Socializing Flashcards
How to be more social
1
Q
Meeting people for the first time (previous contact via email, phone)
A
- Hello, pleased to meet you finally.
- So, finally, we meet.
- I’m very glad to have the opportunity to speak to you in person.
- I think we have exchanged a few email, and maybe spoken on the phone.
2
Q
Meeting people for the first time (no previous contact)
A
- Hello, I don’t think we’ve met. I’m …
- Pleased to meet you.
- Nice to meet you, too.
- May I introduce myself? My name is …
- I’m responsible for / I’m in charge of … / I’m head of …
- Good morning, I’m …
- How do you do?
- Here is my card. Do you have a card?
3
Q
Introducing people
A
- Can I introduce a colleague of mine? This is Irmin Schmidt.
- Hello, Pete, this is Ursula.
- David, this is Olga. Olga, this is David.
- I’m afraid Alice cannot be with us today.
4
Q
Telling people how to address you
A
- Please call me Peter.
- OK, and I’m Peter.
- Fine, please call me Peter.
5
Q
Meeting people who you think you may have met before
A
- Excuse me, I think we may have met before, I’m …
- Hi, have we met before?
- Hi, you must be …
6
Q
Seeing people you have already met before
A
- Hi, Tom, good to see you again, how are you doing?
- Hi, how’s it going? I haven’t seen you for ages.
- How’s things?
- Great to see you.
- I’m (very) pleased to see you again.
7
Q
Catching up
A
- How did the trip to Africa go?
- How’s the new job going?
- How’s your husband? And the children?
- How is the new project going?
8
Q
Small talk - Asking questions
A
- Is it that the first time you have attended this conference?
- Where are you staying?
- Where are you from?
- What did you think of the last presentation?
- What presentations are you planning to see this afternoon?
- What was the best presentation so far do you think?
- Are you going to present something?
- Had you ever seen Professor Jones present before? She’s great don’t you think?
- Are you coming to the gala dinner?
- So, you said you were doing some research into x. Do you have any interesting results yet?
- So you were saying your were born in x—what’s it like there?
9
Q
Small talk - Showing interest
A
- Oh, are you?
- Oh, is it?
- Oh, really?
- Right.
- That’s interesting.
- Oh, I hadn’t realized.
10
Q
Small talk - Apologizing for something you shouldn’t have said
A
- Sorry, I didn’t mean to …
- Sorry, I thought you meant …
- I meant …
- I didn’t mean to offend.
- Sorry I obviously didn’t make myself clear.
11
Q
Arranging meetings - Suggesting a time / day
A
- Would tomorrow morning at 9.00 suit you?
- Could you make it in the afternoon?
- Shall we say 2.30, then?
- Could you manage the day after tomorrow?
- What about after the last presentation this afternoon?
12
Q
Arranging meetings - Making an alternative suggestion
A
- Tomorrow would be better for me.
- If it’s OK with you, I think I’d prefer to make it 3.30.
- Could we make it a little later?
13
Q
Arranging meetings - Responding positively
A
- OK, that sounds like a good idea.
- Yes, that’s fine.
- Yes, that’ll be fine.
- That’s no problem.
14
Q
Arranging meetings - Responding negatively
A
- I’m sorry, I really don’t think I will have time. I have a presentation tomorrow and I am still working on some of the slides.
- I don’t think I can manage tomorrow morning.
- I’m not sure about what I am doing tonight, I need to check with my colleagues and then get back to you.
- The problem is that I already have a series of informal meetings lined up.
15
Q
Arranging meetings - Cancelling a meeting set up by the other person
A
- Something has come up, so I’m afraid I can’t come.
- Sorry but the other members of my group have arranged for me to …
- Sorry but it looks as though I am going to be busy all tomorrow. The thing is I have to …
16
Q
Arranging meetings - Postponing a meeting that you set up
A
- I’m really sorry but I can’t make our meeting tomorrow morning because my professor needs me to …
- I am very sorry about this, and I am sorry I couldn’t let you know sooner. I hope this has not inconvenienced you.
- In any case, I was wondering whether we could rearrange for tomorrow night.
17
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Initiating a topic
A
- First of all, I wanted to ask you about …
- What is your view on … ?
18
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Changing a topic / returning to a topic
A
- I’ve just thought of something else …
- Sorry to interrupt, I just need to tell you
- about …
- Can I interrupt a moment?
- But going back to what you said earlier …
- I’ve been thinking about what you said and …
19
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Stalling and deferring by interviewee
A
- Could I just think about that a second?
- Just a moment, I really need to think about that.
- Could I get back to you on that? I’ll email you the answer.
20
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Concluding by interviewer
A
- Well, I don’t want to keep you any longer.
- Well, I think that’s covered everything.
- I think the next session is starting in a couple of minutes, so we had better stop.
21
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Asking for a follow up
A
- Would it be OK if I email you with any other questions that I think of?
- Would you have time to continue this conversation at lunch today?
22
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Thanking
A
- Thank you so much. It has been really useful.
- That’s great. You have told me everything I needed to know.
- It was really very kind of you to …
- Thanks very much for …
- Thank you very much indeed for …
- I don’t know how to thank you for …
- You’ve been really helpful.
23
Q
At an informal one-to-one meeting - Responding to thanks
A
- You’re welcome.
- Don’t mention it.
- Not at all.
- It’s my pleasure.
- That’s alright.
24
Q
General requests and offers - Inquiring
A
- I wonder if you could help me?
- Do you know where / how I could … ?
- Do you happen to know if … ?
- Excuse me, do you think you could … ?
25
General requests and offers - Responding to an inquiry
* Certainly. Sure. Yes, what’s the problem?
* No, I’m sorry I don’t actually know.
* I don’t actually, but if you ask that man ...
* Yes, of course.
* Actually, I can’t I’m afraid.
26
General requests and offers - Requesting help
* Do you think you could give me a hand with ... ?
* Would you mind helping me with ... ?
* I wonder if you could help me with ... ?
* Could you give me some help?
* Could you do me a favor?
27
General requests and offers - Accepting request for help
* Sure. No problem.
* Just a second and I’ll be with you.
* OK. Right. Where shall I start?
28
General requests and offers - Declining request for help
* I’m sorry but I can’t just at the moment.
* Sorry, but you’ve caught me at a bad time.
* Actually, I’d rather not, if you don’t mind.
29
General requests and offers - Offering help
* Shall I help you with ... ?
* Do you want me to help you with ... ?
* If you want, I could lend you hand with that.
* Are you sure you don’t need any help with that?
* Would you like me to give you a hand with... ?
30
General requests and offers - Accepting offer of help
* That’s really kind of you.
* Great thanks.
* If you’re sure you can spare the time, that’d be great.
* If you really don’t mind, that’d be most helpful.
31
General requests and offers - Declining offer of help
* That’s very kind of you but I think I can manage.
* No, it’s alright thanks.
* Thanks but I really don’t want to put you out.
32
General requests and offers - Giving advice
* Have you thought about ... ?
* Don’t you think perhaps you should ... ?
* Perhaps it might not be a bad idea to ...
* If I were you I would ...
* Maybe the best thing would be to ...
* Perhaps you ought to / should ...
33
General requests and offers - Responding to advice
* Yes, that sounds sensible.
* Good thinking!
* That’s a good idea. Thanks.
34
General requests and offers - Showing enthusiasm
* That’s wonderful / great / fantastic / perfect.
* Well done!
* Congratulations!
* Good on you.
* That’s marvelous news. I’m so pleased for you.
* Really? I can hardly believe it.
* You must be so proud of yourself.
35
General requests and offers - Giving condolences
* Oh well, it’s better than nothing.
* Bad luck! Better luck next time.
* Oh dear! I’m sorry to hear that.
* Well, I’m sure you did everything you could.
36
At the bar and restaurant - Formal invitations for dinner
* Would you like to have lunch next Friday?
* If you are not busy tonight, would you like to ... ?
* We’re organizing a dinner tonight, I was wondering whether you might like to come?
* I‘d like to invite you to dinner.
37
At the bar and restaurant - Accepting
* That’s very kind of you. I’d love to come.
* What time are you meeting?
* Thank you, I’d love to.
* That sounds great.
* What a nice idea.
38
At the bar and restaurant - Responding to an acceptance
* Great. OK, well we could meet downstairs in the lobby.
* Great. I could pass by your hotel at 7.30 if you like.
39
At the bar and restaurant - Declining
* I’m afraid I can’t, I’m busy on Friday.
* That’s very nice of you, but ...
* Thanks but I have to make the final touches to my presentation.
* No, I’m sorry I’m afraid I can’t make it.
* Unfortunately, I’m already doing something tomorrow night.
40
At the bar and restaurant - Responding to a non-acceptance
* Oh that’s a shame, but not to worry.
* Oh well, maybe another time.
41
At the bar and restaurant - Informal invitation to go to the bar/cafe
* Shall we go and have a coffee?
* Would you like to go and get a coffee?
* What about a coffee?
* Do you know if there is a coffee machine somewhere in the building?
42
At the bar and restaurant - Offering drink / food
* Can I get you anything?
* What can I get you?
* Would you like a coffee?
* Black or white? How many sugars?
* So, what would you like to drink?
* Would you like some more wine?
* Shall I pour it for you?
43
At the bar and restaurant - Accepting offer
* I’ll have a coffee please.
* I think I’ll have an orange juice.
* No, nothing for me thanks.
44
At the bar and restaurant - Toasting
* Cheers.
* To your good health.
* To distant friends.
45
At the bar and restaurant - Questions and answers at the bar / cafe
* Do you often come to this bar?
* Yes, either this one or the one across the road.
* Is there a bathroom here?
* Well, I think we’d better get back—the next session starts in 10 minutes.
* Shall we get back?
46
At the bar and restaurant - Arriving at a restaurant
* We’ve booked a table for 10.
* Could we sit outside please?
* Could we have a table in the corner / by the window?
* Actually we seem to have got here a bit too early.
* Are the others on their way?
* Would you like something to drink / Shall we sit down at the bar while we’re waiting for a table?
* OK, I think we can go to our table now.
47
At the bar and restaurant - Menu
* Can / May / Could I have the menu please?
* Do you have a set menu / a menu with local dishes?
* Do you have any vegetarian dishes?
48
At the bar and restaurant - Explaining things on the menu and asking for clarification
* Shall I explain some of the things on the menu?
* Well, basically these are all fish dishes.
* I’d recommend it because it’s really tasty and typical of this area of my country.
* This is a salad made up of eggs, tuna fish, and onions.
* Could you tell me what xxx is?
49
At the bar and restaurant - Making suggestions
* Can I get you another drink?
* Would you like anything else?
* Shall I order some wine?
* Would you like anything to drink? A glass of wine?
* Would you like a little more wine?
* Would you prefer sparkling or still water?
* What are you going to have?
* Are you going to have a starter?
* Why don’t you try some of this?
* Can I tempt you to...?
* Would you like to try some of this? It’s called xxx and is typical of this area.
* What would you like for you main course?
* Would you like anything for dessert? The sweets are homemade and are very good.
50
At the bar and restaurant - Saying what you are planning to order
* I think I’ll just have the starter and then move on to the main course.
* I think I’ll have fish.
* I’d like a small portion of the chocolate cake.
* I don’t think I’ll have any dessert thank you.
51
At the bar and restaurant - Requesting
* Could you pass me the water please?
* Could I have some butter please?
* Do you think I could have some more wine?
52
At the bar and restaurant - Declining
* Nothing else thanks.
* Actually, I am on a diet.
* Actually, I am allergic to nuts.
* I’ve had enough thanks. It was delicious.
53
At the bar and restaurant - Being a host and encouraging guests to start
* Do start.
* Enjoy your meal.
* Enjoy.
* Tuck in.
* Help yourself to the wine / salad.
54
At the bar and restaurant - Being a guest and commenting on food before beginning to eat
* It smells delicious.
* It looks really good.
55
At the bar and restaurant - Asking about and making comments on the food
* Are you enjoying the fish?
* Yes, it’s very tasty.
* This dish is delicious.
* This wine is really good.
56
At the bar and restaurant - Ending the meal
* Would you like a coffee, or something stronger?
* Would anyone like anything else to eat or drink?
57
At the bar and restaurant - Paying
* Could I have the bill please.
* I’ll get this.
* That’s very kind of you, but this is on me.
* No, I insist on paying. You paid last time.
* That’s very kind of you.
* Do you know if service is included?
* Do people generally leave a tip?
58
At the bar and restaurant - Thanking
* Thank you so much—it was a delicious meal and a great choice of restaurant.
* Thanks very much. If you ever come to LA, let me know, there’s an excellent restaurant where I would like to take you.
* Thank you again, it was a lovely evening.
59
At the bar and restaurant - Replying to thanks
* Not at all. It was my pleasure.
* Don’t mention it.
* You’re welcome.
60
At the hotel - Checking in
* I have a reservation in the name of...
* The booking was confirmed by both email and fax.
* Which floor is my room on?
* When will it be ready?
* Has anyone else from my institute arrived here already?
* I will be leaving at 08.30 tomorrow morning.
61
At the hotel - Meeting someone you know by the check-in desk
* Hello, I didn’t know you were staying here.
* How are you?
* Did you have a good journey here?
* Have you already checked in?
* Do you want to get a drink while we wait for the others?
* What room are you in?
62
At the hotel - Asking about services
* Is there an Internet connection?
* Is there a shuttle bus to the conference?
* Can you book me a taxi?
* Is there a train that goes to the airport?
* What time do I have to be back to the hotel in the evening?
* When is breakfast served?
* How do I dial for overseas?
* I’m expecting a Professor Smith at 7.00.
* Could you call me when he arrives?
63
At the hotel - Problems with the room
* This key doesn’t seem to work.
* I have locked myself out.
* My room has not been cleaned.
* There are no towels.
* Could I have an extra pillow please?
* Would it be possible to change room, it’s very noisy?
64
At the hotel - Checking out
* I’d like to pay my bill.
* I haven’t used anything out of the minibar. But I did make one phone call.
* I’ll be paying by Visa.
* The bill should have already been paid by my institute.
* I think there is a mistake here—I didn’t have anything from the bar.
* Could I have my passport back?
* Can I leave my luggage here and collect it later?
* I left you my case with you this morning.
* No it’s not that one, it’s got a blue stripe on it. Yes, that one.
* Could you ring for a taxi for me?
65
Saying goodbye - Excuses for leaving
* I am sorry—do you know where the restroom is?
* It was nice meeting you but sorry I just need to go to the restroom.
* Sorry but I just need to answer this call.
* I have just remembered I need to make an urgent call.
* It has been great talking to you, but I just need to make a phone call.
* Sorry, I’ve just seen someone I know.
* Sorry, but someone is waiting for me.
* Listen, it has been very interesting talking to you but unfortunately I have to go ... may be we could catch up with each other tomorrow.
66
Saying goodbye - Using the time as an excuse for leaving
* Does anyone have the correct time because I think I need to be going?
* Oh, is that the time? I’m sorry but I have to go now.
* Sorry, I’ve got to go now.
* I think it’s time I made a move.
67
Saying goodbye - Wishing well and saying goodbye (neutral)
* It’s been very nice talking to you.
* I hope to see you again soon.
* I really must be getting back.
* I do hope you have a good trip.
* It was a pleasure to meet you.
* Please send my regards to Dr Smith.
68
Saying goodbye - Wishing well and saying goodbye (informal)
* Be seeing you.
* Bye for now.
* Keep in touch.
* Look after yourself.
* Say “hello” to Kate for me.
* See you soon.
* See you later.
* Take care.
* See you in March at the conference then.
* Hope to see you before too long.
* Have a safe trip home.
* OK, my taxi’s here.
