Socialising effectively is critical for business professionals to foster relationships with customers and colleagues. Knowing key English phrases for conversation enables positive interactions.
In this article, we cover 45 essential social phrases for business situations. These examples provide conversational building blocks to become more successful socially at work.
The vocabulary works for all fluency levels by focusing on simple yet meaningful expressions. Strengthen connections along with your English skills.
Let’s explore the top Business English phrases for optimised business socialising across common scenarios.
Watch the lesson and then read the article for examples.
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Let’s start off with:
1) Greetings. You welcome the customer to your offices with a friendly greeting.
“Hi! Thanks for coming in!”
“Hi there, and welcome! It’s good to meet you, face to face, at last.”
“[Good afternoon.] You must be [Timmy Bond.]”
2) Introductions. You ensure that the customer is aware of who you are.
“May I introduce myself? I’m [Emily Foster.]”
3) Introductions. You ensure that the customer is introduced to relevant colleagues.
“I’d like to introduce you to [Vicky Michaels.]”
“[Victor,] this is [Vicky Michaels.]”
“I’d like you to meet [Vicky Michaels.]”
4) Small talk questions about travel to put the customer at ease.
“How did you get here today?”
“How was your [trip?].”
“How was your [flight?].”
“How was your [journey?].”
“How long did it take you to get here today?”
“Did you have any problems getting here from the [airport?]”
“How’s your hotel?”
“Will you have time for some sightseeing?”
“What do you think of the food here?”
“Do you have to travel a lot for work?”
5) Small talk questions about the location to put the customer at ease.
“Did you have any trouble finding us?”
“Did you find us okay?”
“Is this your first visit here?”
“Have you ever been to [Vienna] before?”
“How are you finding [Vienna?]”
6) Small talk questions about the weather to put the customer at ease.
“How was the weather in [Italy] when you left?”
“It’s a bit [warm] for this time of the year, isn’t it?”
“It’s a bit [cold] for this time of the year, isn’t it?”
“Great weather, isn’t it?”
“Is it true that it always rains in [the UK?]”
“Do you know if we’ll have good weather [this weekend?]”
7) Small talk questions about sports to put the customer at ease.
“Do you do any sports in your spare time?”
“What’s the biggest sport in [Brazil] apart from [football?]”
“Do you think a team from [Spain] will win the Champions League this year?”
8) Offering hospitality to the customer to make them feel at home.
“Can I offer you something to drink, like tea or coffee?”
“What would you like to drink?”
“Can I get you some [mineral water?]”
“Can I get you something to drink?
“May I take your jacket?”
“Let me help you with that.”
“So, if you’d like to take a seat [and Mr Jones will be down in ten minutes.]”
“Please take a seat.”
9) Start talking business. Steer the conversation away from small talk.
“Okay, shall we go to the meeting room?”
“Maybe now is a good time to start the meeting?’
10) Saying goodbye to the customer on a positive and happy note.
“Thanks for stopping by.”
“So long for now.”
“It was great to meet you.”
“Thanks for a great meeting. Have a safe journey home.”
LESSON END
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