Pay attention to the phrases in bold which are used to introduce and welcome new people.

Conversation A

Joan: Pamela, I want you to meet Steven Brown. He’s the Sales Manager.
         Steven, this is Pamela, who’s in charge of excursions.

Steven: How do you do, Pamela.

Pamela: How do you do.

Steven: Oh, so you’re British.

Pamela: That’s right.

Steven: Well, it’s good to meet you, Pamela.

Pamela: And you, Steven.

Steven: Everyone calls me Steve.

Pamela: OK...Steve.

Conversation В

Joan: And this is Britanny Rowling. Britanny works in your department. She’s a
         tour guide.

Pamela: Pleased to meet you, Britanny. I’m PamelaCampbell.

Britanny: Pleased to meet you, too, Pamela.

Pamela: I’m looking forward to working together.

Britanny: Me too.

Conversation С

Joan: Mr Anderson? May I introduce PamelaCampbell, our new Excursions
          Manager?

Anderson: I’m glad to meet you, Ms Campbell.

Pamela: And I’m glad to meet you, Mr Anderson.

Anderson: Well, I hope you enjoy working with us.

Pamela: Thank you, sir.

Look at Conversations A to C. Pamela meets three people. One has a similar job, one is her superior, and one has a junior job. Answer the questions:

a) What is Pamela’s job?

b) Who has a similar job?

c) Who has a junior job?

d) Who is Pamela’s superior?

e) Does it change the introductions?

f) When do they use first names?

Underline the expressions that are about working together in the future.

 

 

How do you introduce / greet friends / business people in your country and in other countries?

Do you...

… shake hands?

…bow?

…exchange business cards?

…hug them?

…kiss them on the cheek / hand?

 

Write down your name and job title. Exchange it with a partner. Go around the room introducing your partner to other people. Don’t forget to shake hands! You can use these phrases:

 

This is … and this is...

I want you to meet... / I’d like you to meet...

I want to introduce... / I’d like to introduce...

Can I introduce...? / May I introduce...?

4. Mr Lawrence is meeting Alice Green for the first time. They are in Mr Lawrence’s office in London.

Mr Lawrence:Ah, you must be Ms Green. How do you do. I’m Phil Lawrence. Alice:How do you do. Please call me Alice.

Mr Lawrence:Thanks, Alice. Call me Phil. Did you have a good flight?

Alice:Yes, I did. It was fine.

Mr Lawrence: Was the plane on time?

Alice:Yes, it was right on time.

 

Mr Lawrence asks several questions. He doesn’t ask because he needs information. He’s trying to be polite and friendly. He asks his questions for ‘breaking the ice’ (starting a friendly conversation).

What other things could you ask about to ‘break the ice’?

Starting conversations

People often start with an ice-breaker. The weather is a good topic (unless you’re somewhere like the desert where it never changes!) because it’s neutral. People comment on the weather to be friendly and to see if the other person wants to speak.

If you’re traveling, the ice-breaker is usually to talk about the journey. (‘ It looks like we’re going to be late / on time / early.’) At a reception or party, the food or drink is a good topic for an ice-breaker.

Be careful with question intonation. Sound as if you’re interested and making friendly conversation. Don’t sound like a police detective! If you do, ‘Why are you here?’ may sound rude.

Here is a list of sample breaking-the-ice questions:

How was your trip?

How was the traffic (from the airport)?

Do you like (this city)?

Did you find our office easily?

How is your family?

Is this your first visit to (Chicago)?

Nice weather, isn’t it?

 

NB: if people know each other well, after an informal or a friendly greeting often comes the question: ‘How are you?’/ ‘How are things?’/ ‘How are you getting on?’ The reply to this question is normally positive: ‘ Fine, thank you. And you?’ / ‘ I’m all right, thank you.’ / ‘Not bad.’

 

Saying goodbye

 

Study the following conversations. Pay attention to the phrases in bold people use to say goodbye and thank you.

1.

Pamela: Well, goodbye, Bob. And thanks for everything.

Bob: Goodbye. It was nice meeting you.

Pamela: Don’t forget. You have my address. Call me next time you’re in London.

Bob: I will. And call me if you’re ever in Vancouver.

Pamela: OK. Goodbye, then.

Bob: Goodbye. Take care.

2.

Ryan: Well, goodbye, Barbara. I’ve enjoyed working with you.

Barbara: I’ve enjoyed my visit. You’ve been very helpful.

Ryan: It was a pleasure. Give my regards to James.

Barbara: I will. And thank Susan again for the wonderful meal.

Ryan: I will. She loved the flowers.

Barbara: And I hope to see you again next year.

Ryan: I’ll look forward to it. Have a safe trip.

Barbara: Thank you. Take care. And keep in touch.