Unit 2

Making Introductions

Group 1
1. Varieties of Introductions
Video: Formal – Informal Introductions
2. What’s in a name?

• Family
• Relationship
• Status
• Tradition
• A person’s name is part of his or her cultural identity
Vietnamese
Parents use the last name of the father to name the last name of their children and the last name of the mother to name the middle name of their children.

Family Middle Given

Father Nguyen Van Linh

Mother Ha Minh Tuyet

Daughter Nguyen Ha Phuong Nhung

 

American women: take husband's family name when they marry.

The family name = the "maiden" name.

Eg: Mary Jane Smith + John Edward Jackson = Mary Jane Jackson
(maiden name is Smith)

or Mary Jane Smith-Jackson + husband: John Edward Smith-Jackson

Korean names:

- family name + two- part given name :

Lee Yeon Suk.

- two- part given names should not be shortened

Lee Yeon Suk should be called Yeon Suk, not Yeon.
Eye contact
 EYE CONTACT
• "The cheapest, most effective way to connect with people
is to look them into the eye."
• Eyes are not only the "window to the soul", they also
answer the critical questions when you are trying to
connect.
All are seen in your eyes

• Your eyes say all

 If you don’t have an eye contact when speaking, you will be
considered to avoid sth or to be dishonest. In others it is seen
as challenging and rude.
In English culture, a certain amount of eye
contact is required, but too much look makes
many people uncomfortable. Most English
people make eye contact at the beginning
and then let their gaze drift to the side
periodically to avoid 'staring the other person
out'.
How to make good eye contact ?
Don’t look very deeply into the other person’s eyes.
Don’t avoid looking at the people you
are speaking to?
Look at the other person’s eyes and smiles
But don’t….
And distance….
But many people avoid to eye contact
by…..
Please, look at my eyes, you can see….
• Love…
love
Handshaking

Handshaking is a polite gesture indicating friendship and

acceptance.
Handshaking is now an activity practiced by both men and
women not only to greet one another, but to seal a contrast
as well.
• Video 3
Ways of handshaking
 Precaution to be safe:

This way of shaking hand shows

the self – confidence
Covery of the hand

This way is used when

you know about your
friend clearly.
 The softie

• A soft handshake
demonstrates
weakness, lack of
confidence, lack of
interest, and lack of
masculinity
Attack

Putting your hand into

opponent’s hand palm is the
sign of attack.
“The handshaking of the Queen”

• This way of handshaking

point out that you are
wise, skilful
• Each country has different ways of shaking hand, for example in
the US, prolonged handshaking is not usual. They only shake
hands for a few seconds. Problems can arise when this custom is
unfamiliar to foreign visitors.
• In some areas in Canada, handshaking in normal situation is not
considered to be friendly.
• The way of handshaking is very important in cultural
communication, so we should know the custom of the partner to
make it correctly.
Video 4 for Handshakings
Small Talks
• Avoid awkward silences (time when there’s no sound)
• Easily get to know someone new
• Seem friendlier
• Become closer with acquaintances and coworkers
• Sound more like a native speaker
7 English Small Talk Topics for Starting
Friendly Conversations

1. Introductions
• “Good morning! We always have coffee at the same time but
we’ve never spoken before. My name is [Your Name].”
• “Hello, how are you today? My name is [Your Name]. I’m still
learning English so please let me know if I make any
mistakes.”
2. Universal Topics
• the weather, current news, sports and
entertainment
• try to match people’s interests to the topic you
choose.
3. The Day
• How was your day? / How has your day been so far?
• How have you been feeling today?
• What have you been doing today?
• Has anything exciting happened today?
• What are you planning for after work?
• Are you doing anything fun after work?
• try to keep a balance of talking and listening
4. The Workplace
• you can talk about the day,
an upcoming party or
meeting, or ask about the
person’s job.
5. Observations
• Look around and find
something to comment on,
or look at your partner and
find something nice to
compliment them on.
6. Common Interests
• Find a mutual friend (a friend you both know) or a common
interest or hobby, and you’ll have something to talk about.
• Keep in mind that English speakers rarely actually say the word
“hobby,” so asking “What are your hobbies?” sounds strange
and unnatural. Try asking questions instead, based on
observations.
7. Questions
• A good way to start a conversation is to make a
comment, then ask a question.
• When asking questions, listen as much as you talk, and
don’t get too personal with your questions. And
remember to keep things positive!
Cultural Variations in Introductions

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 Styles of introductions
• Initial conversations
• Nonverbal rituals
Vary among individual and situations

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 Handshakes
In the Western and in other
parts of the World

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Bow

In Asia such as Korea, Japan,

India….bowing the head to show respect
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 The first bow of the day should be lower than when meeting
thereafter

Korea Japan India

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Clasp hand

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Hugs

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 In Vietnam

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Kiss on the cheek

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Pat on the back

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Palm of the hand to the heart is
traditional in North Africa

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