1. ELL3044 Practical Business English 실용 비즈니스 영어
First Meetings, Formal & Informal English,
Getting Acquainted

2. True or False? T
1. It is polite to shake someone’s hand when first meeting them.
2. It is impolite to shake a woman’s hand when first meeting them.
3. It is impolite to look someone in the eye when talking to them.
4. It is impolite to call someone Mr. or Ms. if they are older than you.
5. It is better to use someone’s last name when you first meet them.
6. Breaking the ice means getting to know someone.
7. It’s rude to ask questions in class. F F F T T F

3. Questions 1. What should you call the teacher?
Scott, Professor, Professor Findlay, Teacher
Professor Scott, Mr. Scott, Scott Teacher, 수컷
2. What’s the opposite of formal (honorific) language?
informal language, casual language

4. Formal or Informal English?
It’s best to use formal language when you are…
someone in a senior position to you (like your boss; same as in Korea)
talking to a stranger regardless of age (like Korea)
asking a big favor (like Korea)
writing an academic paper or business letter
It’s okay to use informal language if you are talking to someone you know, even if they are older than you.

5. Listen to the conversation.
1. What does Sam Eriks say to start the conversation? - “Hello, I don’t think we’ve met…Sam Ericks.” 2. Why do they use their full names when they meet? - To use Mr. or Ms. (or Dr.) and their last name. 3. After they have introduced their names, what topic do they talk about next? - What companies they work for and what their positions are. 4. When you first meet someone (in a business setting), what should you do? - Shake their hand 5. What two pieces of information does he give when he introduces two people? - Their names and positions (Lynn Chen, Sales Manager and Victor Tang, Regional Rep)

6. Role Playing: Choose a Role
What is your name? (first and last)
What company would you like to work for (or create a company)?
What is your position at that company?

7. Role Playing In groups of 3 assign each member either A, B or C
On page 2, read through the script with your own information
Use your imagination to create some information
When you have finished, switch roles in your group

8. Getting Acquainted
1. What is a good way to break the ice? What topics are ‘safe’ to talk about (for making small talk)?
1. If it’s an international conference, what hotel you’re staying at (I’m staying at the Hilton Hotel)
2. Travel (How was your flight? When did you arrive? Is this your first time here?)
3. Issues in the news (Did you hear about that typhoon that hit Japan?)
4. Weather (This summer has been so hot)
5. Entertainment (Did you see the baseball game between KIA and Samsung?)
6. Tourist attractions (Have you visited the Opera House in Sydney?)
2. What topics should you not discuss?
1. Age (How old are you?)
2. Marital status (Are you married? No? Why not?)
3. Politics (What do you think about the President?)
4. Religion (Do you go to church on Sunday?)
5. Salary (How much do you earn in your position?)
6. Anything negative (You look so tired today. Are you gaining weight?)

9. Conversation 2
Listen to the dialogue and answer the questions 1. How does Sue break the ice? - “Is anyone sitting here? My feet are killing me.” 2. What question does Walter ask Sue to keep the conversation going? - Have you been here long? Where have you come from? Is this your first… 3. Where has Sue come from? (as opposed to “Where are you from?”) - They’re travelling and meeting abroad at a business conference. She may be from the host country. 4. Does Sue answer just ‘yes’ or ‘no’? Why (not)? - To show interest in having a conversation. 5. How does Walter end the conversation? - “There is someone I must talk to…it’s been very nice to talk to you…I’m Walter by the way.”

10. Role Playing In groups of 2-3 assign each member either A or B
On page 3, read through the script with your own information
Use your imagination to create some information
When you have finished, switch roles in your group