Your body language can send the message that you are open and ready to talk to someone. It can also send the message that you'd rather be left alone. If you are nervous and uncomfortable, you may accidentally be sending messages that suggest that you'd rather be left alone than talk to people. This will discourage people from approaching you. For example, sitting with your arms or legs crossed gives the impression that you are closed off to other people. Smiling at people will signal that you notice them and are open to talking to them. Just like your body language is important, the other person's body language can give you a hint as to how they are feeling. If they seem closed off, they may be having a bad day or not feel like talking. If they are smiling and enjoying themselves, you might have more luck approaching them. Considering body language can help you avoid being shut down when someone is having a rough day. For example, if someone is sitting off to themselves with their arms crossed in front of them, they may not be open to being approached. If someone smiles at you, they may be interested in talking to you. Eye contact is important when you are trying to approach someone. If you look at them and they look away, they may be busy or not interested in talking. On the other hand, if they make eye contact with you, that is a good time to say something to them. For example, if you make brief eye contact with someone, reach your hand out and introduce yourself. Say something like "Hi, I'm Mike." Most people enjoy being complimented. If you are having trouble approaching people to start conversations, try dropping a compliment on strangers as you walk by. There is no need to stop and try to initiate a conversation. You could say something like: I love those shoes! Awesome hair! That's a cute dog! If you want to engage someone in conversation, you will do well to put the ball in their court. When you ask someone a question, they generally answer you. This is especially true if the question follows a compliment or is relative to the situation. For example, you might say, "Awesome hair! Who cuts it?" You will often find yourself in social situations with people you don't know. If you want to talk to one of them, you can start the conversation by commenting on the situation. After all, at the very least you have one thing in common - you are both in the same place. For example, you might say something like, "I didn't expect there to be music here." You might also try asking a question like, "So, what brings you out tonight?" If you feel nervous to go up and talk to strangers, you're not alone. You should know is that almost everyone feels the same hesitation. Just realizing that these insecurities are shared by other people can help you to work through them and find the courage to talk to someone new.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Be aware of your body language. Observe their body language. Make eye contact. Drop a quick compliment. Ask a question. Comment on the situation. Realize that your insecurities are normal.

If possible, get a list of people attending the event ahead of time. Reach out to people you'd like to meet up with via e-mail. Send a short, quick e-mail that says something like, "Hi, I loved your book and it looks like we'll both be at the conference next week. I'd love to meet up." You can also read up on attendees' interests and experience so you'll have something to ask about to break the ice. For example, "So, you went to University of Michigan? I got my masters there." You can ease yourself into socialization if you arrive before an event is too crowded. Arriving early means you can identify people to talk to and strike up a conversation with a smaller group. You'll be less overwhelmed, as you'll be exposed to people gradually rather than all at once. Do you have a more extroverted friend or co-worker attending the event? Ask them for help. Ask whether they want to attend together and you can stick by them if you're feeling overwhelmed. They can help introduce you to others so you don't have to make the first move if you feel intimidated. Make sure the person is okay helping you out, however. You can easily annoy a colleague by following them around if they prefer to be left alone. It can be hard to have deep conversations if you're feeling overwhelmed by an event. Instead, strive to have brief conversations with a variety of people who interest you. Get contact information from these people. You can build the relationship later by following up via e-mail and meeting one on one. If you start to feel drained by a networking event, it's okay to step away and recharge for a few minutes. If you need a few minutes, politely end a conversation by saying you need to get a drink, run to the restroom, or something similar. Step out for a minute to relax before returning to the event.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary -- Contact people ahead of time. Arrive early. Lean on someone else for help. Have brief conversations with a variety of people. Take time out when you need it.

Don't click or press Enter or Return yet. If you want to open the link in a new background tab, hold Cmd (Mac) or Ctrl (Windows) instead. If you want to open the link in a new foreground tab, hold both Cmd+ Shift or Ctrl+ Shift (Windows) instead. This will open it in a new window.
++++++++++
One-sentence summary --
Find the link you want to click or enter the web address you want in your URL bar. Hold down your Shift (Mac) or Shift (Windows) button. As you hold the button, click the link you want to go to, or press Enter.