*Synaesthesia is a multisensory warm-up activity, inspired by an activity in the book Gamestorming.*

How do you feel about networking in English?

This week I’m in Edinburgh for the International Association of Teachers of English as a Foreign Language (IATEFL) annual conference. It’s a great opportunity to get some new teaching ideas, develop my know-how and, of course, network with English teaching professionals from all around the world. As I prepare for the event, I feel both excited and a little nervous.

Networking can be a rewarding yet sometimes intimidating experience, especially when communicating in another language. For many professionals, attending conferences, business meetings, or social events could be a cause of anxiety or nerves. I understand the frustration. The fear of miscommunication, the challenge of starting professional conversations, and the uncertainty of unfamiliar social dynamics can get in the way of making valuable connections.

That's why I use my 'Synaesthesia' exercise with clients. Click here to see my Miro board. Instead of focussing only on language or learning “10 Essential Phrases for Networking”, we reframe the problem by viewing networking through a more abstract lens. My idea is designed to help you reflect on your networking experiences. You’ll think about your approach to networking through all five senses: sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch as well as other choices like temperature, position and motion. The aim is to use metaphors to get insights that will help you through future networking events in English with better awareness and ease.

*I recommend the book Gamestorming for creative and communicative activities using visual thinking and graphic facilitation.*

From my language coaching experience, I know that many language learners find networking to be a challenge. Connecting with new people, engaging in small talk, and maintaining confidence in an international setting can feel overwhelming. That’s why I like to use an interactive coaching exercise called ‘Synaesthesia’ to help my clients explore their personal reactions to networking. This activity, inspired by the book Gamestorming by Dave Gray, Sunni Brown, and James Macanufo, engages all the senses as metaphors to reveal feelings about networking.

*For online collaboration, I like to use Miro. Here you can see some interpretations of networking through various senses.*

Here’s how it works:

Using the Miro board write down your interpretation of networking using each category as an analogy. You can use my following questions to spark ideas:

Seeing

What images come to mind when you think of networking? A crowded room? Small groups of people? What do you look at when you first come to the event?

Hearing

Does networking sound like a welcoming conversation or chaotic noise? What could you do to break through the noise? What do you hear when you listen carefully?

Tasting

Is networking like a bold, energising coffee or an unfamiliar dish? How does it taste to you?

Smelling

If networking had a scent, would it be fresh and inviting or stale and unappealing?

Touching Networking

How does networking feel? Does it feel like a firm, confident handshake or hesitant, uncertain gesture?

Beyond the Five Senses: Temperature, Position & Motion

Other elements also play a role. What temperature represents networking for you, and why? What’s your position? - Are you observing from the sidelines or actively participating? How are you moving (or not moving)? Do you feel stuck or in the flow? Awareness of these factors can help you plan your unique way of networking.

You can access my Synaesthesia Miro board here (Make a copy and save it to use for yourself).

Final Takeaways

By exploring networking through these metaphors, you can better understand and manage your emotions. These abstract questions help my clients describe their experiences meaning we can then work together to find personalised strategies to:

Address Specific Challenges: Identify causes of your networking anxiety and develop targeted solutions.

Improve Communication Skills: Refine your ability to engage in conversations and build strong relationships.

Boost Your Professional Presence: Project confidence and authenticity at professional events.

I wish you luck and a lot of fun for your next networking event, don’t forget to take your business cards!

Want to try the Synaesthesia activity for yourself? I’ve created a free Miro template to guide you through the process. Save a copy of this free networking tool and start exploring your networking mindset from a fresh perspective!

Want to take your networking skills to the next level? Schedule a free discovery call to discuss your specific challenges and explore personalised English language coaching options.