A. When you start a conversation try to reply in a way that develops the conversation. Match the question with an appropriate reply

How are you?	Thanks. I bought it from Harrods.
Nice to see you again.	Yes, I think we last met two years ago in Manila.
It's been a long time, hasn't it?	Yes, awful. I think it's rained every day since I arrived.
Nice weather today, isn't it.	Fine thanks. And you? You're looking well.
Terrible weather isn't it.	Yes, I did thanks. It was very useful.
That's a nice shirt/blouse.	Yes, it is, isn't it? Not like the coffee you get in Italy.
This coffee's a bit weak.	Yes, lovely. I hope it stays like this for the weekend.
Did you get that mail I sent you?	Nice to see you too. How are you?

B. Now try to go around a class, greet and start a conversation.

LANGUAGE SKILLS 2: INTRODUCING YOURSELF & PEOPLE

C. Practice introducing yourself, friends and groupmates. Remember to smile (and use handshakes where appropriate).

After you have been introduced to someone, it is polite to ask a few general questions to get acquainted. For example:

- Where are you from, Carol?

- I'm from Connecticut.

- Connecticut, which part?

- Hartford, the capital. How about you, Ben?

- Nebraska - a place called Bellevue. It's near Omaha.

- How do you know Alan (A)?

- He is my friend from college.

When meeting someone for the first time, it is not appropriate to ask certain types of questions. Do NOT ask: A person's age, Birth date, Salary, Weight, Marital status. You may ask general questions about the situation. For example:

- How do you know Alan (the person who introduced us)?

- Are you a student at this university?

- Is this your first time here?

- What do you do for a living?

- How long have you been working for (company)?

LANGUAGE SKILLS 3: CLOSING A CONVERSATION

D. How would you close a conversation in the following situations?

v You are in a hurry to leave. What do you say?

v You really don't want to leave, but you can see the other person needs to go.

v You’ve just met someone at a party, but you have to leave the party early.

v You are "seeing someone off" at the airport/train station.

E. A host (H) and a guest (G) are sitting in the airport lounge after a successful business meeting. Role-play the dialogue according to the model given below.

G: Start a 'leaving' dialogue

H: Reply to the guest

G: Say why you must leave

H: Show interest in the guest’s plans

G: Give more information

H: Make a final reference to business

G: Thank the host for his/her help

H: Reply - say it's been a pleasure

G: Make a second reference to leaving

H: Wish the visitor a good trip and send your regards to someone

G: Refer to the next meeting and say goodbye.

VOCABULARY 1: JOBS