Small Talk: B1+

5 I’m sorry, but I............................... your last name.

6 Could you............................... your last name for me?

5 Complete the dialogue.

You: (1)(Say that you don’t know each other and give your name.) .............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................

Paul: It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Paul Mathews.

You: (2)(Respond to the greeting and say that you didn’t hear Paul’s last name.) .............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................

Paul: It’s Mathews. But please, call me Paul. I’m sorry, but how do you spell your name?

You: (3)(Spell your name and offer your business card. If possible, say something about your name to help Paul to remember it.) .............................................................................................. ..............................................................................................

6 Can you say the letters of your name in English?

Language focus: How do you do?

Avoid using the old-fashioned phrase How do you do? It can sound solemn and too formal. If someone does use it to greet you, the fixed response is How do you do?

Remember this! Handshakes

The purpose of a handshake is to show respect and to perform a greeting ritual.

Not everyone shakes hands, but in international business situations and contexts, a handshake when greeting someone is common.