UNIT 2: GREETING SOMEONE & STARTING A CONVERSATION

A. GREETING: CHO HI

I. A: GREETING
Hello!/hi Good morning/afternoon/evening! Hey Tom! There you are

B: Respond
Hello!/Hi Good morning/afternoon/evening!
=>> Nice to see you (again) =>> Nice to meet/see you (First time)

2. A: Ask how a person is

B: Respond

How are you? How have

Fine! How are you? Not bad! Busy but OK Nothing special You know, I have a new....job now.

you been?

How are things? How's it going?

What's new? What's up?

3. A
You're looking great/good

B: Respond
Thanks! Same to you
1

Looks like you're doing well?

4. A
Long time no see It's been a long time

B: Respond
Long time no see Yes! Too long Yes, it has Right! Since last August/Summer

OMG! I haven't seen you for ages

B. Further Reading & Tips: 1. Greetings before a Conversation

Close friends often hug when they greet each other, especially after a long time without seeing one other. Men sometimes give each other a hand shake or a high-five (touch palms above the head). Tips

Stand near a person => say hello. Express happiness to see a person. Ask a question or begin a conversation.

Useful Phrases:

Nice to see you. Long time no see. (I haven't seen you in a while.) What have you been up to? How are things? It's been a while. (It's been a while since I've seen you.)
2

What's new? Not much. (answer to What's new?)

2. Pair Practice (casual between friends or coworkers)

Listen and read: A: Hi Corey. B: Hey, Jennifer. Good to see you. (hug) A: You too. How've you been? B: Busy, you? A: Pretty good. How's your new job? B: It's okay. There's a lot to learn. What's new with you? A: Not much. The kids are back at school.
Note: Between very close friends it's uncommon to use names in a casual greeting. Sometimes nicknames or short forms are used. (Cor and Jen instead of Corey and Jennifer).

Further Pairwork
Add a third speaker and create your own lines. Add an unexpected interruption (bus arrives, friend comes out of a store, child fusses). Write the next four lines between the two speakers. Write an inappropriate line and explain why it should not be part of the greeting. Create a new dialogue that takes place between people who start up a conversation.

Method 1 of 3: Informally, to Somebody You Don't Know

Approach the person. It is important to walk confidently & wear a smile (smile). Sneaking up is strictly for stalkers.

1.

2Make eye contact before greeting. When you've established eye contact, say, "Hi, how are
you?" or something similarly friendly.

Keep it local. If everybody says "hey" instead of "hi," say "hey." If they say "hello," then you say "hello." Wait till they acknowledge you. When they say "hi" back to you, smile and introduce yourself.

You might also add how you know them, or how they might know you. For example, "Hi, I'm Johnny. We were in film class together last semester." This helps avoid embarrassing situations or that awkward silence when they don't remember you. Start a conversation. Presumably you would like to get to know this person to whom you've just introduced yourself. If you have something in common, talk about that. You could say, for example, "Are you still a fan of Messi?

Follow their lead. If they look at you strangely & hurry away, don't chase them. If they smile and start talking with you, congratulations, you've successfully greeted somebody and made a new friend, too!

Method 2 of 3: Formally, By Way of Introduction

1. 1
1. Ask, "How are you?" This helps break the ice, and gives them an opportunity to greet you as well. Just remember that invariably, when asked how they are doing, people will say "fine" no matter what's going on in their lives for real. Be prepared to move on to the next topic. Notice something about them, what they're wearing, or if your host has indicated what your new acquaintance does, talk about that.

2. Find small talk topics to get started. [weather, family, how far you traveled, where a good spot for lunch might be, and other topics of general interest]. Don't try to impress. Simply be friendly, personable & approachable. Keep it simple.

Be aware. If the person you are talking to is constantly looking over their shoulder, or checking their watch>>>> they're not interested in the conversation.

Method 3 of 3: Formally, By Way of introduction in a Business Setting

1. 1
1. Be confident, and greet your new acquaintance in a friendly but professional manner.

"Hi, Lan, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard great things about you, & am looking forward to working with you.

2. Speak briefly about the business at hand, and move on.

Tips
Always have a smile & speak clearly. Most importantly, look them right in the eyes. This will make the other person feel as if you're really paying attention to them. If you don't know the person's name, say, "nice to meet you" or, "nice to see you again. If you are greeting an adult, smile politely & say hello. Or, you can ask them politely, by saying, "It is good to see you again; unfortunately, I have forgotten your name." It may seem a touch impolite, but it is a lot better than saying the wrong name.

EditWarnings:

Lu

Don't approach someone who does not want to be approached (watch their body language towards you). Don't be overconfident. If the other person asks [how you are] first, it is considered polite to answer & ask back.

PRACTICE
1. Start each exchange with a greeting. Then Practice the exchange:
a. Good morning! b. .. Hey Tom c. Hi

2. Ask [how a person is]:

a. b. c. d. Hi Messi!................................................................................. Good morning! Hello! Rooney!

3. Add a response. Then practice the exchange:

a. Good morning, Ronaldo. How are you? b. Hi! Theo! Hows it going? c. Hello Mr. Beckham! Youre looking good? d. Long time no see.

4. Complete each exchange. Then practice it:

a. A: Good evening Jerry! How are you? B: Not bad! And you? A: b. A: Hi! How have you been? B: Fine! How about you? c. A: Hello Tom! B: Oh, hi A: How have you been? B: d. Sorry. Could you spare a COUPLE OF minutes?