4.1 Speaking Skill

Self Introduction

Why are introductions important?

They are part of making small talk at social events or gatherings.

Introductory phrases are different from the ones we use to greet friends, but they're often used together as parts of a broader conversation.

When introducing yourselves, you use standard phrases like

My name is...

Where are you from?

I'm from... (city, state, or country).

I am here for my studies.

Introducing yourself

Raj: Hello.

Rahul: Hi!

Raj: My name is Raj. What's your name?

Rahul: My name is Rahul. Nice to meet you.

Raj: It's a pleasure. This is a great place!

Rahul: Yes, it is. Where are you from?

Raj: I'm from Kerala. Where are you from?

Rahul: I'm from Karnataka.

Raj: Karnataka is a beautiful state.

Rahul: Thank you. It is a wonderful place.

Introducing other People

Introductions in Formal Situations

Introductions can occur between more than two people, for example, at a social event or at a business meeting.

When you meet someone for the first time, it is common to greet them by saying,

"It's a pleasure to meet you," or "Pleased to meet you."

It is polite to respond by repeating the statement back at them, as Rani does in this example:

Raj: Roy, I'd like you to meet Rani.

Roy: It's a pleasure to meet you.

Rani: It's a pleasure to meet you too!

Raj: Rani works for...

Introductions in Informal Situations

In informal situations, introductions are also made simply by saying,

"This is (name)."

It is also common to just say "Hi" or "Hello" as a response in this informal setting.

Anil: Arif, this is Shyam.

Arif: Hi. How are you?

Shyam: Hello! Pleased to meet you.

Anil: Shyam works for...

Common Introductory Phrases

There are a set of commonly used phrases to introduce strangers.

Bhagat, I don't think you've met Bashir.

I don't think you know Bashir.

May I introduce you to Bashir?

Bhagat, do you know Bashir?

Bhagat, I'd like you to meet Bashir.

Greet when you meet

Sarah: Hello, Amit. How are you?

Amit: Fine, thanks. How are you?

Sarah: I'm fine, thank you.

And when you leave, say goodbye.

Amit: Goodbye, Sarah. See you tomorrow!

Sarah: Bye bye, Amit. Have a nice evening.

Amit: Thanks, you too!

Common phrases used while leaving

Hello... How are you?

I'm fine, thank you.

Goodbye

See you... (tomorrow, this weekend, next week, etc.)

Have a nice... (day, evening, week, etc.)

Situational Dialogues

1. Asking the way:

Dialogue 1

1st Person: Excuse me. Can you tell me where South Street is, please?

2nd Person: Take the second on the left and then ask again.

1st Person: Is it far?

2nd Person: No, it's only about five minutes' walk.

1st Person: Many thanks.

2nd Person: Not at all.

Dialogue 2

1st Person: Excuse me, please. Could you tell me the way to the station?

2nd Person: Turn around and turn left at the traffic lights.

1st Person: Will it take me long to get there?

2nd Person: No, it's no distance at all.

1st Person: Thank you.

2nd Person: That's OK.

Dialogue 3

1st Person: Excuse me, but I'm trying to find the Town Hall.

2nd Person: Take the third on the right and go straight on.

1st Person: Should I take a bus?

2nd Person: No, you can walk it in under five minutes.

1st Person: Thank you very much indeed.

2nd Person: That's quite all right.

Some more practice

At the railway station

Dialogue 1

1st Person: When does the train to Prashanti Nilayam leave, please?

2nd Person: 9.25 p.m., Platform 3.

1st Person: What time does it reach Prashanti Nilayam?

2nd Person: You should be there at 6 a.m., but you may be a bit late.

1st Person: Do I have to change?

2nd Person: No, it takes you straight to Prashanti Nilayam.

At the reservation counter

Dialogue 2

1st Person: Which train do I take for Nagpur, please?

2nd Person: There is no direct train. You can take a train to Mumbai and change from there.

1st Person: What time does it reach Mumbai?

2nd Person: It leaves here at 10 in the night and reaches Mumbai at 6 a.m.

1st Person: What time is the connecting train?

2nd Person: There is a Mumbai-Nagpur train at 8 a.m.

1st Person: Thank you for the information.

2nd Person: You are welcome.