TOPIC 1 OF 25
Introducing Yourself
How to make a great first impression in American social and professional settings
Part 1: Dictionary • Part 2: Dialogue • Part 3: Article
PART 1 | COMPREHENSIVE DICTIONARY
21 essential vocabulary terms with definitions and context sentences
Context: Meeting new people at work, school, community events, or in your neighborhood
1. Introduction (noun)
Definition: The act of presenting yourself or another person for the first time.
Example: “At the orientation, everyone gave a short introduction so the team could get to know each other.”
2. Nice to meet you (phrase)
Definition: A polite expression used when meeting someone for the first time.
Example: “When the manager extended her hand, I smiled and said, ‘Nice to meet you, Ms. Rivera.'”
3. Originally from (phrase)
Definition: Used to describe the place where you were born or grew up.
Example: “I am originally from Oaxaca, but I have lived in Chicago for the past three years.”
4. Welcome aboard (phrase)
Definition: A friendly expression used to greet someone who has just joined a team, company, or group.
Example: “On her first day, her supervisor shook her hand and said, ‘Welcome aboard — we are glad to have you.'”
5. Background (noun)
Definition: A person’s education, experience, culture, or personal history.
Example: “The interviewer asked about her professional background before discussing the job requirements.”
6. Profession (noun)
Definition: A person’s job, career, or field of work.
Example: “When asked his profession, he explained that he was a certified electrician with ten years of experience.”
7. Hometown (noun)
Definition: The town or city where a person was born or grew up.
Example: “She mentioned that her hometown in El Salvador is famous for its coffee plantations.”
8. Acquaintance (noun)
Definition: A person you know but are not close friends with.
Example: “He is not a close friend — just an acquaintance from the morning bus route.”
9. Get to know (phrase)
Definition: To learn about someone through conversation and shared experiences.
Example: “The company hosts monthly lunches so that employees from different departments can get to know each other.”
10. Small talk (noun)
Definition: Light, friendly conversation about unimportant topics, often used when meeting someone.
Example: “Before the meeting started, people made small talk about the weather and weekend plans.”
11. What about you? (phrase)
Definition: A question used to return a topic back to the other person after you have answered.
Example: “I told her I was from Puerto Rico and then asked, ‘What about you? Where are you from?'”
12. Colleague (noun)
Definition: A person who works in the same organization or field.
Example: “She introduced me to her colleague from the accounting department.”
13. First impression (noun)
Definition: The opinion or feeling formed when meeting someone for the first time.
Example: “He made a strong first impression by arriving early, dressed professionally, and smiling warmly.”
14. Handshake (noun)
Definition: A gesture of greeting in which two people briefly clasp each other’s right hands.
Example: “In American professional settings, a firm handshake is a sign of confidence.”
15. Name tag (noun)
Definition: A small label worn on clothing that displays a person’s name.
Example: “At the conference, everyone wore a name tag so it was easy to address each other by name.”
16. Icebreaker (noun)
Definition: An activity or question designed to help people relax and begin talking in a new social situation.
Example: “The trainer used a fun icebreaker where each person shared one surprising fact about themselves.”
17. Networking (noun)
Definition: The act of meeting and talking with people in order to build professional or social connections.
Example: “She attended the job fair for networking and came home with three business cards from potential employers.”
18. Common ground (noun)
Definition: Shared interests, experiences, or beliefs between two people.
Example: “They quickly found common ground when they discovered they were both from the same country and had kids the same age.”
19. Eye contact (noun)
Definition: The act of looking directly into another person’s eyes during conversation.
Example: “Maintaining eye contact while speaking shows confidence and attentiveness in American culture.”
20. Conversation starter (noun)
Definition: A question or comment used to begin a conversation with someone you do not know well.
Example: “Complimenting someone’s work or asking about their weekend is a simple conversation starter.”
21. Follow up (verb/noun)
Definition: To take further action after an initial meeting, often by contacting the person again.
Example: “After the networking event, she sent a follow-up email to everyone she had spoken with.”
TOPIC 1 — INTRODUCING YOURSELF
PART 2 | REAL-LIFE DIALOGUE
A realistic conversation demonstrating key communication in this situation
Setting: At a new job orientation
Key Phrases: Nice to meet you • I’m originally from • I’ve been here for • What about you?
Maria: Hi there! I’m Maria. I just started here today. Are you new too?
James: Hey, Maria! I’m James. I started about three weeks ago, so I’m still pretty new myself. Welcome aboard!
Maria: Thanks! So nice to meet you. I’m originally from Guatemala. I’ve been in the US for about six months. What about you?
James: Oh wow, six months — that’s exciting! I’m from Ohio originally, but I moved to Chicago about two years ago. How are you finding everything so far?
Maria: Honestly? A little overwhelming, but everyone seems really friendly. What department are you in?
James: I’m in marketing. You?
Maria: Customer service. I’m a bit nervous about the phones, but I think I’ll get used to it.
James: You’ll be great, I’m sure! Hey, a bunch of us are grabbing lunch around noon. You should join us — it’s a good way to meet people.
Maria: That sounds wonderful. I’d love that. Thank you, James!
Language Notes
Use ‘Nice to meet you’ when meeting someone for the first time. ‘What about you?’ is a friendly way to return a question. ‘Welcome aboard’ is a common expression in workplaces.
TOPIC 1 — INTRODUCING YOURSELF
PART 3 | INFORMATIONAL ARTICLE
How to make a great first impression in American social and professional settings | CEFR B1 Level
Key Vocabulary: introduction • first impression • small talk • networking • common ground
Why First Impressions Matter
In the United States, people form opinions quickly when they meet someone new. Research shows that people decide how they feel about a new person within the first few seconds of meeting. This is why knowing how to introduce yourself well is one of the most important social skills you can have.
When you introduce yourself clearly and confidently, people are more likely to remember you, trust you, and want to talk to you again. This is true at work, at school, in your neighborhood, and in any new social situation. A good introduction does not need to be long or perfect. It just needs to be warm, clear, and friendly.
What to Say When You Meet Someone
A simple introduction in English usually includes three things: your name, something about yourself, and a friendly question back to the other person. For example: “Hi, I’m Maria. I just started working here. What about you — how long have you worked here?” This is short, friendly, and shows that you are interested in the other person.
In American culture, people usually smile and offer a handshake when meeting someone for the first time in a professional setting. A handshake should be firm but not too strong. Eye contact is also very important — looking at the person shows that you are confident and paying attention.
Some useful phrases to know: “Nice to meet you” is what you say when meeting someone for the first time. “Great to see you again” is for when you already know the person. “Welcome aboard” is something coworkers say to a new employee on their first day.
Talking About Where You Are From
One of the most common topics in early conversations is where you come from. Americans often ask, “Where are you from originally?” or “How long have you been here?” These are friendly questions, not rude ones. People are usually genuinely curious.
You can answer simply: “I’m originally from Mexico. I’ve been in the US for about two years.” Then, if you feel comfortable, you can add a small detail: “I’m from a city called Guadalajara — it’s known for mariachi music and tequila!” Sharing a small, interesting detail helps people remember you and makes the conversation more enjoyable.
You do not need to share everything about yourself right away. It is perfectly fine to keep your introduction short and polite. As you talk more, you can share more details naturally.
Small Talk: The Art of Casual Conversation
Small talk is light, friendly conversation that people use to get comfortable with each other. In American culture, small talk is very common — at the office, in elevators, while waiting in line, or before a meeting starts. Common small talk topics include the weather, weekend plans, sports, food, and current events.
Some learners feel nervous about small talk because they are not sure what to say. Here are a few easy conversation starters: “How’s your day going?” or “Did you have a good weekend?” or “Have you tried that new cafe on the corner?” These questions are open, friendly, and easy for the other person to answer.
One important tip: always ask a question back. If someone asks how your day is going, answer and then say, “What about you?” This shows you are interested and keeps the conversation moving naturally.
Cultural Tips for American Introductions
There are a few cultural differences to be aware of when meeting people in the United States. Americans tend to be friendly and informal, even in professional settings. It is common for coworkers to use first names, even with managers. Titles like “Mr.” or “Ms.” are used mainly in formal documents or with older adults you do not know well.
Americans often say “How are you?” as a greeting, but they do not always expect a long, detailed answer. A simple “I’m doing well, thanks!” or “Pretty good! How about you?” is the right response. Think of it as a friendly hello, not a serious question.
Finally, do not worry about having a perfect accent or making grammar mistakes. People are generally kind and patient with English learners. What matters most is your attitude — being friendly, warm, and willing to communicate will take you further than perfect grammar every time.
Networking: Building Connections Over Time
Networking means building relationships with people who can help you in your professional or personal life. In the United States, networking is considered very important for finding jobs, getting advice, and growing your career. Many people find jobs not through job websites but through people they know.
You can network anywhere — at work, at community events, at school, or even in your neighborhood. The key is to be genuine and friendly, not just interested in what someone can do for you. Ask questions, listen carefully, and follow up after meeting someone new. If you exchange contact information, send a short friendly message within a day or two saying it was nice to meet them.
As an English learner, every conversation is both a language practice opportunity and a chance to build a connection. Be proud of your effort to communicate — most people admire the courage it takes to speak in a second language.
Quick Tips: Quick Tips for Introducing Yourself
• Smile and make eye contact when you greet someone.
• Use ‘Nice to meet you’ the first time and ‘Great to see you again’ after that.
• Share your name, a little about yourself, and ask a question back.
• Small talk topics: weather, weekend plans, food, and local events are always safe.
• Don’t worry about your accent — warmth and friendliness matter more than perfection.
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