English for APEC

My name

is

Mark Bainbridge

English

for

the next

90 minutes

How we…

• Introduce ourselves

• Make small talk

• End conversations

• Commit to contact

• Communicate non-verbally

But first…

• Most people are nervous

• Pretend to be confident

• Nobody dies

Introducing ourselves

• Various situations– At a social function– The person sitting next to you– Sitting down to eat

Social function

• Walking into a room alone

• Look for groups with an opening

• Look for someone on their own

• For a group:– “Good evening, may I join you?”– Thank you. My name is …. from….”

Social function

• For someone on their own:-– “Good evening, may I join you?”– Extend hand for handshake– “Thank you. My name is …. from…

• When shaking hands:-– Make it firm– Make eye contact

Social function

• When somebody walks up to you– “May I join you?”– “Please do”– Thank you. My name is ….. from….”– Extend your hand– “I’m …. from…. How nice to meet you”– “And these are fellow travelers from….”

Person next to you

• In a meeting if someone sits next to you

• If convenient extend your hand– “Hullo. I’m ….. from …..”

• No need to introduce friends on the other side

• If time allows, start small talk– “Is this your first Apec meeting?”

Sitting down to eat

• For either a buffet or service meal– “Is this seat taken?”– “No, please sit down”– “Thank you. I’m …. from….”

• Shake hands if convenient

• If you are asked– “Is this seat taken?”– “No. Please join me”

Name cards

• Shake hands then present?

• Offer then shake hands?

• If no sign of the other person’s then:-– Shake hands– Offer name card– “May I give you my name card?”– “Can I please have yours?”

Small talk

• Difficult for English & non-English speakers

• Not a waste of time

• Gateway to deeper, profitable contact

• Prepare

• Research on who you will meet

• Ask yourself about your country

Small talk

• Avoid talking about:-– Money– Religion – Politics– Death– Anything too personal

• Don’t rush to sell

• Be an active listener

Small talk exercise

Ending conversations

• Part of a group– “Please excuse me, I have an appointment”

• One-on-one– “Sorry, I have enjoyed your company but I

have to leave”– “Sorry, I have to leave, but can we meet …”

Commit to contact

• Secure an e-mail address

• Write as soon as you return

• Subject: Apec Follow Up

• Opening line:-– “Dear ….

This is …… writing from Taipei. You might recall we met at Apec.”

Non verbal communication

• Make eye contact when talking & listening

• Lean forward to listen

• Non-intrusive contact

Questions?