SOCIALISING SKILLS

This course will allow you to learn and practice the language used in one of the most important areas of business communication. It will also help you to build confidence and awareness of what is appropriate in typical social situations.

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Introduction - What are Conversation Skills?

A Conversation is a spoken exchange of news, thoughts, feelings and ideas between two or more people, when questions are asked and answered. There are several adjectives that help identify or describe conversations: casual, polite, informal, formal, two-way, face-to-face and everyday. There are several nouns that identify a specific type of conversation: conference, discussion, dialogue, chat, speech, voice communication, interview, gossip, exchange, consultation, or small talk. There are several English slang terms that identify conversation or type of conversation: chitchat, Q and A, heart-to-heart talk, confab, powwow, bull session, talkfest, gabfest, pillow talk and rap session.

Can you use the nouns and adjectives above in sentences to express: the various types of conversation you engage in? the various types of people you converse with? CONSIDER BOTH YOUR PRIVATE LIFE ANDPROFESSIONAL LIFE

Skill is an ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practised it and so it is the result of special training. It is a developed talent. Conversation skills can be explained as language abilities needed to interact in social situations. Language abilities include speaking with appropriate vocabulary, pronunciation, tone, intonation, rhythm, pauses, politeness and timing. Non-verbal communication skills are classified as posture, body movements, gestures, facial expressions, proximity and eye contact. In English speaking countries the non-verbal messages can represent from 25 to 75% of the meaning. Social skills and culture knowledge can be generalized as "what to say, when to say it, where and why to say it, and most important how to say it". When learning English Language Conversation Skills ESL students must learn: language abilities, conversation skills, social skills, culture knowledge and non-verbal communication skills. Let us start by assessing how good you are now at socialising in English. Activity 1 Read through these sentences taken from people socialising with clients and customers. Check the meaning of the words you do not know.
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 On behalf of the sales and marketing department, I'd like to welcome you to MGH Enterprises. Let me introduce myself. My name's John Simmons and I'm the executive director. Could I give you a hand with your documents? How do you take your tea? With sugar, lemon or milk? I hope you find your hotel convenient. Are the rooms comfortable? What do you think of our dismal weather? I hope it's more cheerful in Dublin. What line are you in? Is the job rewarding? Since you mentioned it, let's discuss the details. I was wondering if you could do me a favour. Do you fancy having dinner with us this evening? I'd like to get the next round of drinks. Let's propose a toast to our good working relationship! Thanks for coming. You can reach me best by email. Safe journey!

Activity 2 Write a synonym or short explanation for each of the underlined expresssions.
a on behalf of instead of or as a representative of someone_________________ b executive _______________________________________________________ c give you a hand _______________________________________________________ d take (your tea) _______________________________________________________ e convenient _______________________________________________________ f dismal _______________________________________________________ g cheerful _______________________________________________________ h line _______________________________________________________ i j l rewarding _______________________________________________________ mentioned _______________________________________________________ fancy _______________________________________________________

k favour _______________________________________________________ m round _______________________________________________________ n propose a toast _______________________________________________________ o reach _______________________________________________________ p journey _______________________________________________________
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Activity 3 Finish these sentences with a word from the box. Make sure you use the correct form of the word. dismal rewarding fancy take reach

a Do you ____ your coffee black or white? b I work long hours, but my job is __________ and I enjoy it very much. c Since it's so_______ outside, today's not a good day to take you on a city tour. d I'm afraid Ms Collins cannot be _________ since she's in a meeting all day. e Do you________ taking a tour of the company?

Activity 4 Choose the words below to finish these important culture notes on socializing. avoid offended proximity sensitive stereotype taboo titles

a Successful socializing depends on you being __ ___ to the other person's culture. b Both Americans and the British usually don't use ________ when speaking to another person. They call each other by their first names. c When making small talk, certain topics might be __________ such as family, religion or politics. You may have to _________ these subjects. d You must be careful about your body language. Make sure you don't stand in close _____ of the other person. They might be _______ by this. e In any socializing situation, never _______ the other person. Your ideas may be totally mistaken about his/her culture.

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UNIT 1 = Greetings and Introductions

There are many English expressions for greetings, ranging from informal to formal ones. Below are some common expressions.

Informal Greetings
o o o o o Hi! Hello! What's up? What's new? How's it going?

More Formal Greetings

o o o Good morning. How are you today? Good afternoon. How's everything? Good evening. How have you been?

Greeting Someone You Haven't Seen for a while

o o o o I haven't seen you in ages! How have you been? How're things going? How are you getting along? Long time no see! (Informal)

Greeting Someone You Are Surprised to

See

o o o

Fancy meeting you here! Never thought I'd see you here! What a surprise to see you here!

o o o o

Expressing You're Healthy and Fine

I'm fine. Great. Couldn't be better. (I) can't complain.

Expressing You're Busy

(I've) been busy. o I'm snowed under. ( = I'm very busy) o Very busy. There aren't enough hours in the day.

o o o o

Expressing You Have Been Doing OK (Neutral)

So-so. Same as always. Same as usual. Plugging along. (informal)
o o o o o

Expressing You Have Not Been Doing Well

Not too great. Not so good. Not too well. Could be better. Lousy. (Meaning: very bad) (slang

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Introductions
How do you introduce your friend to someone else? Below are some useful English expressions.

Introducing (A) to (B) (A), I'd like you to meet (B).

(A), this is my friend (B). (A), (this is) (B). (B), (A). (A), have you met (B)? (A), do you know (B)?

What to Say When You've Just Been Introduced

Good to meet you. Nice to meet you. I'm glad to meet you. What a pleasure to meet you. (formal) A pleasure. (formal)

What to Say When You Didn't Catch Someone's Name

I'm sorry. What's your name again? Sorry, I didn't catch your name. I'm sorry, could you tell me your name again?

Sample Dialogues Situation 1: Kimiko was shopping with Seiko at a bookstore where she ran into Naomi. They hadn't seen each other for a while. Kimiko: Hey! What a surprise to see you here! Naomi: Yeah! Haven't seen you in ages! How've you been? Kimiko: Fine. How about you? Naomi: Well, just plugging along. Kimiko: Oh, have you two met? Naomi: I don't think so. Kimiko: Naomi, this is Seiko. Seiko, Naomi. Naomi: Nice to meet you. Seiko: Nice to meet you, too. (They chatted for a while) Naomi: Listen, I gotta go. It was nice seeing you again, Kimiko. Kimiko: Nice seeing you, too. Let's get together again soon. Naomi: Yes. Let's do that. Nice talking to you, Seiko. Take care. Seiko: Nice meeting you, Naomi. See you.

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Situation 2: Tom was at a business conference and he was introduced to John for the first time. Tom: Good conference, isn't it? Helen: Sure is. Have you met John yet? Tom: No. Who's he? Helen: He is the representative from Global Inc. Let me introduce him to you. Tom: OK. (They approach John) Helen: John, I want you to meet a colleague of mine, Tom Malone. Tom, this is John Brown. Tom: Nice to meet you, Mr. Brown. John: Nice to meet you. Do call me John. (They chatted for a while) John: Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, Tom. Tom: Nice talking to you. Let's stay in touch. John: Sure, I will. Let us now practise the language you have learned.
Activity 1 Role play: you meet a co-worker at the shopping mall and introduce him/her to your family. Activity 2 Role play: you are having lunch at a restaurant and your boss walks in and greets you. How do you introduce him/her to your family? Activity 3 Role play: you are having lunch with a supplier at the company canteen and see a co-worker you want to introduce to your supplier. How does the conversation unfold? Activity 4 Role play: you are queuing outside a cinema and see a co-worker who was away on an assignment for 2 months. How does your conversation unfold? Activity 5 Role play: at a conference, you meet a former work colleague, whom you havent seen for 10 years. What do you say to each other? Activity 6 Role play: you are in Canada, and have just arrived for a meeting. You do not know anyone who is participating. How do you introduce each other?
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UNIT 2 = Greeting Guests and Visitors Host - Greeting a Guest / Visitor

What can you say to welcome a guest / visitor? Here are some common expressions: Welcoming a Guest o I'm so glad to have you here. o I'm so glad you could come. o I'm so glad you could visit. o We're delighted to have you here. o Delighted to have you here. Welcoming a Guest Whom You Haven't Seen for a While o It's so good to see you after all this time. o Good seeing you again. o It's a pleasure to see you again. (formal)
o o o o

Welcoming an Unexpected Guest

Hey / Well, look who's here! What brings you here? What a delightful surprise! What a nice surprise!

Host - Making a Visitor Feel at Home

Asking a Guest to Come Inside

Come right in. Come on in. Please come in. Please do come in. (formal)

Making a Visitor Feel at Home

Make yourself at home. Make yourself comfortable. Make yourself comfy. (informal) Would you like to take off your coat? Here, let me take your coat.

Offering a Visitor a Seat

Please have a seat. Please sit down. Would you like to sit over here? Sit over here. This chair is more comfortable.

Offering a Visitor Something to Drink

Would you like some coffee or tea? Let me get you something to drink. What would you like? Can I get you something to drink?

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Guest / Host - What to Say

What to Say Upon Arrival at the Host's Thank you for inviting me for this meeting.

What to Say for Late Arrival

It's nice of you to fit me into your busy schedule. Where can I put my coat? You have a beautiful office. You have a wonderful place here.

Sorry I'm late. I couldn't get a taxi. Sorry to have kept you waiting. The bus/the train was late. Sorry I'm late. I got stuck in traffic. Sorry I'm late. The traffic was terrible! Sorry to be late. I got lost. Sorry to be late. I was looking for a place to park. Have you been waiting long?

Let us now practise the language you have learned. Activity 1: Complete the lines below and identify the level of formality who are you talking to? "Sit down. Make yourself ____." "Would you like to ___ off your coat?" " ____ you like some coffee?" "To what do I ____ the pleasure of this visit?" "Oh boy! Am I ____ to see you!" (I didn't expect to see you) "What a ______ surprise!" (happy, pleasant) "We are ___ to have you here." (pleased) "It's a _____ to see you again!" "Make yourself at ____." "Please have a ____." (= please sit down) "Can I ___ you something to drink?" Activity 2: Which of the following answer is NOT appropriate?
1. A: Thank you for inviting me tonight. B: ____ Glad that you can come. The pleasure is all mine. It's OK. 2. A: You have a wonderful place here. B: _____ Thank you. I'm glad you like it. No, I don't!

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3. A: Sorry to be late. Have you been waiting long? B: _____ No, not at all. That's OK. We haven't been waiting long. Yes! We've been waiting for over 30 minutes! 4. A: Sorry I'm late. I couldn't get a taxi. B: _____ Yes, it's difficult to get a taxi this time of the day. Oh, I should've gone to the station to pick you up. You're kidding! There are lots of taxis around! 5. A: It's nice of you to invite me to your house tonight. B: _____ I'm glad that you could come. Delighted to have you here. It's OK. 6. A: I love your room. B: _____ Thank you. It's very expensive, you know. Really? I'm glad you do.

Activity 3 Role play: you are at your office and the receptionist announces a new supplier who has made an appointment to see you. How do you show the visitor in and make him/her feel comfortable? Activity 4 Role play: you are at your office and the receptionist announces an old friend from school, whom you have not seen in years. You allow him/her to come up to your office. What do you say when he/she arrives? Activity 5 Role play: you are visiting the headquarters of a newly acquired company, in China. How does the conversation between you and your hosts unfold? Let us now discuss what good socialising entails. Activity 5 Dos and Donts Before you read the text below, can you predict: 3 Dos?

3 Donts?

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Now, check your points.

Being sociable is a very easy thing to do, and it shouldnt be something youre either good at or not. You can learn to become a more social person - if you want to. To Do: Initiate conversation - Becoming the person that initiates a conversation and breaks the ice is, as they say, half the battle. It can be somewhat daunting at first because of fear of rejection or being shut down. This will almost never happen. At worst youll receive a closed yet polite response. Just remember, people are out to be social. Smile - If you look like youre unhappy youll be less approachable. When you initiate conversation, your smile should be mirrored and rapport will build from there. Enjoy your company - When you look like youre having fun you are instantly more likable. If youre enjoying yourself, people will notice and want in on the action. Acknowledge randoms - This can be as simple as a smile and a nod. When you make eye contact with a stranger, acknowledge it. If your smile is reciprocated, this will be an easy introduction. Later, initiate the conversation. Listen - People enjoy talking about themselves. Take a genuine interest in people. People are very interesting, so actively engage in a conversation. There is a lot to talk about in this world, small talk isnt all that necessary - particularly because it can be painfully boring. Converse, dont rant - The best way to get good responses out of people is to ask good questions. Avoid what do you do and nice weather etc. Talk about something that interests you and when you dont know what someone is talking about, ask them. Keep eye contact - Dont scan the room while talking to someone. It is a clear indication youre not interested. If you really have no interest in what someone is saying, change the topic. Looking someone in the eyes is directly related to recognizing honesty. Keep open body language - Whether alone or not, avoid closing yourself off by crossing your arms etc. Remain open, remain active. The Donts: Sit on your phone - If in conversation, or in good company, ignore the phone. Unless it is to arrange meetings etc, return the call when appropriate. There is something very rude about being in the middle of a discussion and being shut off by a phone call. Criticize - Its OK to give your critique of the music or selection of beers, but no one has any fun with someone thats continually upset about little things. Judge people - Youre making it very hard for yourself when you are continually judging people before talking to them. Almost no-ones personality matches their look. Some people dont realize they are putting out particular signals [with body language etc] and youll be pleasantly surprised when they suddenly brighten up by your witty comments.

Anything you dont agree with?

Answer the question above, and justify your answer. Then, go through the unknown vocabulary and grammar with your teacher.

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UNIT 3 = Getting Someone's Attention and Keeping the Conversation Going

When you want to start a conversation, you need to first get the other person's attention. There are many ways to do that. Below are some common expressions that you can use.

Starting an Informal Conversation o Listen (to this).

o o o o o o o Listen up. Get a load of this. Get this. Guess what? Guess what I just found out. Have you heard the latest? Did you hear the news?

Starting a More Formal Conversation

o o o o Can I talk to you? Do you have a minute? Let's sit down and talk. May I have a word with you?

o o o

Encouraging the Other Person to Keep Talking

Yes. Go on. Yes. Keep going. And?

Examples: Dialogue 1: (between 2 old colleagues) Ann: Guess what? Jim: What? Ann: My daughter is getting married next month. Jim: Congratulations! Who's the lucky guy? Dialogue 2: (between 2 coworkers) Ken: Hey, did you hear the news? Joe: No. What news? Ken: Tom has got the sack. Dialogue 3: (between a boss and his employee) Boss: Jim, do you have a minute? Jim: Yes. Boss: Let's sit down and talk. Jim: Sure. Dialogue 4: (between an employee and his boss) Jim: Mr. Tanaka. Do you have a minute? Boss: Yes. Jim: May I have a word with you? Boss: Sure. Come in, sit down.

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Interrupting
In a conversation, sometimes we would like to interrupt the other person to add our own view, to tell our own story or experience, or to voice our disagreement. We can interrupt without being rude by using some useful phrases, such as the following.

Interrupt and Add a Comment May I say / add something here? Could I just say something? I have a similar experience... Let me tell you a similar story of mine. Sorry, could I interrupt for a moment? (formal) o I wonder if I could comment on what you have just said please? (formal) o o o o o

Interrupt and Voice Your Disagreement Now, just a minute here. I don't agree with

you. Excuse me for interrupting, but I don't agree with you on this point. Hold on a second. I disagree. I think you are wrong. (informal)

Example: Dialogue 1: (during a meeting) Chairperson: Let's move on to the next item on the Agenda, and... Staff A: Sorry, could I interrupt for a moment? Chairperson: Sure, go ahead.
o o o o

When the Other Person is Repetitious So you just said. I get the point already. I know already. I think we've covered that already.

When You Want Someone to Repeat What S/he Just Said o I beg your pardon? / Pardon me? o Excuse me? o What did you say? o What was that? o I'm sorry. I missed that. o I didn't quite get that. o Could you repeat that?

o o

When Someone Speaks Too Fast Could you speak more slowly? Slow down! I can't follow you! (Informal)

o o

When Someone Speaks Too Softly Could you speak louder? Speak up. I can't hear you. (Informal)

Example: Dialogue: (between a customer and a computer salesperson) Salesperson: If you buy this computer today, you'll get a 30% discount, which means you only have to pay $1598.98. Customer: I'm sorry. Say that again? Salesperson: If you buy this computer today, you only have to pay $1598.98 - a 30% discount!

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 Let us now practise the language you have learned. Activity 1 Role play: you want to have a word with your boss about a new idea youve had. Ask him/her if you can talk, explain the situation and your idea, listen to him/her, interrupt him/her and ask him to speak a bit louder. Activity 2 Role play: you are having a meeting with your team, and everyone is talking at the same time. Interrupt them, ask them to take turns, highlight the focus, and encourage each one to repeat what they have said.

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UNIT 4 = Checking Understanding and Clarifying

When having a conversation with someone, we always want to make sure that we understand what each other is saying. It is a good conversational strategy to check, from time to time, if the person you are talking to understands what you are saying. When, on the other hand, being asked if YOU understand what the other person is saying, you should respond honestly - that is, if you don't understand, say so, and ask the person to repeat. Below are some useful expressions which you can use.

o o o o o o o o
o o o o

When You Want to Make Sure Someone Understands You (Do you) understand what I'm saying? (Do you) know what I mean? (Do you) know what I'm talking about? Does that make any sense? Do you follow me? Are you with me? You see? Right?

o o o o o o o

When You Understand What Someone Is Saying I see what you're saying. I see what you mean. I know what you mean. I know. I understand what you're saying. I'm with you. I hear you.

When You Don't Understand What Someone Is Saying I don't get it. I don't follow you. I'm not sure I get your point. I'm not sure I know what you mean.

Example: Dialogue between two co-workers Sam: I want to quit the MA. Daniel: Are you serious? Sam: Yeah! It has not added anything... Daniel: Listen, if you don't get your MA, you can't get your promotion. Do you know what I mean? Sam: Yeah, I guess. Daniel: The boss will get mad at you... Sam: OK, I hear you.

Clearing Up Misunderstandings
Misunderstandings do occur in conversations. When someone misunderstood what you said, how can you point that out?
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Or, when you are not quite sure what the other person is saying, what can you say to encourage the person to give you an explanation? Below are some useful expressions which you can use.

When You Are Misunderstood

That's not what I meant. That's not what I said. I didn't mean that. I didn't say that. You've got me wrong.

When You Want an Explanation

What exactly are you trying to say? What do you mean to tell me? What's your point? I didn't get that.

I didn't mean to give you that impression.

Let us now practise the language you have learned. Activity 1 Role play: you and a co-worker are discussing a new procedure to be implemented. You do not understand a few things, though. Ask him/her to explain in detail. He/she then explain it and checks if you have understood. Activity 2 Role play: you are having a meeting with a new supplier. He/She does not quite understand your companys policies. So, he/she will interrupt you and ask for clarification, and you will explain things in detail and check his/her understanding. Activity 3 Role play: you are in China meeting with a new partner company. Your hosts do no quite understand your companys specific business in China. So, they will interrupt you and ask for clarification, and you will explain things in detail and check their understanding. Activity 4 Let us now discuss a recent concept in social skills. Read the text below and discuss how second life might improve the skills you have learned in Units 3 and 4.

Second Life Improves Real-life Social Skills

ScienceDaily (July 21, 2008) Social interaction is enhanced rather than diminished by online interfaces, according to new research on the virtual program Second Life. Eryn Grant, a PhD student in Queensland University of Technology's School of Humanities, recently completed a study which took an in-depth look at social order in emergent online environments. In doing so, she said she had immersed herself inside the 'game' Second Life, an online social interface that allows people to interact socially and economically in a 3D virtual space.

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"I wanted to see how you go about being a functional member of Second Life, what the rules and norms were, and how they were put into place, and I did that by analysing conversations," she said. People on Second Life communicate through their avatars using textual chat-like features, and can meet at dance clubs, join groups with common interests and have philosophical discussions about their virtual world. She said a major finding was that Second Life could act as an important tool in connecting strangers by making it easier for people to find a world in common. Ms Grant said she did not share the worry of some that increased online interaction would detract from traditional social skills. "One major thing which I found was that you cannot have this intense kind of web-based interface without real-life tools - if you can't communicate to someone in real life, you won't be able to do it online," she said. "You have to be able to go into these settings and perform according to the social rules, which you need to have learned in real life. "I think this is where the world is heading; when you look at social interfaces, people are able to have quick and easy connections on platforms like Myspace, Facebook and Second Life. I think this is telling us we need to be and that we love to be social. "The research ended on a positive note demonstrating our social and communication skills are changing, but they are not being eroded. "I think it is like an extension of who we are as social beings, you go to work, see your family and log on to either Second Life, Facebook, Myspace and it is just about reaching out even more - who doesn't want to feel connected after all?"
Queensland University of Technology (2008, July 21). Second Life Improves Real-life Social Skills. ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com /releases/2008/07/080717210838.htm.

Activity 5
Now, go through unknown vocabulary and grammar with your teacher.

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UNIT 5 = Small Talk and Invitations

In a social situation, we often do "small talk". Many students find it hard to start a conversation. In this Unit, we will look at some common topics and expressions for small talk. Asking a Question to Start a Conversation

So, what's new with you? How have you been? What have you been doing lately? What's new? Fill me in. (Tell me everything) How's your son doing? How old is he now? Your daughter must be in her teens now. How's she doing? Seen any good movies lately? Read any good books lately?

Starting a Conversation Using the Weather Nice weather today, isn't it? Lovely weather, isn't it? Lousy weather, isn't it? What a storm we had last night! What a blizzard! It's hot and humid today, isn't it? It's cold and windy out, isn't it?

Starting a Conversation Using Sports Have you been following the baseball games? Great game last night between the Giants and the Carp, huh? The Giants are not doing so well this season, huh? Are you still playing volleyball?

Making, Accepting, and Declining an Invitation

Do you know how to invite someone to your house for dinner? Or, do you know what to say in English when someone invites you? Here are some common expressions you can use. Inviting Someone to Come to Your House for Dinner (More formal) (Informal)

Wanna come over for dinner tonight? (Wanna = want to) Wanna pop over for a quick dinner? How about coming over for dinner tonight? Care to come over for dinner tonight?

Would you like to come over for dinner tonight? Would you care to join us for dinner at our house tonight? I was just wondering if you would like to come over for dinner tonight. Please come over for dinner tonight. We'd be delighted to have you over for dinner tonight.

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Accepting an Invitation (Informal)

Accepting an Invitation (More formal)

Sure. What time? Why not? When do you want me to be there? Sure. When should I be there? Yes! Want me to bring something? I'd love to. I'll bring dessert.

Thank you! I'd love to. Would you like me to bring anything? Thank you very much! I'd be delighted to. What time should I be there? Oh, certainly! Thank you. Do I need to bring anything?

Declining an Invitation (Informal) I can't. I have to work.

(*This means that you hope they will invite you again on another night.)

Declining an Invitation (More formal)

Tonight's no good. I have an appointment. I'm busy tonight. Can I take a raincheck on that?

I'd love to, but I'm afraid I'm busy tonight. I'd love to, but I already have plans tonight.

Examples: Dialog 1: (between 2 co-workers) Marie: Bob and I are having a little get-together at our place tonight . Wanna pop over after work?

John: Sure, why not? What time do you want me to be there? Marie: Around 6. John: OK. Want me to bring something? Marie: No. Just bring yourself.

Dialog 2: (inviting your boss to dinner)

James: Mr. Brane, I was just wondering if you would like to come over for dinner this evening. Brane: Oh, thank you! I'd be delighted to. James: Great. Could you come over at around 8? Brane: Sure. Do I need to bring anything? James: No, but thanks for asking. Brane: OK. See you this evening then. James: Mr. Brane, I was just wondering if you would like to come over for dinner this evening. Brane: Well, I'd love to, but I have another appointment tonight. James: Oh, that's too bad. Well, maybe next time then. Brane: Yeah! Thank you for asking. Enjoy your evening!

Dialog 3: (an invitation to a visitor from the parent company)

1) A: Wanna come over for dinner tonight? B: ____ Sure. What time? Why not? When should I be there? Why?

Activity 1: Which of the following answer is NOT appropriate?

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2) A: Want to come over for a quick meal tonight? B: _____ No. I'd love to, but I have an appointment. I'm busy tonight. Can I take a raincheck? 3) A: My husband and I were wondering if you'd like to come over for dinner this Saturday. B: _____ Thank you very much! I'd be delighted to. I'd love to, but I'm afraid I'm busy this Saturday. I don't go out on Saturdays. 4) A: Would you care to join us for dinner tonight? B: _____ Yes, I would. Thank you. I'd love to. I'm sorry but I already have plans tonight 5) A: Tonight is no good. Can I take a raincheck? B: _____ OK. No problem. Sure. Let's do it some other time. No, you can't. 6) A: Do you want me to bring something? B: _____ No, just bring yourself. Why? You don't like my cooking? OK, bring some dessert if you want.

Activity 2: Role-play. You are visiting a company branch in China and you are invited for a drink after work. - Accept the invitation - Decline the invitation Activity 3: At the bar: make small talk while you order the drinks. Activity 4: Role-play. This is your last day of a visit to a company branch in Canada and you invite the team you have worked with dinner. - 3 people accept the invitation - 1 colleague declines the invitation Activity 5: At the restaurant: make small talk while you order the food.

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Activity 6: Role-play. The team you worked with in Canada are visiting your office. You now have a more informal relationship. Invite them for dinner at your place. - 3 people accept the invitation - 1 colleague declines the invitation

Saying Goodbye
As a guest, what should you say when you want to leave, say, a party or your host's? As a host, what should you say in return? In this Unit, we will look at some common expressions for saying goodbye. Guest - Stating You Have to Leave Well, it's getting late. I'd better get going.

I'm afraid I have to go. I have a big day tomorrow. ( a busy day) I'd better be off. I have to get up early tomorrow. I'd better get going. It's a long drive home. Well, time to go. (informal) Time to hit the road. (idiom, informal)

Guest - Thanking Your Host Thanks for a lovely evening. (formal) Thanks for a lovely time. (formal)

Thank you for inviting us. Thank you for having me over. I had a great time. Thanks. Thanks for asking me over. Thanks for the food and drinks! Thanks for the good food and good company. Thanks for the good food and good ____. It's been a _____ visit. (happy, pleasant) It's time to hit the ____. (It's time to go) It's getting late. I'd ___ get going. Thanks for a ____ evening. We have to do this again _____. It's been our ____ to have you here. I'm afraid I have to go. I have a ___ day tomorrow. (busy day)

Host - Saying Goodbye It's been our pleasure to have you here. (formal) It's been a delightful visit. (formal) Thank you for coming. Thanks for dropping by. Glad you could come. Come back soon. Let's do this again soon. We have to do this again sometime. We have to do this more often. Guest Saying Goodbye

Activity 7: Role-play. Refer to Activity 3 on p. 20. It is now time to say goodbye. Activity 8: Role-play. Refer to Activity 5 on p. 20. It is now time to say goodbye. Activity 9: Role-play. Refer to Activity 6 above. It is now time to say goodbye.

Cocca Capocchi Language Services 2008

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