Hi Advanced English learners! Mary Daphne here and today we’re talking about introductions.

I’m going to share with you a few ways of introducing yourself in different communication settings. On the phone, in-person, and online. These will apply to both formal and informal spaces.

In Person Introductions

Let’s fist look at introductions in the in-Person setting.

If you are shaking someone’s hand, you can extend your hand while saying “Hi, I’m Mary Daphne.” You don’t need to ask them their name because it’s expected that they’ll reply by telling you their name. But you could if you want.

If you’d like to use another nonverbal gesture but prefer not to shake hands, you can wave or put a hand on your chest while saying your name. So something like this: wave and hand on heart Mary Daphne. And you are?  

You could add a “nice to meet you” or “nice meeting you” if you’d like.

We don’t say “my name is” or “This is [name].”

Just say your name or I’m (name).

So that’s when first introducing yourself to someone. It’s what you say when you meet them for the first time.

Phone Introductions

What about introductions over the phone? This could be when you first meet a person or when you are announcing yourself over the phone.

Here is when you’ll use: “Hi, this is Mary Daphne…” and then say why you’re calling.

If the person knows you or of you, you can say “Hello, it’s Mary Daphne, can I speak to Alice in Marketing?”

What about introductions in the virtual space. This could be zoom, skype, WhatsApp calls, or some other digital video platform.

You can say: Hi, I’m Mary Daphne. Nice to virtually meet you.

In most scenarios, you’ll have already corresponded with the person via email. This means that you’ll probably already know their name. So, after you say your name there’s no need to ask them theirs. Also, with Zoom and other video-based communication software their name is on display so you can see it.

Since you’ve probably exchanged a few emails with them before meeting them virtually, you can say:

It’s great to put a face to a name.

Good to finally meet you.

If it’s the first time you’re meeting the person, you can just say I’m Mary Daphne, nice to meet you. And if you don’t know their name you, you can ask “What’s your name?”

Informal vs Formal Contexts

Now I’d like to highlight a few differences with introductions in casual informal contexts and formal contexts.

In casual settings like a café, school, the library, where you might be meeting new friends you can start with “Hey.” Something like: Hey, how’s it going? I’m Mary Daphne but people call me MD. In informal contexts, you can use “Hi” too.

In formal setting settings, like interviews, network events, and other professional contexts it’s best to avoid using “Hey.” You might have heard people saying “greetings” or “salutations” but it’s a bit too distant and rather antiquated. Hello or Hi is perfectly acceptable.

So those are quick introductions for in-person, on the phone, and virtual settings.

Thanks for watching and remember to subscribe for more Advanced English lessons to improve your fluency, confidence, and clarity in English!

See you in the next lesson!

Bye for now 😊

Happy English Learning!!