Are you struggling to connect with international clients? Effective socialising in Business English is the key to building lasting customer relationships. Whether you’re greeting visitors, making small talk, or closing meetings, the right phrases can transform awkward encounters into productive partnerships.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share 45 powerful Business English phrases that successful professionals use to build rapport with customers. These practical expressions work for all English levels and will immediately improve your customer communication skills.
Why Customer Relationship Building Matters in Business
Research shows that 93% of customer loyalty comes from positive interactions rather than product features alone. By mastering these socialising phrases in Business English, you can:
- Create instant rapport with new clients
- Navigate cultural differences confidently
- Transform small talk into meaningful business relationships
- Leave a lasting professional impression.
Watch Our Business English Socialising Masterclass
See these customer relationship phrases in action! Our video demonstrates how to use these expressions naturally in real business scenarios.
45 Business English Phrases for Customer Relationship Building
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.”
FREE Resource: 300 Business English Phrases for Customer Communication
Take your customer relationship skills to the next level with our comprehensive guide. Scroll down to the end of this article to download our FREE Ebook with 300 essential Business English phrases for professional communication in any situation.
Tips for Improving Your Business English with Customers
Building strong customer relationships requires more than just knowing the right phrases. Here are some expert tips to enhance your Business English communication:
- Practice active listening: Show genuine interest in what your customers are saying by maintaining eye contact, nodding, and asking relevant follow-up questions.
- Adapt your communication style: Some cultures prefer direct communication, while others value a more indirect approach. Be aware of cultural differences and adjust accordingly.
- Handle sensitive topics professionally: Use phrases like “I understand this is an important issue” or “Let’s work together to find a solution that works for everyone” when addressing customer concerns.
- Maintain a positive tone: Even when discussing challenges or problems, focus on solutions and use positive language to maintain a constructive atmosphere.
- Follow up promptly: After meetings, send a professional email summarising key points and next steps to demonstrate your commitment to the relationship.
Real-Life Application: Customer Meeting Script
Business Professional: “Good morning, Sarah. Thank you for coming in today. I’m John Smith, the Account Manager at ABC Company. It’s a pleasure to meet you in person.”
Customer: “Good morning, John. Thank you for inviting me to your office.”
Business Professional: “How was your journey here? Did you have any trouble finding our building?”
Customer: “It was fine, thanks. Your directions were very helpful.”
Business Professional: “Great to hear. Can I offer you something to drink? Tea, coffee, or water perhaps?”
Customer: “Coffee would be lovely, thank you.”
Business Professional: “Before we begin discussing the project details, I’d like to introduce you to Victoria, our technical specialist who will be working closely with your team.”
Customer: “Nice to meet you, Victoria.”
Business Professional: “Now, shall we go through the agenda for today’s meeting? I’d like to start by understanding your specific requirements, then discuss our proposed solutions, and finally agree on next steps. Does that sound good?”
Customer: “Yes, that sounds perfect.”
Business Professional: “Excellent. Let’s get started then…”
Explore More Business English Resources for Customer Relationship Building
Looking for more Business English tips, courses, and free resources to improve your customer interactions? Visit our LinkTree page to access everything in one place.
Elevate Your Customer Communication Skills
Take your customer relationships to the next level with our Customer Service Business English Course. Designed for non-native speakers, this practical training provides proven phrases, cultural insights, and confidence-building techniques that get results.
“This course completely transformed how I interact with international clients. The practical phrases and confidence-building techniques have made a real difference in my professional relationships.” – Maria S., Customer Service Manager
Master the Art of Building Customer Relationships in English
Book a complimentary 15-minute consultation to discover how our personalised coaching can transform your ability to connect with international clients. Our Business English training focuses on relationship-building language, cultural awareness, and professional communication techniques.
Our proven approach has helped professionals from over 30 countries strengthen their customer relationships through effective Business English.
👉 Book Your Free Customer Relationship English Training Consultation
Expert Tips for Using These Customer Relationship Phrases
- Practise regularly: Incorporate these phrases into your daily customer interactions
- Adapt to cultural contexts: Adjust your approach based on your customer’s background
- Focus on active listening: Show genuine interest in your customers’ responses.
Start Building Stronger Customer Relationships Today
These 45 Business English phrases are your toolkit for better customer communication. Start using them today to make meaningful connections, build trust, and develop profitable business relationships that last.
FREE! THE ULTIMATE 300 BUSINESS ENGLISH PHRASES FOR COMMUNICATION IN THE OFFICE
