Networking Phrases

noun a physical action of breaking a solid substance

verb to initiate conversation or social interaction in a situation where there is tension or awkwardness

• The host initiated a game to break the ice and help guests get to know each other.
• Let's tell some jokes to break the ice at the party.
• I always bring up my favorite TV show to break the ice with new people.
• His warm smile was enough to break the ice in any situation.

noun a formal presentation or bringing something into use for the first time

verb to present or bring something into use or operation for the first time

• The professor will introduce the new topic during today's lecture.
• I'll introduce you to my friend at the party tonight.
• Let me introduce you to the coolest hangout spot in town.
• The artist used bold colors to introduce a sense of drama to the painting.

verb to mix or combine; to socialize with others

• During the networking event, professionals had the opportunity to mingle and exchange business cards.
• Let's mingle at the party and meet some new people.
• I love to mingle at the club and dance the night away.
• The flavors in the dish mingle together perfectly to create a delicious taste.

adjective having an pleasing appearance or personality, friendly and sociable

• The new employee is very personable and easily connects with clients.
• She's so personable, everyone loves talking to her at parties.
• He's a super personable dude, always cracking jokes and making people feel comfortable.
• Her smile was like a personable ray of sunshine, brightening up the room.

noun casual conversation about unimportant or superficial topics

• During the networking event, we engaged in small talk to break the ice.
• I hate making small talk at parties, it always feels so forced.
• Let's skip the small talk and get straight to the point.
• Their relationship was based on surface-level small talk, with no real depth.

noun a word used to identify any of a class of people, places, or things

verb a word used to describe an action, state, or occurrence

adjective a word naming an attribute of a noun, such as sweet, red, or technical

pronoun a word that can function by itself as a noun phrase and that refers either to the participants in the discourse or to someone or something mentioned elsewhere in the discourse

preposition a word governing, and usually preceding, a noun or pronoun and expressing a relation to another word or element in the clause

interjection an abrupt remark, made especially as an aside or interruption

article a word that is used with a noun to specify grammatical definiteness of the noun, and in some languages extending to volume or numerical scope

• After this conference, please don’t be a stranger and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
• Hey, we should catch up soon! Don’t be a stranger.
• Yo, don’t be a stranger, hit me up anytime.
• Even though we are miles apart, don’t be a stranger, your friendship means a lot to me.

verb To return to a previous point or topic in a conversation or discussion.

• After considering all options, we decided to circle back to the original proposal.
• Let's circle back to that topic later in the meeting.
• I'll circle back with you once I have more information.
• Life has a way of making us circle back to the same challenges until we learn our lesson.

noun a word that refers to a person, place, thing, event, substance, or quality

verb a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being

• During the meeting, it is important to make an ask for additional resources to complete the project on time.
• If you need help with your homework, just make an ask and I'll see what I can do.
• I'm going to make an ask for some cash to buy concert tickets.
• In order to succeed in negotiations, you have to be willing to make an ask for what you truly want.

noun A drive-by handshake refers to a quick handshake exchanged between two people while one or both parties are in motion, such as in a car or passing by each other on the street.

• During the business conference, they exchanged a drive-by handshake as a gesture of courtesy.
• As they passed each other in the hallway, they gave a quick drive-by handshake.
• I didn't have time to stop and chat, so I just gave him a drive-by handshake.
• Their relationship was so strained that their interactions felt like a drive-by handshake - brief and impersonal.

noun HMU is an acronym that stands for 'hit me up', which is a colloquial way of asking someone to contact or message you.

verb HMU is a verb phrase that is used to indicate the action of contacting or messaging someone.

preposition In the context of HMU, 'up' is a preposition that indicates the direction of the action of hitting or contacting someone.

• Please feel free to HMU if you have any further questions regarding the project.
• Hey, HMU if you want to grab lunch later.
• I'm bored, HMU if you want to hang out.
• The new marketing campaign really hit the mark - it's like it's saying 'HMU' to our target audience.