In today's lesson, we’re diving into everything you need to start conversations with strangers, meet new friends, and introduce yourself confidently in English. Whether you're a beginner or already speaking well, there's something useful here for everyone.
Go Beyond "Hi" and "Hello"
Most people learn “hi” and “hello” first, but native speakers have more creative ways to greet. Try:
“Hey”
“What’s up?”
“How are you doing?”
“How’s it going?” For very informal situations, Americans often say “Yo” or “’Sup?” Just remember don’t use those at work or around professors.
In formal settings, stick to “Good morning,” “Good afternoon,” or “Good evening.” Native speakers don’t always use these casually—but they’re perfectly acceptable anytime.
Introducing Yourself the Right Way
When asking someone’s name, never say “How are you called?” It might be okay in other languages, but in English, it’s incorrect. You should ask:
“What’s your name?”
And respond with:
“My name is…” or “My name’s…”
If you have a nickname:
“My name’s Michael, but I go by Mike.”
“I prefer to be called Mike.”
Making a Polite First Impression
Once you’ve shared names, use phrases like:
“Nice to meet you”
“Great to meet you”
“Pleasure to meet you”
“It’s an honor to meet you” (only for very formal situations)
If someone says it’s a pleasure to meet you, you can say:
“The pleasure is mine”
Starting Casual Conversations: Small Talk
Small talk helps break the ice. It’s light, easy, and sets the tone. Talk about the weather:
“It’s a lovely day today, isn’t it?”
“It’s a miserable day today, isn’t it?”
“We’ve had great weather lately.”
You can move to more personal questions:
“Where are you from?”
“Where are you originally from?”
“What brings you here?”
Answer with things like:
“I’m originally from Peshawar but grew up in Lahore.”
“I’ve been living here since 2021.” (Remember: use for for duration and since for the starting point.)
Talking About Work and Interests
Ask:
“What do you do for work?”
“What do you do for a living?”
Avoid “What’s your job?”—it doesn’t sound natural in English. Also, don’t ask how much money someone makes—it’s considered rude.
Some possible answers:
“I work as a teacher.”
“I’ve been working as a graphic designer for 3 years.”
“I’m studying right now.”
“I’m retired.”
Beyond work, talk about hobbies:
“What do you do in your free time?”
“What are you passionate about?”
“What are you interested in?”
Your response could be:
“I’m passionate about photography.”
“I’m interested in playing piano.”
Always say “interested in”—never “on,” “at,” or “into.”
Being a Gracious Guest
If you’ve been invited somewhere, it’s polite to say:
“Thank you for having me”
“Thank you for the invitation”
It sounds friendly and respectful.
Final Thoughts: Confidence Matters
When meeting people—especially in English-speaking cultures—confidence is key. Smile, be open, keep your arms relaxed. Even if you feel nervous, make the effort to connect. Confidence can be practiced just like language.
Memorize these phrases, try them out, and if you have your own suggestions, share them. If you liked the lesson, drop a like and subscribe to English at the Ready on YouTube. There’s more to come!
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