balance between questions, statements and taking turns speaking.

• Use open, welcoming body language.

• Be respectful of their time.

• Provide your contact information.

Public Relations and Networking

Public Relations 

PR is all about people—meeting them, talking to them, learning from them.

That being said, networking is an essential skill for the PR communicator's tool kit.

You have to be able to network effectively to gain clients, establish media contacts and build brand awareness with the public.

Effective PR Networking

• Prepare Before You Go

• Get Connected - Work the room.

• Meet the Power - Be ready to take the initiative when you encounter top executives.

• Don't Overstay Your Welcome - Know when you want to leave.

• Use What You've Learned