What is a French Speed Networking?
French Speed Networking = ” French Language ” + “ Speed Networking”
Speed Networking = “ idea of Speed Dating ” +”Networking”
Speed Networking is an efficient, face-to-face professional networking model that enables participants to make new contacts through one-on-one focused conversations lasting between 2-5 minutes.
“French Speed Networking” is the same efficient, face-to-face professional networking but in French Language, so you can practice your french and forge new connections at the same time. In French Circles Club, we have 3 different levels of a “French Speed Networking”: 1) Beginner Level (Niveau débutant); 2) Intermediate Level (Niveau Intermédiaire); and 3) Advanced Level (Niveau Avancé).
It’s a loud, energizing, and fun french conversation group.
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Participants are split into two groups (Group 1 and 2) and are seated in pairs facing each other.
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The person sitting across from you is your first partner. You spend some time with this person having a small French conversation about a topic/question that is given previously. (No more than 4-5 minutes with each partner; 1 minutes for each person to speak and introduce themselves plus 1-2 minutes for questions or/and more conversation)
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After the 4-5 minutes the bell indicates that time is up and the person from the group 1 is told to move one seat over to face the next person. The person from the group 2 stays in his/her seat. The conversation continue. Depending of the level of the group, Your group repeat the same topic/question or move on to the next one.
Once the “Speed” part is over, there’s time later for people to reconnect with those they wanted to talk to in more detail. (Last half hour)
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Refine your message – your 60 second story – (Have your elevator pitch ready) One minute is short, so forget about listing your complete professional and personal life history. Pick a couple of key things and find an engaging way to describe them.
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Listen as well as talk and focus on the important points (Make it interesting and be enthusiastic)
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Take 30 or more business cards – Sounds basic but you wouldn’t believe the number of people who run out of cards before the night is over, or didn’t think to bring them along. (Take plenty, you may get the chance to meet more people than you expect.)
Some ideas to help you plan your own networking story:
Quick personal introduction:
Where are you from?
What do you do for a leaving?
What did you enjoy about your work and what do you think would be the most interesting/helpful thing for your listener to know about your professional experiences?
Now that you know what is a French Speed Networking Remember:
People remember those who show a genuine interest in them, which is true of all kinds of networking.
This event will be an opportunity to meet other peers who are interested to speak and/or to improve their French skills. I wish you a good “French Speed Networking” with new and interesting conversations. Enjoy!
Maya
