Reading about self-introductions and small talk is not enough—you must practice these skills in real-world settings. Practicing through role-plays and networking scenarios lets you experience the language in action, improve your confidence, and develop your ability to respond naturally in business situations.
This lesson will guide you through practical exercises and dialogues that reflect the genuine conversations you will have in business meetings, conferences, events, and online networking. Along the way, you will encounter the most useful vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, and strategies for professional communication. Each section will explain, model, and encourage you to try these skills yourself, helping you build strong business connections.
Role-plays are simulated conversations where you “act out” typical business situations with a partner or in a group.
Networking scenarios are practice situations based on real events, like conferences, trade shows, or online meetings, where professionals meet and connect.
Role-plays and scenarios help you:
Apply language and expressions in context
React to unexpected questions or topics
Get comfortable with “live” English
Learn how to initiate, maintain, and end conversations professionally
Before starting any role-play or scenario, take these steps:
Review key phrases and vocabulary from previous lessons.
Think about your own background: What’s your job title? What company do you work for? What are your responsibilities?
Decide on your networking goal: Are you meeting to exchange ideas, find new partners, or learn from others?
Choose your setting: In-person event, online meeting, or professional social media (like LinkedIn).
Scenario 1: Meeting at a Conference (Face-to-Face)
Role-Play Instructions:
Imagine you are attending an industry conference for the first time. You meet another attendee during the coffee break.
Dialogue Example:
You: Good morning! My name is Laura Jensen. I’m a Product Manager at BrightWave Technologies. How are you finding the conference so far?
Partner: Hello, Laura. I’m Michael Ruiz, Senior Analyst at GigaData. It’s been great so far—lots of useful sessions.
You: I agree! I just attended the session on digital marketing. By the way, what’s your main focus at GigaData?
Partner: I work mainly with data analytics for retail clients. And you?
You: I manage product development for our new mobile app solutions.
Analysis:
Starts with a greeting and clear self-introduction.
Uses polite questions (“How are you finding the conference?”).
Builds rapport by discussing the event and work roles.
Product Manager /ˈprɒdʌkt ˈmænɪdʒər/: A person in charge of developing and managing a product.
Find (something) (verb): In this context, “How are you finding…?” means “What do you think of…?” or “How do you like…?”
Session (noun): A part of a conference or meeting focused on a particular topic.
Focus (noun): The main area of attention or specialization.
Manage (verb): To be responsible for organizing or controlling something.
Task:
Pair up with a classmate or partner.
Greet and introduce yourself using your real or “imagined” business profile.
Ask a polite question about the event or the other person’s work.
Switch roles after a few minutes and try again with a new question or detail.
Feedback Tips:
Was your introduction clear and confident?
Did you use job titles and company names correctly?
Did you ask at least one follow-up question?
Scenario 2: Online Networking Event
Role-Play Instructions:
You join an online business networking session. You meet someone in a breakout room.
Dialogue Example:
You: Hello, I’m Ravi Patel, and I lead the HR team at Synapse Solutions. Where are you joining from today?
Partner: Hi, Ravi. I’m Helena from EcoTrade, connecting from Lisbon. It’s my first time at this event—how about you?
You: Same here! It’s exciting to meet people from all over. What does EcoTrade do?
Partner: We focus on sustainable packaging. And at Synapse, what’s your current project?
You: We’re developing a new talent management system for remote teams.
Analysis:
Begins with self-introduction and location, common for virtual events.
Includes open questions and active listening.
Moves smoothly from small talk to business.
Weather and Location:
“Is it warm in Lisbon this time of year?”
“How’s the weather where you are?”
Professional Interests:
“What inspired you to join this event?”
“What projects are you currently working on?”
Industry News:
“Have you seen any interesting trends in your sector lately?”
“What do you think about the latest developments in sustainable business?”
Active Listening Phrases:
“That’s really interesting.”
“I hadn’t heard about that—could you tell me more?”
“It sounds like a great initiative.”
HR (Human Resources): The department responsible for employee management.
Lead (verb): To be in charge of or manage a team or project.
Breakout room: A smaller virtual meeting space in an online event.
Sustainable (adjective): Environmentally friendly and able to be maintained over time.
Talent management: The strategy or process of attracting and retaining skilled employees.
Task:
In a group or with classmates, create an online networking “mixer.”
Each person must introduce themselves.
Each person should ask at least one small talk question.
Practice using active listening phrases.
Feedback Tips:
Did you keep the conversation flowing?
Did you use expressions to show interest and engagement?
Did you avoid negative or overly personal topics?
Scenario 3: Making New Connections
Role-Play Instructions:
You are at a trade show, and you approach someone at an exhibitor’s booth.
Dialogue Example:
You: Good afternoon. I’m Maria Evans from Nova Foods. I saw your booth and wanted to learn more about your products.
Partner: Hi, Maria. Welcome! I’m Tom Lee, Marketing Manager at FreshPack. We specialize in eco-friendly packaging solutions for the food industry.
You: That’s impressive! Sustainability is also a priority for us at Nova Foods. How long has FreshPack been in this market?
Partner: We started five years ago and now supply packaging to over 50 companies in Europe.
Analysis:
The conversation starts with a greeting and a purpose.
Uses positive feedback (“That’s impressive!”).
Moves into shared business interests.
Exhibitor (noun): A company or person showing products at an event.
Booth (noun): A small, enclosed area where products or information are displayed.
Specialize (verb): To focus on a particular product, service, or field.
Priority (noun): Something considered more important than others.
Supply (verb): To provide products or services.
Task:
Simulate a trade show.
One person is an exhibitor, one is a visitor.
Greet, introduce yourselves, ask about products or services.
Try to find a “common interest” and exchange business cards (real or imaginary).
Feedback Tips:
Did you use business-related questions and vocabulary?
Did you show enthusiasm and interest in the other’s company?
Did you end the conversation politely?
A successful business connection often depends on how you end a conversation and follow up afterward.
Model Endings:
“It’s been great talking with you. May I have your business card?”
“Thank you for your time. I’d love to stay in touch—may I connect with you on LinkedIn?”
“I hope we can work together in the future.”
Model Email Follow-Up:
Subject: Great Connecting at [Event Name]
Dear [Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at [event]. I enjoyed our conversation about [topic]. Let’s stay in touch, and please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss [shared interest].
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Vocabulary:
Follow up (phrasal verb): To contact someone after a meeting or event.
Stay in touch: To keep communicating or maintain a relationship.
Reach out: To contact someone, usually to offer help or start a conversation.
Scenario 4: LinkedIn Connection Request
Task:
Write a brief message to connect with someone you met at a conference.
Example Message:
Hello [Name],
It was a pleasure meeting you at the Business Innovation Summit. I enjoyed our discussion on digital marketing trends. I’d be delighted to connect and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Sometimes, conversations at networking events are challenging:
You forget someone’s name.
You feel nervous or don’t know what to say.
The conversation doesn’t flow easily.
You meet someone with a very different background.
Strategies:
If you forget a name: “I’m sorry, could you remind me of your name?”
If you’re nervous: Take a deep breath, smile, and focus on asking questions.
If the conversation is slow: Change topics politely, or ask about something you notice (like their company badge or a product at their booth).
If you meet someone very different: Show interest by asking open questions about their work or culture.
Vocabulary:
Badge (noun): A card or tag showing your name and company at an event.
Collaboration (noun): Working together on a shared goal or project.
Different background: Having a different career path, education, or experience.
Self-Assessment Checklist:
Did I greet and introduce myself clearly?
Did I use business-appropriate small talk?
Did I ask and answer questions naturally?
Did I respond with interest and active listening phrases?
Did I end the conversation professionally?
Did I follow up (if relevant)?
Peer Feedback Tips:
Was the language clear and polite?
Did the conversation flow well?
Was business vocabulary used correctly?
Activity:
Organize a simulated business networking event. Each learner receives a profile (job title, company, interest).
Mingle and introduce yourself to as many people as possible.
Use small talk, ask questions, and try to find at least one potential collaboration.
Exchange “business cards” or contact details.
Debrief:
Who made the most connections?
Who found common business interests?
What strategies worked best for starting or ending conversations?
Networking: Building relationships for professional growth and business opportunities.
Dialogue: A conversation between two or more people.
Collaboration: Working together with others on a project or task.
Initiate: To begin something, like a conversation or project.
Engage: To participate actively in a discussion.
Common interest: A subject or area that two or more people share enthusiasm for.
Professional relationship: A connection with others based on work or business activities.
Example Sentences:
“Networking events are a great place to initiate new business relationships.”
“Finding a common interest can help build rapport quickly.”
“It’s important to follow up after making a new business connection.”
Scenario A: Meeting a New Colleague
You: Hi, I’m David, the new Sales Representative.
Partner: Welcome, David! I’m Grace, Head of Customer Support.
You: Nice to meet you, Grace. How long have you been with the company?
Partner: I’ve been here for four years. If you need any help settling in, just let me know.
Scenario B: Starting a Conversation at a Seminar
You: Hi there, is this seat taken?
Partner: No, go ahead.
You: Thanks. I’m Emma from StarTech. Are you here for the panel on AI?
Partner: Yes, I am! I work in IT, so I’m really interested in this topic.
You: Me too—I’m hoping to learn about the latest trends.
Be authentic: Use your real professional interests when possible.
Practice both roles: Try being both the initiator and the responder.
Record and reflect: Listen to recordings of your practice. Identify what sounded confident and what could be improved.
Expand your vocabulary: Try using new business expressions and idioms in each practice session.
Q1: How can I overcome nervousness when speaking to new people?
A: Prepare key phrases in advance, smile, and remember that most people appreciate friendly conversation.
Q2: What if I make a language mistake?
A: Don’t worry! Correct yourself if you can, but keep going. People respect effort and clarity more than perfection.
Q3: How do I make sure I’m not talking too much about myself?
A: Balance your conversation by asking questions and listening to your partner’s responses.
Mastering business introductions and small talk is only the first step. Practicing through realistic role-plays and networking scenarios builds the confidence and flexibility needed to succeed in professional environments. Remember:
Practice regularly—role-plays with feedback are essential.
Focus on clarity, politeness, and engagement.
Use new vocabulary and expressions from each lesson in real business interactions.
Reflect on your performance and set goals for improvement.
Your ability to make strong first impressions and build valuable connections will become a powerful asset in your business English journey.
Write and practice a dialogue for a real business event you might attend.
Record yourself or do the role-play with a classmate.
Evaluate: Did you use the strategies and vocabulary from this lesson? How did you feel? What will you try differently next time?