Personal Branding Weekly – Dazzling Conversation Starters

  • 1 min read


Ever hit that moment of awkward silence?

At an event and don’t know what to talk about?

Does it seem like all you do is grip, grin and graze making chit chat that’s merely a conversation seeking a topic?

Here’s an easy acronym to navigate you through a conversation. Ask questions following the pattern of this acronym surrounding each letter as a focus for the question: FORMULA.

F = friends and family (i.e. Do you have any friends doing what you do?)
O = occupation and organizations (i.e. What do you do for a living?)
R = rest, relaxation and recreation (i.e. When you’re not working, what do you like to do?)
M = motivation (i.e. Why did you go into business?)
U = unique (i.e. What is it that makes you different from ABC company?)
L = loves (i.e. Golfers love the game. Collectors love their hobby. Ask about it and listen.)
A = associations (i.e. Are you member of the XYZ industry association? Where do you learn about all the latest industry news? Do you have a local chapter of XYZ?)

Use this acronym to help you move a conversation along in a meaningful way!

Short and sweet this week! Remember, when you start the conversation your job is to listen and to learn about people and connections. The greatest conversationalist are often the greatest listeners.

Here’s more helpful hints as you wind down your summer!

Picture of Maria Elena Duron

Maria Elena Duron

Maria Elena Duron, is managing editor of the Personal Branding Blog, CEO (chief engagement officer) of buzz2bucks– a word of mouth marketing firm, and a professional speaker and trainer on developing social networks that work. She provides workshops, webinars, seminars and direct services that help create conversation, connection, credibility, community and commerce around your brand.  Maria Duron is founder and moderator of #brandchat- a weekly Twitter chat focused on every aspect of branding that is recognized by Mashable as one the 15 Essential Twitter Chats for Social Media Marketers.

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