'Pleased to meet you' – Introductions in business settings | Business of English #1 | ABC Australia

Summary

This script from 'The Business of English' focuses on essential business etiquette in English-speaking environments. It covers the art of introductions, using phrases like 'Hello, I don't think we've met' and 'Pleased to meet you', and the importance of exchanging names and job positions. It also touches on the transition from formal to informal address, the use of titles, and how to introduce people effectively in a business setting. The script is an educational guide to making professional connections and navigating social interactions in business.

Takeaways

• 😀 Greeting someone new in a business setting typically starts with a simple 'Hello' and an introduction of oneself.
• 🤝 When meeting someone for the first time, it is customary to shake hands as a part of the introduction.
• 🏢 Inquiring about someone's company and position is a common way to initiate a conversation and understand their professional background.
• 🔎 Different ways to ask about someone's company include 'What company are you from?', 'Which company do you represent?', and 'What's your line of business?'
• 📈 Describing one's job involves stating 'I am' or 'I'm' followed by the job title, which helps in establishing professional identity.
• 💼 When asked 'who you work for', it's helpful to mention both the company and your specific role within it.
• 📚 Using formal titles such as Mr., Mrs., or Ms. is appropriate in initial introductions, but it's common to transition to first names as the interaction becomes more informal.
• 🗣️ Introducing others involves stating full names and positions, which helps in setting the context for further conversation.
• 👋 Phrases like 'How do you do?' and 'Nice to meet you' are formal greetings used in introductions and can be practiced for professional interactions.
• 🔍 Providing information about oneself proactively can make conversations more relaxed and help in building rapport in business meetings.

Q & A

How does Sam introduce himself to Victor when they first meet?

Sam introduces himself by saying 'Hello, I don't think we've met. Sam Eriks.' This is a polite way to initiate a conversation with someone new.

What is the significance of the phrase 'Pleased to meet you' in this context?

The phrase 'Pleased to meet you' is a formal greeting used by both Victor and Sam when they introduce themselves to each other, indicating a polite and professional tone.

What does Victor reveal about his company when asked about it?

Victor reveals that he is from OceanWide, a company that is expanding rapidly and for which he is the sales representative for the region.

How does Sam describe his own company and position?

Sam describes himself as the CEO of a small export and packaging company that specializes in seafood, indicating that he works for himself.

What are some alternative ways to ask about someone's company affiliation as demonstrated in the script?

Some alternative ways include asking 'What company are you from?', 'Which company do you represent?', and 'What's your line of business?'

What is the Western tradition when meeting someone for the first time in a business context?

The Western tradition is to shake hands when meeting someone for the first time in a business context.

How does the script suggest handling the use of formal titles versus first names?

The script suggests that after the initial introduction with formal titles, it's more comfortable to use first names, especially in less formal situations, as demonstrated when Victor asks Sam to call him by his first name.

What is the importance of providing information about oneself before being asked in a business meeting?

Providing information about oneself before being asked can make the conversation more relaxed and help establish rapport with the other party.

How does Sam introduce Victor to Lin in the script?

Sam introduces Victor to Lin by stating his full name, position, and company, and then introduces Lin in the same manner, ensuring both parties know enough about each other to start a conversation.

What is the significance of the phrase 'How do you do' in the context of introductions?

The phrase 'How do you do' is a formal way of greeting someone during introductions, as used by Lin when she meets Victor.

What are some phrases that the script suggests practicing for introducing oneself and others in a business setting?

Some phrases to practice include 'Hello, I don't think we've met', 'And what company are you from?', 'Let me introduce you to someone', 'Pleased to meet you', 'Who do you work for?', 'Please call me [first name]', 'I'm very well thank you', and 'How do you do?'