Introduction to Basic Converstaional Course

1. Lesson 1: Communication and
Greetings and Introductions

2.  By the end of the lesson students will be able
to define the basic principle of
communication and use appropriate
greetings and introductions in controlled
conversations and free conversations.

3. Communication & Language Styles(Basic information)
Communication - giving or exchanging information, signals, or messages
as by talk, gestures, or writing
Language- a. Communication of thoughts and feelings through a system
of arbitrary signals, such as voice sounds, gestures, or written symbols.
b. Such a system including its rules for combining its components, such as
words.
c. Such a system as used by a nation, people, or other distinct community.
Language Style – particular form of language usage which is divided into
three basic forms: Formal, Informal, and Neutral

4.  Once you have been introduced to someone,
the next time you see that person it is
important to greet them. We also greet
people as we leave people. In English (as in all
languages), there are different ways to greet
people in formal and informal situations.

5. Formal Greetings: Arriving
 Good morning / afternoon / evening.
Hello (name), how are you?
Good day Sir / Madam (very formal)
Informal Greetings: Arriving
 Hi / Hello
How are you?
What's up? (very informal)
How are you doing? (very informal)

6.  It's important to note that the question "How
are you?" or "What's up?" doesn't necessary
need a response. If you do respond, these
phrases are generally expected:
Very well, thank you. And you? (formal)
Fine / Great (informal)

7.  Formal Greetings: Departing
Good morning / afternoon / evening.
It was a pleasure seeing you.
Goodbye.
Note: After 8 p.m. - Good night.
 Informal Greetings: Departing
Goodbye / Bye.
See you (later).
Later (very informal)

8. It is common to use a special greeting used just for that
occasion on special days, holidays and other special
occasions. Here are some of the most common:
 Birthdays
-Happy birthday!
-Best wishes / Good luck on your thirtieth (age - use an
ordinal number) birthday!
-Many happy returns!
 Wedding / Anniversary
-Congratulations!
-Best wishes / good luck on your tenth (number - use an
ordinal number) anniversary!
-Here's to many more happy years together (used when
making a toast)

9.  Special Holidays
-Merry Christmas!
-Happy New Year / Easter / Hanukkah / Ramadan etc.
-All the best for a happy New Year / Easter / Hanukkah /
Ramadan etc.
 When making special greetings to children on their birthday
and at Christmas, it is also common to ask them what they
received:
-Merry Christmas! What did you get from Santa Claus?
-Happy Birthday! What did your Daddy get for you?
 Special Occasions
-Congratulations on your promotion!
-All the best for your ...
-I'm so proud of you!

10.  There are a number of phrases that are
commonly used to introduce strangers.
Structures
 (name), I don't think you've met (name).
I don't think you know (name)
May I introduce you to (name)
(name), do you know (name)?
(name), I'd like you to meet (name)

11.  When you meet someone the first time, it is common to greet the person with
"How do you do?" the correct response is "How do you do." Here is a short
introductory conversation:
 Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...
 A variation is also "It's a pleasure to meet you." or "Pleased to meet you.“
 Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: It's a pleasure to meet you.
Mary: How do you do.
Ken: Mary works for ...
 Ken: Peter, I'd like you to meet Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...

12.  In informal situations, especially in North America, introductions are also
made simply saying: "This is (name)." It is also common to just say "Hi" or
"Hello" as a response in this informal setting.
 Ken: Peter, this is Mary.
Peter: How do you do?
Mary: Pleased to meet you.
Ken: Mary works for ...
 It is also quite common to shake hands when you are introduced. After the
initial introduction, hand shaking generally takes place in more formal,
business situations. Otherwise, people just say "Hi."

13.  Formal introduction vs. Informal introduction
 Name
This is John.
 Title, full name, position, company
This is Dr. John Smith, Director of Surgery at John Hopkins Medical Center.

14.  Introductions
Formal vs. Informal
 Greetings
Arriving
Departing
Special Occasions