Lesson 1 of 6

Greetings and Introductions

Greet people and introduce yourself naturally, not like a textbook.

11 minLevel B1

"How do you do?" and "I am fine, thank you, and you?" are textbook phrases that Americans almost never use. Real greetings are short and relaxed, and they change with the situation. First impressions matter, so this lesson gives you the versions people actually use.

LearnThe key ideas

Greetings by situation

Situation	Greeting	Typical reply
Casual, friends	Hey, how's it going? / What's up?	Good, you? / Not much, you?
Neutral, coworkers	Hi, how are you?	Good, thanks. How about you?
Formal, first meeting	Hi, nice to meet you.	Nice to meet you too.
After a long time	Hey, long time no see! How have you been?	I've been good! Busy, but good.

"How are you?" isn't a real question

In the US, "How are you?" is usually just a polite hello, even from a cashier. Give a short positive answer and ask back: "Good, thanks! You?" Save the details for close friends.

Introducing yourself: "Hi, I'm Elina." is better than "Myself Elina" or "I am Elina speaking". Add one detail to start a conversation: "I'm Elina, I work with Sam in marketing."

ListenListen and repeat

Hey, how's it going?The most common casual greeting.
Good, thanks. How about you?Short reply, then ask back.
Hi, I'm Omar. I just joined the team.Name plus one detail.
It was great meeting you.Use when saying goodbye.

AvoidCommon mistakes

Myself Ahmed.✓ I'm Ahmed."Myself" isn't used to introduce yourself.

I am fine, thank you, and you?✓ Good, thanks! You?Shorter and more natural.

What's up? / The sky.✓ Not much, you?"What's up?" means "How are things?"

SpeakShadowing practice

Press Listen, then repeat straight away, copying the speed, rhythm and tone. Say each sentence three times, then record yourself.

Hey! Long time no see. How have you been?
Hi, I'm Sara. I'm a friend of Ali's.
It was really nice meeting you. Take care!

Record the sentences above and compare with the audio.

CheckQuick quiz

1. A cashier says "How are you?" The best answer is:

2. The most natural self-introduction:

3. Meeting a friend after a year, you say:

PracticeToday's speaking task

Prepare a 20-second self-introduction (name, what you do, one interesting fact). Record it until it sounds relaxed and natural.

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