Panteon Business English Podcast
How to Introduce Yourself in Business Settings
Summary
This podcast episode from the “Panteon Business English Podcast” provides practical advice on how to effectively introduce yourself in professional settings.
The hosts, Emma and David, discuss the importance of a concise and professional introduction, including your name, role, and company. They emphasise using clear language, maintaining a confident tone, and engaging in active listening by asking follow-up questions. The episode also highlights the significance of cultural awareness and adapting your approach accordingly.
Suggested questions
What are the key components of a successful business introduction and how do they vary depending on the context?
How can body language and tone of voice enhance the impact of a business introduction?
What are the specific cultural considerations that must be taken into account when introducing oneself in a business setting?
Read the short podcast and write 5 key phrases
Speaker 1 (Emma):
Welcome to the Business English Podcast. I’m Emma, a language teacher at Panteon College..
Speaker 2 (David):
And I’m David. Today, we’re talking about a crucial skill: how to introduce yourself in business settings. It’s something everyone needs to master, right?
Emma:
Absolutely! Whether you’re meeting a client, starting a new job, or attending a networking event, making a good first impression is key. So, David, what’s the most important thing to remember?
David:
Keep it simple and professional. A good business introduction includes your name, your role, and sometimes the company you represent. You also want to make sure to use clear and concise language. For example, you could say something like: “Hi, I’m David, and I’m the Marketing Manager at BrightTech.”
Emma:
That’s a solid intro. Another thing to consider is your tone and body language. Smile, make eye contact, and speak confidently. It makes a big difference! Let’s break it down with an example. I’ll introduce myself as if we’re meeting at a conference.
David:
Perfect! Let’s hear it.
Emma:
“Hi, I’m Emma, a Business Consultant with Panteon College. I specialize in helping companies improve their operations. It’s great to meet you!”
David:
That’s great—short, to the point, and professional. Notice how Emma gave just enough information to start a conversation but didn’t overwhelm the listener. If you want to add more context, you can follow up with a question like, “And what about you? What’s your role?”
Emma:
Exactly. Asking a question keeps the conversation flowing. Also, if you’re meeting someone in a more informal setting, like a networking event, you can soften the introduction slightly. For example: “Hi, I’m Emma. I work in language learning business consulting. How about you?”
David:
That’s a great tip. And if you’re introducing yourself in an international context, be mindful of cultural differences. Some cultures are more formal, while others might expect a handshake or even exchanging business cards.
Emma:
Good point. And don’t forget to follow up. After you introduce yourself, listen carefully and use the other person’s name in your reply. It shows respect and helps you remember their name too.
David:
Well, that wraps it up for today! Thanks for listening to the Business English Podcast. Now go out there and introduce yourself with confidence.
Emma:
See you next time!
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Key terms
| Key Term/Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Business settings | Professional environments where formal communication and business interactions take place. |
| Introduce yourself | The act of providing personal information such as name, role, and company in a professional context. |
| First impression | The initial perception someone has of you, which is important in business contexts as it can set the tone for the relationship. |
| Clear and concise language | Communication that is direct, to the point, and free from unnecessary details, making it easier to understand. |
| Body language | Non-verbal communication, including facial expressions, posture, and gestures, which can influence how you’re perceived. |
| Eye contact | Looking directly at someone when speaking, which conveys confidence and engagement. |
| Business introduction | A formal statement where someone shares their name, position, and company to start a business conversation. |
| Tone | The vocal expression or style of speaking that can affect how your words are received, whether formal, friendly, or neutral. |
| Networking event | An informal or formal gathering where professionals meet to exchange information and develop contacts. |
| Cultural differences | Variations in social norms and behaviors across cultures that affect how introductions or business interactions are carried out. |
| Handshake | A common form of greeting in many cultures, where people shake hands to acknowledge each other in a business setting. |
| Follow-up | A continued interaction after the initial introduction, often involving further questions or actions to strengthen the connection. |
Bigrams, Trigrams, and Longer Phrases
| Phrase | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Making a good first impression | Refers to leaving a positive and lasting impact during your initial encounter, particularly important in professional settings. |
| Clear and concise language | Language that is easy to understand, using few words to communicate essential information effectively. |
| Body language and eye contact | Refers to non-verbal cues, such as gestures and facial expressions, and the act of looking directly at someone to show attentiveness and confidence. |
| Keep it simple and professional | Suggests that introductions should be brief, straightforward, and suitable for a business environment. |
| Business Consultant with Panteon College | An example of introducing one’s role and the company they represent. |
| Softening the introduction slightly | A strategy for making an introduction sound less formal and more approachable, often used in casual or informal settings. |
| Introducing yourself in an international context | Making introductions with an awareness of cultural variations and formalities in different countries or regions. |
| Follow-up question | A question asked after the initial introduction to continue the conversation and engage further with the other person. |
| Listening carefully and using names | The practice of paying close attention to what the other person says and using their name to show respect and reinforce the connection. |