This document provides examples of greetings and small talk in different social situations:
- It's polite to smile and say hello to acquaintances when passing them, but a conversation is not always needed.
- Close friends may hug or do a handshake when greeting. Proper greetings are important in business and introductions should include names and handshakes.
- At social events, it's polite to greet people you know and also introduce yourself to new people not in conversations to mingle. Small talk topics include the party, host, food, or costumes.
- When visiting a friend's home, greet relatives/roommates and introduce yourself while making small talk about hobbies, food, or where
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greetings
2. 1. when passing
2. before a conversation
3. in the classroom
4. in business
5. at a party or social event
6. in a friends home
3. It is polite to greet a person you know.
However, you don't always have time to stop
and have a conversation. Just remember to
smile as you say hello. A small wave is also
polite. Sometimes you pass the same person a
second time on the same day. You can say
"hello again" or just smile.
5. SLANG GREETINGS (CLOSE FRIENDS):
Certain English speaking countries also have their
own popular form of "hello".
Howdy
Hiya
Whazzup?
Yo
G'day (Australia)
6. Close friends often hug when they greet each
other, especially after a long time without
seeing one other. Men sometimes give each
other a hand shake or a high-five (touch
palms above the head). You have to express
happiness to see a person and ask a question
or begin a conversation.
8. It is polite to greet a new student that joins
your class. Introductions immediately
follow this type of greeting (exchange
names, nationalities). This is normally
followed by a small talk (weather,
surroundings, news).
9. Proper etiquette is important in business
greetings. Make sure to use polite language
such as "please" and "thank you". Appropriate
titles and gestures should also be used.
Introduce yourself with name and title.
Shake hands.
Express happiness to meet the other person.
Give or accept directions.
11. It is polite to greet many people at a social event.
This is called "mingling". After you greet people
you know look for people you haven't met before
and are NOT in a conversation. Introduce
yourself and start a conversation.
Talk about your relationship to the host.
Discuss one party related item (food, theme,
length of stay).
12. USEFUL PHRASES:
Who are you here with?
How do you know Jane? (party host)
I don't think we've met.
Have you been here long?
Have you tried the cheese dip/dessert/punch?
Where did you get your costume?
The food looks great. I can't wait to try the dip.
I love your dress/shirt/hat. It really suits you. (looks good
on you)
These decorations are wonderful. I love the table
cloth/balloons/flowers.
13. When you go into a friend's home, it is
polite to greet other people
(relatives/roommates) in the house. Say
hello and introduce yourself to people you
don't know. Express happiness to meet the
other person. Make small talk.
15. A: Hi Mike. I've heard all about you. Jesse says you love
to play guitar.
B: Yes I do, Mrs. Simpson. Nice to meet you.
A: We're glad to finally be able to meet you. Dinner will
be ready in about twenty minutes.
B: Is there anything I can do to help?
A: No, everything is pretty much ready. We're just
waiting on the roast. I hope you like roast beef.
B: Yes, of course. Jesse tells me you are a fabulous cook.
16. A: I don't think we've met. I'm Stacey. (hold out hand to
shake)
B: Hi Stacey. I'm Carl.
A: Hi Carl. So, how do you know Jane?
B: Oh, Jane and I used to work together at a coffee shop.
A: Oh, you mean when you were working in Japan?
B: That's right. And how do you know her?
A: Actually, Jane is my cousin. Our moms are sisters.
B: No way! You two don't look anything alike.
17. A: Hello. I'm Mia Conners.
B: Hi Mia. I'm David Sinclair, and this is my partner Gina
Evans. (hold out hand to shake)
A: Nice to meet you Mr. Sinclair and Ms Evans. Thank
you for taking the time to meet with me today.
B: It's our pleasure. And please, call us David and Gina.
Can I take your coat?
A: Thank you.
B: No problem. Please take a seat and we'll be right with
you. I just have to take make a quick phone call.
18. A: Hello. I'm Sasha.
B: Hi Sasha. I'm Brent. (hold out hand to shake)
A: Nice to meet you Brent. Where are you from?
B: Chicago, Illinois. And you?
A: I'm from Australia. I live in a small town near Sydney.
B: Australia. Wow. I've always wanted to go there. How
long have you been in Canada?
A: I just arrived this week. It's my first day of school.
B: Really? I think you'll love Vancouver. It's not too hot
and not too cold.