Business English: Hello and Goodbye

1.2 Hello and Goodbye

Time Required: 50 minutes

Objective: The primary aim of this lesson is to practice starting and ending conversations with acquaintances in a professional setting.

Content Overview:

1. Reading Passage:
   • The passage titled “Office Etiquette for Hello and Goodbye” provides insights on appropriate greetings and farewells in an office environment. It covers various scenarios including:
     • Morning greetings and the importance of acknowledging colleagues and receptionists.
     • Inner-office movements and non-verbal greetings to avoid disturbing co-workers.
     • Proper etiquette for leaving for lunch and notifying relevant personnel.
     • Meetings and how to greet and bid farewell to colleagues.
     • Phone call etiquette and how to appropriately answer and end calls.
     • End-of-day rituals and the importance of saying goodbye to key individuals like your boss and receptionist.
2. Discussion Questions:
   • Students are encouraged to discuss their thoughts on the article, share any surprising elements, and suggest additional points that could have been included. Questions include:
     • Do you have any questions about the article?
     • What are your thoughts on the article?
     • What did you find most surprising about the office etiquettes mentioned?
     • Is there anything you think should have been mentioned in the article that was not?
3. Teacher-Student Interaction:
   • Students respond naturally to the teacher with prompts provided to simulate spontaneous conversation. Example prompts include:
     • Strange weather today, isn’t it?
     • It has been a while since we last saw one another, hasn’t it?
     • Did you see today’s headline in The Guardian?
     • How are things going in your new position? Congratulations again on your promotion!
4. Roleplays:
   • Scenario-based roleplays help students practice starting and ending conversations in realistic settings:
     • Scenario 1: Waiting for an interview and recognizing someone familiar.
       • Challenge: The recognized person does not recognize the student.
       • Useful expressions: “Have we met before?”, “You look very familiar.”, “It’s a beautiful day today, isn’t it?”, “Best of luck with your interview.”, “Enjoy your day further.”
     • Scenario 2: In an airport lounge, starting and ending a conversation with a known person.
       • Challenge: The person known to the student is awkward and nervous.
       • Objective: Hold and develop the conversation while being considerate of their shyness.
5. Matching Exercises:
   • Students match phrases to stages in a model dialogue between a host and a visitor in a bar after a business meeting. This exercise helps them learn how to naturally conclude a conversation.

Visuals:

• The document includes a photo by Amina Filkins from Pexels, emphasizing a friendly greeting gesture.

Methodology:

• The lesson combines reading, discussion, role-playing, and practical exercises designed to boost confidence and proficiency in business communication.
• Spontaneity is encouraged, but preparation time is allowed if necessary.

Additional Notes for Teachers:

• Monitor students’ responses and their ability to develop and hold conversations.
• Encourage natural interaction but provide preparation time if needed.

This comprehensive description highlights the key elements o