I’m a believer in the “tree-branch effect” of networking: if each conversation leads you to three nouns, and then each of those nouns leads you to three more nouns, you’ll amplify your effect.

Tilda Tian participates in an online English conversation program run by Catholic Social Services. The program used to take place in Edmonton libraries but moved online during the COVID-19 pandemic.

You may have a more direct personality, or perhaps you prefer to ease into serious conversations like these. Whatever you decide, consider the other person's communication style as well as your own.