How to Introduce Yourself to a Roomful of People
At times, a self-introduction may be one-sided such as when a roomful1 of people are asked to introduce themselves. In this case, you may be asked to provide specific information, but at other times you may be free to respond in any manner you choose. The first case is easy just remember to include a greeting, your name, and all the requested information (regardless2 of the responses of previous3 participants).
Focus On Three Things Only
When the introduction details are your choice, be conversational and brief, focusing on only three things. The idea is to build rapport4. By choosing just three things, your introduction will be more memorable. For example, for a very short introduction I might say something like,
Hi, everyone. Im Lisa, Lisa Marshall. Im a professional speaker and author who enjoys dancing and photography.
For a longer answer I might say something like
Hi, everyone. Im Lisa, Lisa B. Marshall. Im a professional speaker and author. I specialize in communication skills and Im excited because my new audiobook on interviewing skills will be released shortly. I enjoy dancing, although4 Im not that good at it. I really love Latin music and salsa dancing is my favourite. I also enjoy photography. In fact, I am thinking of buying myself a digital SLR5 for my upcoming birthday.
Lisa B. Marshall
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1 roomful (, ..)
2 regardless ,
3 previous ,
4 build rapport -.
5 although
6 digital SLR (digital single-lens reflex camera)
SPEAKING
Make notes about yourself under the headings, then talk about yourself.
a greeting;
some words about who you are and where you are from (name; place of origin / where you live);
your occupation;
your likes and dislikes;
your hobbies;
your dreams or plans for the future.
GUESSING GAME
40. Work in pairs following the instruction:
Student A. Think about a famous person you know something about (an artist, a musician, a politician...). Write down in note form some details of their life (date and place of birth; what sort of family he/she was born into; education; career; first job; what he/she was famous for, etc.). Bring your notes to the lesson.
Do not reveal their identity. Use he or she.
- Use the time expressions (at the age of; after that; during is/her life...).
Student B. Ask student A questions to find out as much as you can about the famous person and try to guess his/her name.
READING
41. Read and learn how social language rules work in English.
TEXT 1
Politeness Conventions
The basic principle of politeness is to show respect for the partner. The principle can be embodied in a number of maxims1:
1. Do not be dogmatic. Remember that the partner may have a different opinion. This maxim implies2:
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a) The use of I think, I believe, I expect as introducers or as tags. If they are unstressed, their use does not indicate uncertainty3 or lack of confidence4.
I think his mother is Italian. She comes from Calabria, I believe.
b) The use of you know, of course to imply that the partner is not ignorant.
Of course, his mother is Italian, you know.
) The use of tag questions to invite the partners agreement (falling intonation) or confirmation5 (rising intonation).
His mother is Italian, isnt she?
2. Be reluctant 6 to say what may distress or displease the partner. This maxim implies such strategies as:
a) Expressing the reluctance:
I dont want to be difficult but (e.g. this machine doesnt work).
I dont like saying so, but (e.g. the music is too loud).
b) Seeking the partners agreement:
I hope you dont mind
Dont you agree that ?
) Apologizing or expressing regret:
Im sorry but (your work is not good enough).
Im afraid you cant smoke in here.
3. Do not force the partner to act. Allow him to appear to act voluntarily. This maxim implies:
a) Adding please whenever you call for action by the partner.
Where is the toilet, please? (asking the information)
A return ticket, please. (requesting something)
Sit down, please. (giving instructions, orders)
b) Avoiding7 simple imperatives8 when asking the partner to do something for you. Instead, ask if he
is willing to act: Will you open the window, please?
is able to act: Can you open this tin for me, please?
wishes to act: Would you like to help me, please?
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1 maxim ( , , )
2 imply , , ,
3 uncertainty ,
4 confidence ,
5 confirmation
6 reluctant -. ,
7 avoid
8 imperative , ; ;
TEXT 2
How to Be a Good Listener?
Careful listening can build good relations. It can help you make friends and settle arguments.
Some practical advice
SHOW YOUR INTEREST
a) non-verbally letting your body language show that you are paying attention: nodding1 your head, frequently looking the person in the eye, etc. When seated lean2 forward slightly. Dont scowl3, frown, fold your arms, etc.
b) verbally inviting the speaker to say more, e.g. by saying: I see. Really? Oh? Tell me more.
DO NOT INTERRUPT
Pay attention to the speaker. Dont interrupt4 him/her even though you think you know what the speaker is going to say. Save your thoughtsuntil the other person has finished talking.
SUM UP WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
Restate (paraphrase)what the other person has said in your own words.This will tell the speaker whether you understood what he or she said, and it will give the speaker a chance to explain again and correct any misunderstanding. Ask questions if necessary. Typical phrases used in beginning a clarifying5 response: Are you saying (restatein other words)? I heard you say (then summarize).
LISTEN FOR FEELINGS
In paraphrasing the other persons ideas dont mimic or parrot6 his/her exact words. Also, avoid any indication of approval7 or disapproval. Refrain from blaming8, giving advice or persuading9. For example, the phrase "Oh, you shouldnt let that upset10 you!" suggests that the persons feelings are wrong. But feelings are not right or wrong they just are. Sometimes people just want to express their feelings they are not looking for advice.
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If you have something to offer, ask first. Try to show understanding and acceptanceof the other persons feelings or experience. For example, say Yes, I see that this is important to you, or I understand (appreciate, value) what it means to you (or how it makes you feel), or Its really sad (great, emotional, amazing, unfair, etc.).
Especially important is to show understanding and acceptance of the other persons expressed feelings or opinions when you want to disagree, or when you have different opinion or perspective. In this case it is appropriate to say What you have said is really important (you can repeat the persons statement). There is something that I want to add (point out, mention).
Smiling is one of the most important indicators of a good listener! This does not mean laughing at someone, or grinning, or an ironic face. Just keeping a friendly smile on your face, nodding your head and saying "uhm..." from time to time will get you the recognition of a good listener and a nice person. This will be an important message to another person, which will indicate that you are happy to be in his/her company, that you are paying attention to the conversation, and you are not preoccupied with your own stressful or sad thoughts instead of listening.
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1 nod
2 lean ;
3 scowl , ;
4 interrupt ,
5 clarify
6 parrot
7 approval ;
8 blame , ,
9 persuade ( -.);
10 upset ,
DID YOU KNOW?
93 per cent of our communication with others is non-verbal. What we actually say makes up only seven per cent of the picture! Thats what US scientist Ray Birdwhistell found out when he began to study body language back in the 1950s. He filmed conversations and then played them back in slow motion to examine gestures, expressions and posture1. When he noticed the same movements happening again and again, he realised that the body can talk too!
We use our bodies to send messages all the time. We nod instead of saying Yes, shrug our shoulders to mean I dont know, or raise our eyebrows to show surprise.
But even when we dont want other people to know how were feeling, our body language can give us away2. The way we sit or stand, the expression on our face can reveal3 far more than words.
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1 give away , (-.)
2 posture ,
3 reveal ,
Follow-up
