Most people agree that the first impressions that a person makes upon others in business situations will affect their relationships for further cooperation a great deal.First impressions are established not merely by words you speak,but also by how you dress yourself,by your“air”when you speak,by your personality...in a word,by everything shown through your behaviors.In order to make a positive impression,you need to study carefully and prepare fully to finally gain the respect from your new clients,your new bosses or your new colleagues.
1.Draw some facial expressions in the following frames and let your partner guess what their meanings are.
2.Take out your mobile phone and take close-up pictures of the classmates around you.Then show them to your partner and explain what the expressions mean and whether you like them or not and why.
3.Choose one of the following impressions and explain to the whole class in what ways people can give this impression to others when they first meet people at business situations.
elegant respectful honest efficient open...
untidy dishonest unfriendly shy...
★ Some expressions of different impressions you may use when you first meet others at a business situation:
Do you need any help or information?(helpful)
My name is...What is your name?(direct and efficient)
Glad to meet you.(formal)
Are you working with...?(direct and open)
You must be...?(show your interest in others)
I’ve been anxious to meet you!(respectful)
I think you are the boss of the shop...?(too casual)
Hmm...It’s been a long day...(casual and friendly)
What are you eating?(direct and open)
May I have a bottle of Coke?It’s very kind of you...(friendly and casual)
You look very experienced...How long have you been working here?(direct and open)
I am a businessman.Tell me,what do you do?(direct,open and casual)
★ In order to give a good first impression,you also need to:
Stand up when you are formally greeting to someone.
Smile and make eye contact.
Pay attention to names when you meet people.
Understand the purpose of the introduction.
Use the phrases such as“May I present...”I“’d like to introduce...”or“Have you met...”
The person with the most seniority is usually given deference and is named first in an introduction.
When introducing two parties to each other,try to find some common subjects for them.
Avoid the topics of religion,politics,divorce or sexual orientation during the first meeting.
Class work:a game.
Normally at the very first class of the oral English course,students do not know each other well.Here is a game that gives you the chance to get better acquainted.Crumple a piece of paper into a small ball.Turn your back to the whole class.Without looking back,throw the paper ball over your shoulder in whatever direction you wish.The student who is hit by the paper ball will stand up and introduce himself or herself to the whole class.Then he or she can continue to throw the paper ball to others.