As per Harvard Business Review, ( ͠❛ ͜ʖ͠❛ ) 60% of professionals struggle with networking, but for non-native speakers, it’s an even bigger concern!
"I want to build my professional network, but I don’t know how."
"I don't want to make mistakes when trying to speak in English."
A tech professional from China I work with shared this with me
He was attending a major conference with international visitors.
And he’s not alone.
For many non-native English speakers, networking isn’t only about meeting people.
it’s about overcoming
↳ language barriers,
↳ Lack of confidence
↳ The fear of making mistakes. (For a deeper dive into typical grammar mistakes and how to fix them, check out this analysis of common Indian English errors.)
But here’s the thing: networking isn’t about speaking perfect English.
It’s about starting meaningful conversations.
Here’s how you can do that, step by step:
1. Find common ground
Conversations flow easier when you connect over shared interests.
Research beforehand
↳ The event
↳ The speakers
↳ The attendees
Look for common topics
↳ Specific technologies,
↳ Projects
↳ Challenges in your industry.
A simple opening line:
“I saw your talk on—it was insightful!. What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced with [related issue]?”
2. Introduce yourself with confidence
A great introduction sets the tone for the conversation.
Keep it simple and clear:
"Hi, I’m [your name], a [your role] specializing in [your field]. I’d love to hear about your experience in [related topic]."
If you’d like to elevate your presence during presentations, read The One Skill That Separates Great Presenters from the Rest
3. Ask thoughtful questions
Instead of worrying about what to say next, focus on listening and asking good questions.
“I’ve read about your work in [area]. What made you pursue it?”
“What are your thoughts on the latest [technology/trend] updates?”
People love to talk about their experiences—give them the opportunity!
4. Follow up with intention
Networking doesn’t end when the conversation does.
Send a follow-up message on LinkedIn:
"It was great connecting with you at [event]! I’d love to stay in touch and continue our conversation on [topic]."
Again, it's not about perfect English—it's genuine engagement.
For a deeper look at what separates strong presenters from the rest, read here
What’s your biggest challenge when networking? Drop a comment below!
