Business Small Talk
A workshop offered by the Bonn Graduate Center
Sometimes the most important thing at a conference is the breaks – at least as far as networking and career development for young scientists are concerned. If you are good at small talk, you can easily get into conversations with strangers in a relaxed way. Small talk is the first step to making new contacts. For all those who do not feel like born small talkers, there is good news: small talk can be learned – and it is even fun. In this workshop you will find out how!
In-person Workshop
Thursday, September 24, 2026
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Trainer
Alexander Roggenkamp
Language
English
Location
Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47*
Target Group
Doctoral students
Track(s)
Business and Organizations
Certificate
8 units are applicable within the Doctorate plus certificate
* The premises have limited accessibility. Please contact us if you need assistance.
Description
Sometimes the most important thing at a conference is the breaks - at least as far as networking and career development for young scientists are concerned. If you are good at small talk, you can easily get into conversations with strangers in a relaxed way. Small talk is the first step to making new contacts. For all those who do not feel like born small talkers, there is good news: small talk can be learned - and it is even fun. In our workshop we will discuss the following:
- Build up your sociability and approach others openly.
- Get into good conversations.
- Find interesting topics and create a pleasant atmosphere for conversations.
- Make sure that others remember what you do using the elevator pitch.
Content
- Develop a positive attitude towards small talk
- Engage in different exercises to build up confidence
- Find appropriate topics for small talk
- Influence the atmosphere of a conversation through conversation style and body language
- Present yourself in an interesting way
Creditable for the Micro Credential 'Communication & Impact'
Micro Credentials for doctoral students offer the opportunity to systematically add key future skills to your professional expertise. You can apply for a Micro Credential if you successfully complete at least four workshops from one area of expertise.
Feedback from Participants
"The tempo of the course was very well paced, the exercises were done very well and I could train the learned things in the exercises immediately. Also the lecturer is a very nice person, bringing the topic of the course in a fun but still extremely productive way to the audience." (Participant 2023)
"One of the best workshops I attended. The coach is amazing and engaging , I would love to take more workshops with him." (Participant 2025)
Contact
Bonn Graduate Center
Address
Alte Sternwarte
Poppelsdorfer Allee 47
53115 Bonn
More Workshops?
Have a look at further workshops offered in our Doctorate plus program this semester.
Also see
Certificate Doctorate plus
Acquire the Doctorate plus Certificate in one of our three career tracks and apply for an 'Add-on' in your track (job shadowing or career coaching).
E-Training
With our on-demand e-training courses, you can continue your education at your convenience.
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