Practical English

“It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words but rather short, easy words like "What about lunch?“

– Winnie the Pooh Bear

First Impressions

"You never get a second chance to make a good first impression" 

When you meet new people, what do you notice first about them?

Eyes, Ears, Nose, face in general

Hair, hairstyle

Clothes

Hands

Height

Voice

Smell

Other features

You can say...

The first thing I notice about people is...

Actually, I'm not very observant.I tend to notice people's eyes.To be honest, I don't notice

people's clothes/what people are wearing.

Meeting people for the first time.Hi! Hello!

How do you do?

Fine, thank you for asking. How about you?

Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.

Nice/Pleased to meet you.

It was a pleasure meeting you.

Greeting people you already know.

How’s it going?

How are things?

You’re looking well.

What have you been up to?

What’s new?

Hi or Hello

Introducing other people:

1. Person A’s name2.  Your purpose for coming to her3. Person B's name

1. Person B’s name2. Person A's name 3. Information about Person A

For example: Mary Smith, 

I'd like you to meet someone.  This is John Brown.    

 John Brown, this is Mary Smith.  She is a former colleague of mine

Mary Smith, Have you met my colleague John Brown?     

John Brown, this is Mary Smith.  She is a good friend of mine.

Introducing yourself.

Pattern:

1. Signal

2. Introduction

3. Additional information

Example

May I introduce myself? My name is John Smith.   I'm responsible for sales.

I don't think we've met. My name is Jane Smith.   I work for SlashCom.

RESPONDING TO FRIENDLY QUESTIONS

Response followed by a  friendly return question 

Very well, thank you.  And how are you?

I'm fine, thank you.  And how about you?

Fine, thank you.  How are you?

Fine.  And you?

Informal: Great.   

What's new with you? 

No problem.  How about you?

Pretty good. And yourself?

Can't complain. What's new with you?

Could be better.  How's everything with you?

So, so. How's it going with you? 

SIGNALING THE END OF THE CONVERSATION

I'm afraid it's time for me to go now.  I have a meeting.

I'm afraid I have to leave now.  I have a visitor coming.  

I had better be leaving. I think it’s about to rain.  

I should be going now. I have errands to run.  

I have to get going. I have an appointment.  

I see it's getting late. I'd better go. I have to get up early. 

It was nice talking to you. Good Bye!