9 networking tips to get the most out of the World Economic Forum

As you're gearing up to rub elbows with global leaders at the World Economic Forum this week, knowing how to start an engaging conversation is a must.

But it's not always easy. What if you and your conversation partner seem to have nothing in common? What if there's an awkward pause? What if you accidentally insult the person?

To help you out, we reviewed the Quora thread "How can I get better at small talk?" and highlighted some of the most helpful responses.

Read on to impress new acquaintances with your masterful conversation skills.