Topic 119: Networking and Building Connections

A1-A2 (Beginner-Elementary)

1. What is networking?

2. Why do people need to build connections?

3. How do you feel when you meet new people?

4. Can you think of a time when you made a new friend or connection? What happened?

5. Do you think it’s easy or difficult to meet new people? Why?

6. How do you introduce yourself to new people?

7. What kind of events or activities help people meet new people?

8. Do you think it is important to have a lot of friends or connections? Why?

9. What can you do to make a good impression when meeting someone for the first time?

10. How do you feel when you have to talk to someone you don’t know well?

11. What do you think is the best way to stay in touch with people?

12. Do you think it’s important to help others make connections? Why?

13. How do you feel when someone remembers your name after meeting you for the first time?

14. What are some things you can do to keep in contact with people you meet?

15. What is the most important thing to remember when meeting someone for business or work?

16. How do you feel when you have a successful meeting or conversation with someone new?

B1-B2 (Intermediate-Upper Intermediate)

17. Why is networking important for career development?

18. What strategies can you use to build a strong network of contacts?

19. Do you think it’s important to network online? Why or why not?

20. How can you use social media to build professional connections?

21. What are the challenges of networking at professional events or conferences?

22. How do you feel when you need to network for business purposes?

23. How can you maintain relationships with people you’ve met at networking events?

24. Do you think making friends at work is important? Why?

25. How can you network without being too forward or intrusive?

26. What role does communication (listening and speaking) play in networking?

27. Why is it important to offer something in return when networking with others?

28. Do you think networking is only useful for getting a job or advancing a career?

29. How can networking help you learn new things or gain new ideas?

30. What are some ways to make sure you remember the names of people you meet during networking?

31. How can you make your online profile (LinkedIn, for example) work for you when building connections?

32. Do you think networking should be a priority for everyone in the workplace? Why or why not?

C1-C2 (Advanced-Proficient)

33. How does networking play a role in career advancement, and what makes it different from simply having a job?

34. What are the key skills required to build a strong, lasting professional network?

35. How do cultural differences impact networking and building relationships in a global business environment?

36. How can networking help you stay informed about industry trends or opportunities?

37. What are some ethical considerations when building and maintaining professional relationships?

38. How do you balance authenticity and professionalism when networking?

39. What is the importance of emotional intelligence in networking and building meaningful connections?

40. How can technology and digital tools enhance or hinder networking in today’s professional world?

41. Do you think networking is a skill that can be learned, or is it something some people are naturally better at?

42. How can networking in the digital age (through LinkedIn, Twitter, etc.) differ from traditional face-to-face networking?

43. What are the potential downsides of focusing too much on networking for career success?

44. How does networking help with personal development, not just career advancement?

45. How can networking be used to foster innovation or creativity in business or industries?

46. What role does trust play in professional networking, and how can it be established and maintained?

47. Do you think professional networking is as important as personal connections? Why?

48. How can a network of connections contribute to career resilience and adaptability in a constantly changing job market?