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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. 

What do you think West Ham's captain, Kevin Noble, said when he met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge?

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

hsn's picture
hsn
09/08/2020
TR
5555
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.


hsn's picture
hsn
09/08/2020 17:49
Turkey
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.

Dayana Alexandra's picture
Dayana Alexandra
23/08/2019
CO
91
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


Dayana Alexandra's picture
Dayana Alexandra
23/08/2019 01:40
Colombia
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

Juan_Pablo_Quintero's picture
Juan_Pablo_Quintero
23/08/2019
CO
90
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


Juan_Pablo_Quintero's picture
Juan_Pablo_Quintero
23/08/2019 01:39
Colombia
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

JhoanSebastian's picture
JhoanSebastian
23/08/2019
CO
81
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


JhoanSebastian's picture
JhoanSebastian
23/08/2019 00:25
Colombia
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

MariangelBermeo123's picture
MariangelBermeo123
22/08/2019
CO
87
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.


MariangelBermeo123's picture
MariangelBermeo123
22/08/2019 06:26
Colombia
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.

M ilyas
20/03/2024
FR
1
points

Hello can we be the friends of each other


M ilyas
20/03/2024 18:01
France
Manchester City
1

Hello can we be the friends of each other

Santiago Higuita
22/08/2019
CO
82
points

I feel a little insecure but it is for a moment then I take more confidence


Santiago Higuita
22/08/2019 05:41
Colombia
Liverpool
82

I feel a little insecure but it is for a moment then I take more confidence

Juan Manuel gomez
22/08/2019
CO
87
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.


Juan Manuel gomez
22/08/2019 04:32
Colombia
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.

Karol Yulieth
22/08/2019
CO
22
points

1 i use formal language
2 its nice to meet people from other side and know about their culuras


Karol Yulieth
22/08/2019 04:13
Colombia
Manchester United
22

1 i use formal language
2 its nice to meet people from other side and know about their culuras

Karol Yulieth
22/08/2019
CO
22
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


Karol Yulieth
22/08/2019 04:04
Colombia
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

Mario Camacho Fiesco
22/08/2019
CO
88
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?


Mario Camacho Fiesco
22/08/2019 04:00
Colombia
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?

Juan Ortiz's picture
Juan Ortiz
22/08/2019
CO
86
points

I'm feel very nervious, for me this is umconfortable


Juan Ortiz's picture
Juan Ortiz
22/08/2019 03:30
Colombia
AFC Bournemouth
86

I'm feel very nervious, for me this is umconfortable

Maria José Guzmán G.
22/08/2019
CO
10
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.


Maria José Guzmán G.
22/08/2019 02:23
Colombia
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.

ramirez2002
22/08/2019
CO
85
points

normal and if it is very important to know the right language to be able to talk with people and that they understand


ramirez2002
22/08/2019 01:17
Colombia
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

ramirez2002
22/08/2019
CO
85
points

me siento normal y es muy util usar el lenguaje apropiado para que los demas entiendan tambien


ramirez2002
22/08/2019 01:14
Colombia
Manchester United
85

me siento normal y es muy util usar el lenguaje apropiado para que los demas entiendan tambien

isabelacatañoguzman
22/08/2019
CO
52
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


isabelacatañoguzman
22/08/2019 01:06
Colombia
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

PatriciaGomezGuzman
22/08/2019
CO
83
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.


PatriciaGomezGuzman
22/08/2019 00:36
Colombia
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.

DaViD anDres
22/08/2019
CO
86
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


DaViD anDres
22/08/2019 00:11
Colombia
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

santiagomontes
22/08/2019
CO
66
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.


santiagomontes
22/08/2019 00:06
Colombia
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.

DiegoFigueroa9B's picture
DiegoFigueroa9B
21/08/2019
CO
85
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...


DiegoFigueroa9B's picture
DiegoFigueroa9B
21/08/2019 23:19
Colombia
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...

juan jose castro08
21/08/2019
CO
42
points

when i know new people I feel sure of myself, so i have not problem in knowing nwe people


juan jose castro08
21/08/2019 17:50
Colombia
Liverpool
42

when i know new people I feel sure of myself, so i have not problem in knowing nwe people

Ximena Alvarez's picture
Ximena Alvarez
21/08/2019
CO
87
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.


Ximena Alvarez's picture
Ximena Alvarez
21/08/2019 02:44
Colombia
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.

Ximena Alvarez's picture
Ximena Alvarez
21/08/2019
CO
87
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.


Ximena Alvarez's picture
Ximena Alvarez
21/08/2019 02:43
Colombia
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.

AnaSofySantofimio
21/08/2019
CO
25
points

For me know new people is very exciting but Many times i tend to get shy.


AnaSofySantofimio
21/08/2019 02:22
Colombia
AFC Bournemouth
25

For me know new people is very exciting but Many times i tend to get shy.

FernandaRiveraAnturi
21/08/2019
CO
67
points

1. It all depends on who you talk to
2. I use formal language


FernandaRiveraAnturi
21/08/2019 01:36
Colombia
Manchester United
67

1. It all depends on who you talk to
2. I use formal language

valentina trujillo
20/08/2019
CO
75
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


valentina trujillo
20/08/2019 23:58
Colombia
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

danielacarolina's picture
danielacarolina
20/08/2019
CO
22
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


danielacarolina's picture
danielacarolina
20/08/2019 23:08
Colombia
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

MapaRuiz1011's picture
MapaRuiz1011
20/08/2019
CO
76
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


MapaRuiz1011's picture
MapaRuiz1011
20/08/2019 22:26
Colombia
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

juandiego
20/08/2019
CO
81
points

For me is important to meet new people for lose shy and know more about theme


juandiego
20/08/2019 22:13
Colombia
Manchester United
81

For me is important to meet new people for lose shy and know more about theme

Fernanda correa
20/08/2019
CO
14
points

For me it is important to meet new people because with them I can learn more


Fernanda correa
20/08/2019 22:09
Colombia
Manchester United
14

For me it is important to meet new people because with them I can learn more

Maria Camila
20/08/2019
CO
83
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.


Maria Camila
20/08/2019 21:49
Colombia
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.

gabrielaugustogarzon
20/08/2019
CO
89
points

For me is importante meet NEW people for enlarge my experiences


gabrielaugustogarzon
20/08/2019 21:26
Colombia
Liverpool
89

For me is importante meet NEW people for enlarge my experiences

Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019
CO
18
points

I usually feel uncomfortable when I meet someone but then I settle into the conversation


Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019 20:20
Colombia
Manchester United
18

I usually feel uncomfortable when I meet someone but then I settle into the conversation

Mariacordoba12
20/08/2019
CO
30
points

1. It depends on the person I know, I will feel good if the person is interesting 2. I use formal language


Mariacordoba12
20/08/2019 19:23
Colombia
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

JuanCalderon
20/08/2019
CO
79
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


JuanCalderon
20/08/2019 06:27
Colombia
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

valentinabenavides
20/08/2019
CO
90
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.


valentinabenavides
20/08/2019 05:54
Colombia
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.

soffirodriguez
20/08/2019
CO
15
points

I feel a little nervous because i don't talk much,i think it's very important


soffirodriguez
20/08/2019 04:45
Colombia
Manchester United
15

I feel a little nervous because i don't talk much,i think it's very important

NataliaParedes
20/08/2019
CO
108
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.


NataliaParedes
20/08/2019 04:42
Colombia
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.

Paula valbuena
20/08/2019
CO
119
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


Paula valbuena
20/08/2019 03:35
Colombia
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

Anthony Montealegre
20/08/2019
CO
85
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


Anthony Montealegre
20/08/2019 02:58
Colombia
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

Anthony Montealegre
20/08/2019
CO
85
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.


Anthony Montealegre
20/08/2019 02:55
Colombia
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.

Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019
CO
18
points

1-It is very important to feel comfortable with the person, but I think he would use the informal tickets


Juandavidsambony
20/08/2019 02:31
Colombia
Manchester United
18

1-It is very important to feel comfortable with the person, but I think he would use the informal tickets

Martingomez
20/08/2019
CO
20
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?


Martingomez
20/08/2019 02:26
Colombia
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?

Juan sebastian
19/08/2019
CO
89
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


Juan sebastian
19/08/2019 23:09
Colombia
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

Julianarojas92
19/08/2019
CO
83
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?


Julianarojas92
19/08/2019 23:07
Colombia
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?

Sebastian0818
19/08/2019
CO
81
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?


Sebastian0818
19/08/2019 21:38
Colombia
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?

Sebastian0818
19/08/2019
CO
81
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?


Sebastian0818
19/08/2019 21:27
Colombia
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?

laurapolanco
19/08/2019
CO
78
points

It's good to meet new people, it's more interesting if you share things in common and have more social circle


laurapolanco
19/08/2019 20:43
Colombia
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

AlejandraSilva123_24
19/08/2019
CO
87
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 ...


AlejandraSilva123_24
19/08/2019 20:39
Colombia
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 ...

laurapolanco
19/08/2019
CO
78
points

Meeting a person is very good because you can share tastes and this depends on whether we use formal or informal English.


laurapolanco
19/08/2019 20:39
Colombia
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.

Level

3
Average: 3 (1 vote)

Goals

Language: Phrases to introduce yourself

Language: Phrases to introduce others