INTRODUCTION |
Becky: Introducing Yourself in an American Business Meeting. Becky here. |
John: Hi, I'm John. |
Becky: In this lesson, you’ll learn how to break the ice and actively introduce yourself in a business meeting. The conversation takes place at a trade fair. |
John: It's between Linda and Paul Handerson. |
Becky: The speakers are strangers, therefore, they will speak formal English. Okay, let's listen to the conversation. |
DIALOGUE |
Linda: Hello. I’m Linda Baker from Green &Blue. |
Paul Handerson: Hi, pleased to meet you. I’m Paul Handerson. I'm the sales manager at Rainbow's. |
Linda: Nice to meet you. Here’s my business card. |
Paul Handerson: Thank you, here's mine. |
Becky: Listen to the conversation one more time, slowly. |
Linda: Hello. I’m Linda Baker from Green &Blue. |
Paul Handerson: Hi, pleased to meet you. I’m Paul Handerson. I'm the sales manager at Rainbow's. |
Linda: Nice to meet you. Here’s my business card. |
Paul Handerson: Thank you, here's mine. |
POST CONVERSATION BANTER |
Becky: Do Americans use business cards when they first meet a potential business partner? |
John: Although business cards aren't as large of a part of business culture in America as they are in other countries, they are still used. |
Becky: What does a typical business card include? |
John: A typical business card includes the employee's name, company name, and their contact details. Usually, these are contact details for work, such as a work email address or direct line, but sometimes they can include personal contact information depending on their job role. |
Becky: As for the design, business cards are kept plain and professional, but will usually have the company logo on them. |
John: More decorated and colorful business cards are becoming more popular, especially for businesses related to art, design, or media. |
Becky: When do you usually exchange business cards? |
John: Usually during the first meeting, after the first handshake. While handing it to the other person, you can say “Here is my business card.” |
Becky: Is it okay to ask for someone’s business card? |
John: Yes, if you meet someone new and need their contact details, you can ask if they have a business card or you can give them yours. |
Becky: Okay, now onto the vocab. |
VOCAB LIST |
Becky: Let’s take a look at the vocabulary from this lesson. The first word is... |
John: hello [natural native speed] |
Becky: used as a greeting |
John: hello [slowly - broken down by syllable] |
John: hello [natural native speed] |
Becky: Next, we have... |
John: to be pleased [natural native speed] |
Becky: to be happy with something |
John: to be pleased [slowly - broken down by syllable] |
John: to be pleased [natural native speed] |
Becky: Then, we have... |
John: sales manager [natural native speed] |
Becky: the person in charge of a company's sales |
John: sales manager [slowly - broken down by syllable] |
John: sales manager [natural native speed] |
Becky: Next up is... |
John: business card [natural native speed] |
Becky: a small company card that has one's name and contact information on it |
John: business card [slowly - broken down by syllable] |
John: business card [natural native speed] |
Becky: And lastly... |
John: from [natural native speed] |
Becky: indicates point of origin |
John: from [slowly - broken down by syllable] |
John: from [natural native speed] |
KEY VOCAB AND PHRASES |
Becky: Let's have a closer look at the usage of some of the words and phrases from this lesson. The first word is... |
John: hello |
Becky: This word is used as a greeting. You can use it any time of the day. |
John: Though it may sound casual, in America it's quite common, even for a first-time meeting, to be used in a business setting. For example you can say “Hello, sir, how may I help you?” |
Becky: If you’re still not sure, when dealing with clients and customers, use “good morning,” “good afternoon,” or “good evening,” as they sound more formal. |
Becky: Okay, what's the next word? |
John: to be pleased |
Becky: ...meaning "to be happy with something." |
John: "Pleased" is an adjective, and it means "happy" and "satisfied." |
Becky: You can use this adjective to show that you are happy about something. “Pleased” is more formal than "happy," but isn't so formal that it can't be used in more casual situations. |
John: For example, you can say "I'm pleased that you could make the party." |
Becky: There’s also the verb, "to please," which means to make someone else feel happy. |
Becky: Okay, now onto the lesson focus. |
Lesson focus
|
Becky: In this lesson, you'll learn how to break the ice and actively introduce yourself in a business meeting. |
John: When you introduce yourself in a business meeting, you give your name first and then add your company name as well. Usually, people give their full name and avoid any nicknames. |
Becky: Let’s give some examples. |
John: “My name is John Smith and I work for the ABC company.” |
Becky: This sounds very polite and would be best in formal settings or when speaking to somebody who has no knowledge of you or your company. You can also use shorter sentences. |
John: Right. For example “I’m John Smith from the ABC company” or even “John Smith, ABC company.” |
Becky: The second one is more informal and quick and is best used in a situation where you meet many new people in a short period of time. |
John: You may be in a situation where you have more time to talk. Other things you can include are your job title, the location of the branch or office you work at, and the number of years you’ve worked there. |
Becky: For example “Hi, I’m John Smith from the ABC company. I’ve been an engineer at the LA branch for seven years.” |
John: Sometimes you may be in a situation where deciding who introduces themselves first might be a little tricky. |
Becky: Right, however, if the meeting is in an office, then the person whose office it is should go first. |
John: If the meeting is in a neutral place and you know that the other person has a higher position in their company, then let them go first as well. |
Becky: Finally, if you don’t know the other person’s position, then whoever says “hello” or makes eye contact first should take the initiative. |
John: Okay, now let’s see some words for professions that can come in handy when making introductions in a business setting. |
Becky: For example an “engineer” is a person who designs things, such as systems and materials, using scientific knowledge. |
John: A “salesperson” is a person who sells goods to customers. |
Becky: An “office worker” is a person who works in an office, usually doing computer-based tasks. |
John: A “mechanic” is a person who fixes and maintains machines. |
Becky: An “IT worker” is a person who works with information technology - computer information systems, hardware, and software. |
John: Listeners, be sure to check out the lesson notes to learn more profession names! |
Outro
|
Becky: Okay, that’s all for this lesson. Thank you for listening, everyone, and we’ll see you next time! Bye! |
John: See you! |
Comments
HideHow would you introduce yourself in a business business situation?
Hello Rawia,
You're very welcome! 👍👍
I'm glad to hear that you found the information helpful. If you have any other questions or need further clarification, please don't hesitate to ask.
Remember, practice makes perfect!
Thank you!
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello Francisco,
I'm glad to hear that you find our tips helpful! Your preference for the term "professor" over "teacher" is understandable, as different cultures and societies often use these words with varying connotations. 👍
However, I'd like to point out a small correction in your message:
Your sentence: "The only thing that bring my attention is word teacher"
Corrected sentence: "The only thing that brings my attention is the word 'teacher'"
Reason: We use "brings" instead of "bring" here because the subject "thing" is singular. Also, it's more grammatically correct to use 'the' before 'word' and put 'teacher' in quotation marks or italics when referring to it as a word.
Your sentence: "I’m a professor"
Corrected sentence: "For example, I’m a professor."
Reason: The phrase "For example" usually comes at the beginning of a sentence when you're providing an example to support your point.
Keep up the good work, and feel free to ask any more questions you might have! 😎
Thank you!
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Thank you , that is helpful
I like the tips to introduce with other person the first time. The only thing that bring my attention is word teacher - I prefer to use the word professor instead of teacher for example - I'm a professor
Hello Andy,
Thank you for your message. Your sentences are quite good! I'm glad to see you practicing introductions and exchanging business cards in English.
Here are a few suggestions for improvement:
1. In your first sentence, it would be more natural to say, "Hello, my name is Linda Baker from Green & Blue." This gives a complete introduction of yourself in a professional setting.
2. In your second sentence, it would be better to say, "Nice to meet you, I'm Paul Handerson, the sales manager at RainBow's." This way, you're returning the greeting and introducing yourself in the same sentence.
3. For your third sentence, it's perfect! You've correctly used the phrase "Nice to meet you" and offered your business card.
4. For your last sentence, consider saying, "Thank you for your card. Here's mine in return." This acknowledges their action and reciprocates it.
Remember, practicing is key to improving your English skills, so keep up the good work! 👍❤️
Thank you!
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello. I'm Linda Baker from Green & Blue.
Hi, pleased to meet you. I'm Paul Handerson. I'm the sales manager at RainBow's.
Nice to meet you. Here's my business card.
Thank you, here's mine. 😄
Hello Marc,
Welcome on board! ❤️️😜
We are constantly updating the lessons on our site so please stay tuned! 👍
Feel free to ask us any questions that come up.
Cheers,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hi Eva,
I'm Marc from S&H W. I'm an occupational safety and health technician.
My first name is Radu Marcel but all my friends call me Marc.
Hello Gloria,
Thank you for joining us and for taking the time to introduce yourself!
You understood the meaning and use of "pleased" correctly. It is generally used in a more formal situation.
I hope you're enjoying your studies with us.
Regards,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello All.
I'm Gloria. I'm a sales manager from Shunda strip steel Co.,LTD.
May I ask you a question?
As you mentioned below,
"Pleased" is an adjective, and it means "happy" and "satisfied." You can use this adjective to show that you are happy about something, or happy with something. It's more formal than "happy," but isn't so formal that it can't be used in more casual situations.
So "happy" can be used in more casual situtions and "pleased" can be used in formal situtions, right?
Hello Thora,
Thanks for getting in touch! It's nice to meet you. 👍
We’re very happy to have you here.
If you ever have any questions, please let us know! 😉
Sincerely,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello, I'm Thora Thu. I'm an accountant at the International Non-profit Organization.
Hello Min,
Welcome from Singapore! I do love that shop!
I hope you're enjoying studying with us at EnglishClass101.com! Please be reassured, practice makes perfect!👍
If you ever have any questions throughout, let us know!
Sincerely,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello Teacher,
I am Min Theingi. I am working at Uniqlo Singapore.
I read your lesson. I will try my writing and speaking skills. It is very bad.
Best regards
Aunty Min
Hi there Puja,
Thanks for taking the time to write to us! 😄
It's great to have you on board with us!
Please feel free to shoot through any questions you have throughout your studies.
Sincerely,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hello I'm Puja from NAREDCO
I am working as Exicutive
I am hare to do business
Hello Jose,
Do you have Flash installed and allowed on your browser/device?
Kind regards,
Levente
Team EnglishClass101.com
I can't to save my voice.
Hi there Bhavna,
Thanks for getting in touch.😄
The correct way to say this would be: "Hi, I am Bhavna a sales manager from white and blue in ABC company. I am here to do business."
If you ever have any other questions regarding your studies, please let me know.
Sincerely,
Éva
Team EnglishClass101.com
Hi this is sales manager Bhavna from white and blue in ABC company. I'm here to business. Is that right sentence