Introductions
Introductions
The content of this lesson is linked to the podcast you listened to in the last lesson:
Learning Vocabulary - Breaking the Ice
In the podcast, we used many formal and informal phrases we can use when meeting someone for the first time. In this lesson, we're going to look at this language in a little more detail.
Learner Training
Meeting someone for the first time
When we meet someone for the first time we want to make a good impression. You need to show that you are confident. This can be done in a non-verbal way. In many cultures, a strong handshake is important and possibly looking at someone directly in the eye. Look at the photo at the top of the page. Are the managers confident? What are they doing in the photo?
Pronunciation
However, it's not only non-verbal communication that is important when you meet someone for the first time. You also need to speak clearly and confidently. Listen to the beginning of roleplay 3 in the podcast. Jack and Rich speak clearly and confidently. Pronunciation is very important and people will get a first impression of you from what you say.
Language
Formal Phrases
When we meet someone for the first time there are lots of different phrases we can use to introduce ourselves but we first must think about where we are speaking and who we are speaking to. Is it a formal situation such as a business meeting or is it an informal situation like a party? Let's start by looking at some phrases that we might use in more formal situations.
- Hello. My name is ...
- I don't think we've met. May I introduce myself?
- How do you do?
- Pleased to meet you. My name is ...
- Hello. It's a pleasure to meet you.
Remember! How do you do is not a question. It's a phrase that is used when meeting someone for the first time. The usual response is to repeat how do you do?
Task
Imagine that somebody said the formal phrases above to you. How would you respond? Write your answers in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Language
Informal Phrases
Here are some more phrases that we can use in more informal situations:
- Hi. I'm ...
- It's great meeting you!
- Are you new here? What's up?
- Hey! How's it going?
- How you doing?
Remember! It's common in more informal language to leave out small grammar words in greetings. How are you doing? often changes to how you doing? which is more informal.
Task
Imagine that somebody said the above informal phrases to you. How would you respond? Write your answers in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Language
Introducing others
You might need to introduce other people sometimes. This could happen at a business meeting at work (formal) or at a party with friends (informal). These phrases start with the most formal introduction and end with the most informal introduction.
- I'd like to introduce ...
- I'd like you to meet ...
- Jack, have you met Rich?
- Jack, this is Rich. Rich, this is Jack.
- Jack. Rich. Rich. Jack.
Comment
What do you think?
How do you feel when meeting people for the first time? Is it useful to use formal and informal English? Which is more important for you?
In the article above, we gave you two tasks to do. Write your answers in the comments section below.
We have lots of connected content to this week's podcast in our activity week. Find all our current content by hitting the live tab on the homepage.
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Comments
09/08/2020
points
If someone would like introduce him/her I would say "My pleasure to know/meet you" after this I would introduce myself.
If I'm asked " How's it going?" I would say "Thanks, everything is alright" or "Thanks , Not bad"
I feel exicted when meeting people. I'm always bored in the activities where formal speaking .I prefer informal situation. It provides more friendship atmosphere than the other.
09/08/2020 17:49
Tottenham Hotspur
5555
If someone would like introduce him/her I would say "My pleasure to know/meet you" after this I would introduce myself.
If I'm asked " How's it going?" I would say "Thanks, everything is alright" or "Thanks , Not bad"
I feel exicted when meeting people. I'm always bored in the activities where formal speaking .I prefer informal situation. It provides more friendship atmosphere than the other.
23/08/2019
points
I don't really care to meet new people, if people want to interact and know me, I will do it cordially.
It is good to use the formal when meeting a person for the first time, since there is not enough confidence and we want to respect
23/08/2019 01:40
Manchester United
91
I don't really care to meet new people, if people want to interact and know me, I will do it cordially.
It is good to use the formal when meeting a person for the first time, since there is not enough confidence and we want to respect
23/08/2019
points
I feel normal,it is useful for me to use both, For me it is depending on where I am, if it is in an "elegant" place I behave formally, and if it is on the street I behave the way I am always
23/08/2019 01:39
Manchester United
90
I feel normal,it is useful for me to use both, For me it is depending on where I am, if it is in an "elegant" place I behave formally, and if it is on the street I behave the way I am always
23/08/2019
points
1)In meeting people for the first time it gives me good taste to approach that person where we can all share with her in a pleasant and passive way
2) Yes it is useful to use in the formal and informal english because it helps us to strengthen our dialogue where we can use according to our context
3)I think the most important thing is that we use this informal dialogue to be able to communicate with others
23/08/2019 00:25
Manchester United
81
1)In meeting people for the first time it gives me good taste to approach that person where we can all share with her in a pleasant and passive way
2) Yes it is useful to use in the formal and informal english because it helps us to strengthen our dialogue where we can use according to our context
3)I think the most important thing is that we use this informal dialogue to be able to communicate with others
22/08/2019
points
I feel good meeting people for the first time may be the future of a new and happy friendship.
It is more useful to learn formal English since that is important for our future, our career, etc.
22/08/2019 06:26
Manchester United
87
I feel good meeting people for the first time may be the future of a new and happy friendship.
It is more useful to learn formal English since that is important for our future, our career, etc.
20/03/2024
points
Hello can we be the friends of each other
20/03/2024 18:01
Manchester City
1
Hello can we be the friends of each other
22/08/2019
points
I feel a little insecure but it is for a moment then I take more confidence
22/08/2019 05:41
Liverpool
82
I feel a little insecure but it is for a moment then I take more confidence
22/08/2019
points
1.when I am in a meeting of people I feel uncomfortable,I also use formal language for education because I have no confidence with that person and most important thing for me is education and respect.
2.if a person speaks to me formal,I respond in the same way and try to be polite.
If a person speaks to me informal I would try to Enter into confidence and thus be able to speak to him informal.
22/08/2019 04:32
Arsenal
87
1.when I am in a meeting of people I feel uncomfortable,I also use formal language for education because I have no confidence with that person and most important thing for me is education and respect.
2.if a person speaks to me formal,I respond in the same way and try to be polite.
If a person speaks to me informal I would try to Enter into confidence and thus be able to speak to him informal.
22/08/2019
points
1 i use formal language
2 its nice to meet people from other side and know about their culuras
22/08/2019 04:13
Manchester United
22
1 i use formal language
2 its nice to meet people from other side and know about their culuras
22/08/2019
points
I would like to talk with people from other places to know and little more about their cultures, for me formal conversation is more appropiate
22/08/2019 04:04
Manchester United
22
I would like to talk with people from other places to know and little more about their cultures, for me formal conversation is more appropiate
22/08/2019
points
I get nervous about meeting a new person, the good use of English in both ways and it is important both ways with a person of trust or not.
Homework:
Formal phrase: Hello, how are you, my name is…
Informal phrase: Hello, what else?
22/08/2019 04:00
Manchester United
88
I get nervous about meeting a new person, the good use of English in both ways and it is important both ways with a person of trust or not.
Homework:
Formal phrase: Hello, how are you, my name is…
Informal phrase: Hello, what else?
22/08/2019
points
I'm feel very nervious, for me this is umconfortable
22/08/2019 03:30
AFC Bournemouth
86
I'm feel very nervious, for me this is umconfortable
22/08/2019
points
When I meet people for the first time, I feel very good.
Because I feel that I have more people that I can turn to in the future, with a little more confidence.
22/08/2019 02:23
Manchester City
10
When I meet people for the first time, I feel very good.
Because I feel that I have more people that I can turn to in the future, with a little more confidence.
22/08/2019
points
normal and if it is very important to know the right language to be able to talk with people and that they understand
22/08/2019 01:17
Manchester United
85
normal and if it is very important to know the right language to be able to talk with people and that they understand
22/08/2019
points
me siento normal y es muy util usar el lenguaje apropiado para que los demas entiendan tambien
22/08/2019 01:14
Manchester United
85
me siento normal y es muy util usar el lenguaje apropiado para que los demas entiendan tambien
22/08/2019
points
I like to meet new people, I feel happy because I know that it is an opportunity to make new friends so I have no problem with that
22/08/2019 01:06
Manchester United
52
I like to meet new people, I feel happy because I know that it is an opportunity to make new friends so I have no problem with that
22/08/2019
points
1.
It's fun to meet new people but I feel shy with some people, but there are other people who build trust.
2. It is very important to speak formally since this way we will have the first impression towards a person or a person.
22/08/2019 00:36
Manchester United
83
1.
It's fun to meet new people but I feel shy with some people, but there are other people who build trust.
2. It is very important to speak formally since this way we will have the first impression towards a person or a person.
22/08/2019
points
In my opinion it is always good to meet new people and both formal and informal English are equally important to use on different occasions and for me informal English is the most important because it is most frequently used
22/08/2019 00:11
Chelsea
86
In my opinion it is always good to meet new people and both formal and informal English are equally important to use on different occasions and for me informal English is the most important because it is most frequently used
22/08/2019
points
Task 1.i would to say how are you.
Task2.I would to say what's up.
When i meet Other new people i feel shy but then i feel good.
22/08/2019 00:06
Manchester United
66
Task 1.i would to say how are you.
Task2.I would to say what's up.
When i meet Other new people i feel shy but then i feel good.
21/08/2019
points
1.When i meet unkown people, i get nervious because, ¿what happen if i say something wrong or something much worse? i think that we need to know express the words before say it.
2. It´s really important the formal and informal english.
3.It´s more important the formal english, the formal english it is used more than the informal english...
21/08/2019 23:19
Arsenal
85
1.When i meet unkown people, i get nervious because, ¿what happen if i say something wrong or something much worse? i think that we need to know express the words before say it.
2. It´s really important the formal and informal english.
3.It´s more important the formal english, the formal english it is used more than the informal english...
21/08/2019
points
when i know new people I feel sure of myself, so i have not problem in knowing nwe people
21/08/2019 17:50
Liverpool
42
when i know new people I feel sure of myself, so i have not problem in knowing nwe people
21/08/2019
points
I feel very well knowing people, since I can also know many things and it would be much easier to do it elsewhere, to know new cultures, new traditions, but for that I have to know how to speak the language so it would make it even easier for me to interact with the foreigners.
21/08/2019 02:44
Chelsea
87
I feel very well knowing people, since I can also know many things and it would be much easier to do it elsewhere, to know new cultures, new traditions, but for that I have to know how to speak the language so it would make it even easier for me to interact with the foreigners.
21/08/2019
points
I feel very well knowing people, since I can also know many things and it would be much easier to do it elsewhere, to know new cultures, new traditions, but for that I have to know how to speak the language so it would make it even easier for me to interact with the foreigners.
21/08/2019 02:43
Chelsea
87
I feel very well knowing people, since I can also know many things and it would be much easier to do it elsewhere, to know new cultures, new traditions, but for that I have to know how to speak the language so it would make it even easier for me to interact with the foreigners.
21/08/2019
points
For me know new people is very exciting but Many times i tend to get shy.
21/08/2019 02:22
AFC Bournemouth
25
For me know new people is very exciting but Many times i tend to get shy.
21/08/2019
points
1. It all depends on who you talk to
2. I use formal language
21/08/2019 01:36
Manchester United
67
1. It all depends on who you talk to
2. I use formal language
20/08/2019
points
1) the truth is fun to meet new people and well I really feel good
2) Well, I think so because it is the first reaction a person takes
3) I think the most important for me is the formal
20/08/2019 23:58
Arsenal
75
1) the truth is fun to meet new people and well I really feel good
2) Well, I think so because it is the first reaction a person takes
3) I think the most important for me is the formal
20/08/2019
points
1. Well, I feel happy because you may know more and more people and have more friends who contribute things to improve your life and you can have more knowledge and you can learn more
2. Of course, if it is very important to speak formally both informally because depending on the context and the type of people you meet, you already know if you have to speak formally or informally
20/08/2019 23:08
Manchester United
22
1. Well, I feel happy because you may know more and more people and have more friends who contribute things to improve your life and you can have more knowledge and you can learn more
2. Of course, if it is very important to speak formally both informally because depending on the context and the type of people you meet, you already know if you have to speak formally or informally
20/08/2019
points
*when I meet people for the first time, I like to interact with her, to be someone social
Task 1
formal form
I would answer, nice to meet you?
Task 2
informal form
what bliss to meet us
20/08/2019 22:26
Manchester United
76
*when I meet people for the first time, I like to interact with her, to be someone social
Task 1
formal form
I would answer, nice to meet you?
Task 2
informal form
what bliss to meet us
20/08/2019
points
For me is important to meet new people for lose shy and know more about theme
20/08/2019 22:13
Manchester United
81
For me is important to meet new people for lose shy and know more about theme
20/08/2019
points
For me it is important to meet new people because with them I can learn more
20/08/2019 22:09
Manchester United
14
For me it is important to meet new people because with them I can learn more
20/08/2019
points
I feel really good and prepared to meet and make new friends and i use formal and informal lenguage as it seems to me that the two are very important depending on the environment in which we are developing.
20/08/2019 21:49
Manchester United
83
I feel really good and prepared to meet and make new friends and i use formal and informal lenguage as it seems to me that the two are very important depending on the environment in which we are developing.
20/08/2019
points
For me is importante meet NEW people for enlarge my experiences
20/08/2019 21:26
Liverpool
89
For me is importante meet NEW people for enlarge my experiences
20/08/2019
points
I usually feel uncomfortable when I meet someone but then I settle into the conversation
20/08/2019 20:20
Manchester United
18
I usually feel uncomfortable when I meet someone but then I settle into the conversation
20/08/2019
points
1. It depends on the person I know, I will feel good if the person is interesting 2. I use formal language
20/08/2019 19:23
Manchester United
30
1. It depends on the person I know, I will feel good if the person is interesting 2. I use formal language
20/08/2019
points
It is nice to meet new people as we become more social and better if you have nothing in common to experience new things
20/08/2019 06:27
Chelsea
79
It is nice to meet new people as we become more social and better if you have nothing in common to experience new things
20/08/2019
points
Normally I dont feel nervous when I meet someone because I love meeting new people and I use formal or informal speaking depending of the person I meet or know.
20/08/2019 05:54
Manchester United
90
Normally I dont feel nervous when I meet someone because I love meeting new people and I use formal or informal speaking depending of the person I meet or know.
20/08/2019
points
I feel a little nervous because i don't talk much,i think it's very important
20/08/2019 04:45
Manchester United
15
I feel a little nervous because i don't talk much,i think it's very important
20/08/2019
points
trust in my self is the main rule,I those environments I preferred to be clear but also good listener too, in order to Cath all the information about this person.
the polite salute are always my choice at the beginning of each relationship, because of culture.
20/08/2019 04:42
Manchester United
108
trust in my self is the main rule,I those environments I preferred to be clear but also good listener too, in order to Cath all the information about this person.
the polite salute are always my choice at the beginning of each relationship, because of culture.
20/08/2019
points
At the beginning a little awkward since it is someone new and then there is more confidence and for me it is better to have formal English since it is needed to get a job abroad but the informal one is important since most use it
20/08/2019 03:35
Manchester United
119
At the beginning a little awkward since it is someone new and then there is more confidence and for me it is better to have formal English since it is needed to get a job abroad but the informal one is important since most use it
20/08/2019
points
It is good to meet new people and the situation and the person depend and in the same way I would use formal and informal speech
20/08/2019 02:58
Manchester United
85
It is good to meet new people and the situation and the person depend and in the same way I would use formal and informal speech
20/08/2019
points
It is good to meet new people and the situation and the person depend and in the same way I would use formal and informal speech.
20/08/2019 02:55
Manchester United
85
It is good to meet new people and the situation and the person depend and in the same way I would use formal and informal speech.
20/08/2019
points
1-It is very important to feel comfortable with the person, but I think he would use the informal tickets
20/08/2019 02:31
Manchester United
18
1-It is very important to feel comfortable with the person, but I think he would use the informal tickets
20/08/2019
points
Personally I am insecure when I first meet someone. In a formal way I answer:
The pleasure is mine, my name is Martín.
And in an informal way: How are you? My name is Martín, how is everyrhing?
20/08/2019 02:26
Manchester United
20
Personally I am insecure when I first meet someone. In a formal way I answer:
The pleasure is mine, my name is Martín.
And in an informal way: How are you? My name is Martín, how is everyrhing?
19/08/2019
points
1.
I feel normal depending on the person and the confidence I have for the person and formal English is more useful from my opinion
19/08/2019 23:09
Manchester United
89
1.
I feel normal depending on the person and the confidence I have for the person and formal English is more useful from my opinion
19/08/2019
points
1. It is very important to meet new people, I think it will always be essential to have a good social life. It is good to use English, whether formal or informal, depending on who we are going to and the space in which we are
2. Task: formal phrase; Hello my Name Is ...
informal phrase; Hi, how are you doing?
19/08/2019 23:07
Manchester United
83
1. It is very important to meet new people, I think it will always be essential to have a good social life. It is good to use English, whether formal or informal, depending on who we are going to and the space in which we are
2. Task: formal phrase; Hello my Name Is ...
informal phrase; Hi, how are you doing?
19/08/2019
points
I get nervous about meeting a new person, the good use of English in both ways and it is important both ways with a person of trust or not
HOMEWORK
Formal phrase: Hello, how are you, my name is ...
Informal phrase: Hello, what else?
19/08/2019 21:38
Manchester United
81
I get nervous about meeting a new person, the good use of English in both ways and it is important both ways with a person of trust or not
HOMEWORK
Formal phrase: Hello, how are you, my name is ...
Informal phrase: Hello, what else?
19/08/2019
points
Me siento algo nervioso al conocer gente nueva pero se que es bueno para hacer amigos y convivir bien,aveces en bueno utilizar en ingles pero en otras ocasiones no y ninguno es importante para mi ya que los dos los utilizo ya sea con una persona de confianza o no.
TAREA
Frase formal:Hola muchos gusto, mi nombre es...
Frase informal:Hola ¿que mas?
19/08/2019 21:27
Manchester United
81
Me siento algo nervioso al conocer gente nueva pero se que es bueno para hacer amigos y convivir bien,aveces en bueno utilizar en ingles pero en otras ocasiones no y ninguno es importante para mi ya que los dos los utilizo ya sea con una persona de confianza o no.
TAREA
Frase formal:Hola muchos gusto, mi nombre es...
Frase informal:Hola ¿que mas?
19/08/2019
points
It's good to meet new people, it's more interesting if you share things in common and have more social circle
19/08/2019 20:43
Manchester United
78
It's good to meet new people, it's more interesting if you share things in common and have more social circle
19/08/2019
points
because I feel a little nervous to meet new people, to know how it will be the first impression of one, etc., because I think that it is good to use formal and informal English, more when you are a tourist or when you talk with people from Another country, the most important English I think is formal, to make itself known, although the inormal is also very good to say hello, how are things? I'm glad to see you, etc ...
19/08/2019 20:39
Manchester City
87
because I feel a little nervous to meet new people, to know how it will be the first impression of one, etc., because I think that it is good to use formal and informal English, more when you are a tourist or when you talk with people from Another country, the most important English I think is formal, to make itself known, although the inormal is also very good to say hello, how are things? I'm glad to see you, etc ...
19/08/2019
points
Meeting a person is very good because you can share tastes and this depends on whether we use formal or informal English.
19/08/2019 20:39
Manchester United
78
Meeting a person is very good because you can share tastes and this depends on whether we use formal or informal English.