1 General Education Office BUSINESS ENGLISH LA.231/LA.331/LA.3501 Unit 1: Introductions

2 Objectives By the end of this class you should be able to… Be familiar with introducing yourself Be familiar with introducing other people Be familiar with important cultural points during introductions.

3 First Impressions “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.”  Most of the time a successful business relationship will be based on the introduction, or “first impression.” The way you dress, your greeting, your handshake, even the way you wear your hair is important in making businesspeople trust you. Is it better to be formal, or informal? When in doubt, always be formal.

4 First Impressions  Here are some important points about to remember about making business introductions in English… 1. Introduce other businesspeople in importance: the person in highest authority is always introduced first. 2. If possible, stand when introductions are being made. 3. If clients are present, they should always be introduced first. 4.Introduce people by name and job title first, and then some small extra bit of information about the person. 5.If you are introduced, shake hands, look the person in the eyes, and say “Hello” (informal), or “Pleased to meet you”, “Nice to meet you” or “How do you do?” (formal). 6. Always treat a business card with respect, reading them carefully, and then keeping them safe.

5 Cultural Etiquette Many cultures have similar cultural practices, especially in business deals, but some countries have very different traditions. What may be okay in one country, could be rude in another country. Handshakes in the USA, UK, and Australia are firm with several shakes, but in France they are weak and only one shake. What are some other cultural differences in introductions? To know what to do you should research these traditions before you go on your trip, so you avoid losing the business from poor etiquette.

6 Cultural Etiquette Handshakes There are many rules for shaking hands, but only a few that are important in business dealings. While handshakes used to be considered something only for men to do, nowadays both men and women shake hands during business deals. But when a woman is going to do business, the man should always let the woman decide if she will shake the hand before the man tries it.  Now look at the following types of handshakes…

7 Practice It! Now everyone must stand, find at least 5 people and introduce yourself while shaking hands. Make sure you practice the greetings for saying hello.

8 Nationalities Brazilian Polish Germany Kuwaiti French Oman Italian Spain Russia Turkey Japanese Swedish China Greece British American Where are you from? A) Complete the chart of countries and nationalities. CountryNationality -an Brazil Brazilian Germany German Italy Russian -ese Japan Chinese -i Kuwait Omani CountryNationality -ish Poland Spanish Sweden Turkish Others France Greek the UK the USA

9 Nationalities We often use the verb to be to describe people. Jeffery Immelt is Chairman of GE. He is American. He is married. IamI’m Spanish. You are You’re WeWe’re TheyThey’re He is He’s SheShe’s ItIt’s Iam notI’m not Italian. You are not You aren’t WeWe aren’t TheyThey aren’t He isn’t He isn’t SheShe isn’t ItIt isn’t Complete Ex A on P10 with SHORT FORMS of the verb to be and listen and check. Match the questions and answers on Ex F on P11 Complete Ex E on P10 with NEGATIVE SHORT FORMS and listen and check.

10 Jobs / Professions We also use the verb to be with people’s jobs. Jeffery Immelt is Chairman of GE. I am a teacher. We use a before words beginning with a consonant sound (e.g., b, c, etc.): a receptionist We use an before words beginning with a vowel sounds (a, e, i, o, u):\ an astronaut We do not use a or an with plural nouns: They are doctors.

11 Jobs / Professions trainee accountant executive optician lawyer analyst director architect manager consultant engineer doctor pilot office worker cashier receptionist technician telephone operator sales assistant personal assistant Write the correct article (a/an) for each job

12 Skills – Introducing yourself and others a)Listen to three conversations (on Page 21). Decide whether these statements are TRUE or FALSE b)Listen again and complete the conversations using the phrases above. Useful language Introducing peopleGreetings I’m…Please to meet you. My name’s…Nice to meet you. This is…Good to see you again. He’s /She’s in sales.You, too. He’s / She’s with Nokia. Asking about businessReplying How’s business?Not bad, thanks. Fine. / OK. Not too good. Offering a drink Would you like a drink?Thanks very much. I’d love one. How about a drink?Yes, please. / No, thanks. Another drink? Saying goodbye See you later.Goodbye. See you soon. Nice talking to you.

13 Summary Understand Business English Course Objectives Understand Course Structure, Assessment and Rules and Requirements Be familiar with introducing yourself Be familiar with introducing other people. Be familiar with important cultural points during introductions. Now you are able to: