Mastering Greetings and Introductions in English

Objectives

1. Teach students how to introduce themselves in English.

2. Teach students how to ask and answer about names in English.

3. Teach students the main greetings and how to ask about well-being in English.

Contextualization

Imagine you are on an exchange program, at a business meeting, or even welcoming a foreign visitor to your city. The ability to introduce yourself and greet someone in English is essential for making a good first impression and establishing effective communication. For example, when attending a business meeting with international partners, knowing how to ask and answer about names and well-being in English is crucial for starting a productive dialogue. Similarly, during a trip, being able to greet and introduce yourself appropriately can facilitate social and professional interactions.

Relevance of the Theme

The ability to communicate in English is one of the most valued skills in the global job market. More than 1.5 billion people speak English worldwide, and professionals who master greetings and introductions in English have a better chance of standing out in interviews and building international networks. This skill is essential in various sectors, such as tourism, aviation, hospitality, and technology, making it an indispensable tool for professional and personal success in an increasingly interconnected world.

Asking and Answering about Names

Knowing how to ask and answer about names is the foundation for any introduction in English. This skill allows you to start a conversation in a polite and appropriate manner, creating a friendly and receptive communication environment. By mastering these expressions, you will be prepared to introduce yourself in various situations, whether in a professional or social environment.

• Question: What's your name?

• Answer: My name is [your name].

• Importance: This basic dialogue is essential for any initial interaction in English.

Main Greetings in English

Greetings are a fundamental part of communication in any language. In English, greetings such as 'Hello', 'Hi', 'Good morning', 'Good afternoon', and 'Good evening' are used to start a conversation. Understanding the appropriate context to use each of these expressions is crucial for making a good impression and establishing an efficient dialogue.

• Hello/Hi: Used to greet informally.

• Good morning/Good afternoon/Good evening: Used to greet more formally, depending on the time of day.

• Importance: Appropriate greetings show respect and cultural understanding.

Asking and Answering about Well-Being

Asking about well-being is a polite way to show interest in the other person. In English, phrases like 'How are you?' and responses like 'I'm fine, thank you. And you?' are common in these interactions. This type of dialogue is important for building fluid communication and creating a positive connection with the other person.

• Question: How are you?

• Answer: I'm fine, thank you. And you?

• Importance: Shows interest and respect for the interlocutor, facilitating a more pleasant interaction.

Practical Applications

• Job interviews: Knowing how to introduce yourself and greet properly in English can create an excellent first impression with the recruiter.
• International travel: Facilitates communication at airports, hotels, and tourist spots, making the travel experience more enjoyable and safe.
• Business meetings: The ability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for establishing partnerships and closing deals with international companies.

Key Terms

• Hello: Informal greeting used in various situations.

• What's your name?: Question used to inquire about the other person's name.

• How are you?: Phrase used to ask about the other person's well-being.

Questions

• How can the ability to introduce yourself in English impact your future professional career?

• What were the biggest difficulties you encountered while practicing greetings and introductions in English? How can you overcome them?

• How can you apply the skills learned today in everyday situations, beyond the school environment?

Conclusion

To Reflect

Reflecting on the importance of introducing oneself and greeting in English is essential for understanding the impact of these skills in various areas of life, both professional and personal. Knowing how to start a conversation in a polite and appropriate manner can open doors, create opportunities, and facilitate interactions in an increasingly globalized world. By mastering these skills, you become more confident and prepared to face situations that require communication in English, from job interviews to international travel and business meetings.

Mini Challenge - Introduction and Greeting Challenge

This mini-challenge aims to consolidate your understanding of how to introduce yourself and greet someone in English through a practical role-playing activity.

• Find a classmate to form a pair.
• Choose one of the suggested scenarios: business meeting, casual meeting in a café, or job interview.
• Prepare a brief dialogue (2-3 minutes) where each of you introduces themselves and exchanges greetings in English, using the expressions learned in class.
• Practice your dialogue for 5 minutes to ensure fluency and correct pronunciation.
• Present the dialogue to the class or to other classmates, and ask for feedback on your performance.