Hello and introductions
Greet anyone, say who you are and ask how they are. Lesson 1 of 58: Foundations, CEFR A1.
Saying hello
- English has a greeting for every moment. “Hi” and “Hello” work anywhere, any time. “Good morning” (until about noon), “Good afternoon” and “Good evening” are a little more polite. “Good night” is only for leaving or going to bed, never for arriving.
- When you meet somebody for the first time, say “Nice to meet you.” They answer “Nice to meet you too.” or “You too.”
- Hi, I’m Priya. (Relaxed, for anybody)
- Good morning, everyone. (Starting a meeting or a class)
- Nice to meet you. (Only the first time you meet)
- Good to see you again. (Somebody you have met before)
Saying who you are
- Say your name with “I’m” (short for “I am”): “I’m Arjun.” “My name is Arjun” is correct too, but a little formal in conversation. Add where you are from and what you do: “I’m from Pune. I’m a nurse.”
- Introducing somebody else, say “This is…”: “This is my colleague, Mei.”
- I’m Arjun. I’m from Pune.
- I work in sales. (Your job, without “a”)
- This is my friend, Tom. (Introducing somebody)
- Tip: Smile and say your name a little slower than the rest: it is the word people most need to catch.
How are you?
- “How are you?” is a greeting more than a question. The usual answer is short and positive, and you ask back: “I’m good, thanks. And you?” Between friends, “How’s it going?” and “How are things?” mean the same.
- Do not answer “How do you do?” with how you are: it is a formal greeting, and the answer is the same words, “How do you do?”
- I’m good, thanks. And you?
- Not bad, thanks. How about you?
- Pretty busy, actually, but good. (A little more honest, still friendly)
Lines to have ready
- Hi, I’m … . Nice to meet you. (Meeting anyone for the first time)
- Where are you from? (A friendly first question)
- What do you do? (Asking about somebody’s job)
- Sorry, what was your name again? (When you did not catch a name)
- It was nice meeting you. (Saying goodbye after a first meeting)
- See you later. / See you tomorrow. (Leaving people you will see again)
Your turn to speak
- Introduce yourself to a new colleague: your name, where you are from, what you do, and one thing you enjoy. Then ask them two questions back.
- I said my name clearly, a little slower
- I said where I am from and what I do
- I added one thing I enjoy
- I asked two questions back
Watch your video back for
- Eye contact: on the camera, not the screen or the floor
- Posture: upright and still, shoulders down
- Hands: visible and open, moving with the words
- Face: it shows what you mean, and smiles where it should
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