<p>I'm going to be attending an academic research conference in less than a month. I'll be meeting a lot of people from different parts of the nation and I'll be expected to be a good colleague. But I'm really scared and worried about being in awkward and embarrassing moments when I don't know what to say and/or how to behave. My poor oral English presents an even greater obstacle, along with my shy personality. I also am much less mentally mature than typical someone of my age so this is another problem that will make it difficult for me to interact with profs and colleagues naturally. How can you be socially successful or at least natural while participating in such event as academic research conference?</p>
<p>I usually just preemptively AMOG everyone else, run some BF-destroying patterns, employ some DHV's, and deliver shotgun negs, all the while looking for IOI's and aiming to kiss, number, or even F-close--wait, what were we talking about again?</p>
<p>Where are you going? ASH? Pretty much anywhere you go that draws academics from all over the nation is comprised of at least a few (if not close to half) non-native English speakers. You'll probably fit in fine.</p>
<p>
[quote]
How can you be socially successful or at least natural while participating in such event as academic research conference?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>Well, that's sort of the problem. You can't act natural, you're either natural or not. You can LEARN to be natural, but that's something that comes from being around people a lot. </p>
<p>In general though, try to keep them talking about themselves and their projects and let them ask about you. If there's an awkward silence go ahead and tell something about what you do research on; not a hardcore explanation (unless they ask for one), just an overview. And if theres awkward silence after that then shake hands, say it was nice to meet them and you hope to see them again soon, and move on. </p>
<p>Keep some resumes handy if it's that sort of thing, and some form of business card wouldn't be a terrible idea if you're looking for real contacts for a job or internship. Keep a pen on you so you can write their name/number on the card they give you if it's not there. If they're from another country read the card and don't let them see you put it in your wallet (it's a custom in some countries, I think Germany and Japan, not sure.)</p>
<p>Networking is hard for shy people, but you can learn to do it.</p>
<p>You should have some sort of business card but I recommend that you use them only with people you have something in common with/a connection with. Some people just collect cards from everyone and it makes no sense to me.</p>
<p>Be prepared with a short statement about yourself, where you're from, what brought you to the conference - something concise that will flow easily when you meet people. Rehearse it ahead of time if you need to.</p>
<p>If you see others who are alone, go up and introduce yourself and ask what brought them to the conference etc (like the previous poster chuy described). If the conversation gets awkward or stalls, just say well it was nice to meet you and go get another drink or something and start over. If it is someone you're interested in keeping in touch with, ask them if you can have one of their cards and then give them one of yours. </p>
<p>If you have trouble making yourself understood, it is OK to say, "Sorry, my English is not so good - I'm still working on it" or something like that. People will understand!</p>
<p>If you see someone you would like to talk to, like one of the speakers, go up and introduce yourself and say that you were really interested in his talk on XYZ and were wondering about ABC. Ask questions that you didn't get to ask after the talk. If you are interested, ask them for a card and give them one of yours.</p>
<p>Poster sessions are a great way to talk to people. Just go up and ask questions about their research. Again, if you are interested in keeping in touch, exchange cards.</p>
<p>If there are meals or banquets where everyone gets together, try to sit with a different group at every meal. If there is an empty seat at a table, ask "May I join you?". Often people then introduce themselves to everyone at the table. It's customary to talk to people on your left and right and then others at the table. Ask them what brought them to the conference etc.</p>
<p>It's important to have realistic expectations. If it is your first time at the meeting, you will probably make many acquaintances... but it takes time to build networks and relationships. People usually form networks by going to these meetings many times, serving on committees, etc.</p>
<p>
[quote]
I usually just preemptively AMOG everyone else, run some BF-destroying patterns, employ some DHV's, and deliver shotgun negs, all the while looking for IOI's and aiming to kiss, number, or even F-close--wait, what were we talking about again?
[/quote]
</p>
<p>ahahah lol, this one made me laugh :D But the fact that you knew these terms scares me a bit.</p>