English Dialog: Introducing Yourself – Informal and Formal

After opening the conversation with greetings, the next step is usually to introduce yourself or those who are with you.

There are two types of introductions: formal and informal.

Informal introductions are used when introducing a friend to another friend, while formal introductions are used to present yourself or others to someone you’ve just met.

Formal Introduction – Dr. Taylor

Ana: Mr. Smith, allow me to introduce you to Dr. Elizabeth Taylor.

Mr. Smith: Hello, Dr. Taylor. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

Dr. Taylor: Hello, Mr. Smith. The pleasure is all mine.

Ana: Dr. Taylor is a renowned economist and has just published a book on global economics.

Mr. Smith: Really? That’s fascinating. I work for the United Nations and specialize in the same field.

Dr. Taylor: Oh really? Are you in the UNDP department?

Mr. Smith: Yes, I am. How did you know?

Dr. Taylor: I have read some of your papers on international development. They are truly impressive.

Mr. Smith: Thank you, Dr. Taylor. That’s very kind of you to say. I must say, I am a huge fan of your work as well.

Dr. Taylor: Oh, thank you. That means a lot coming from someone like yourself.

Ana: I can see that the two of you have a lot in common. Perhaps you could collaborate on a project together in the future.

Mr. Smith: That’s a great idea, Ana. I think Dr. Taylor and I could definitely benefit from working together.

Dr. Taylor: I completely agree. It would be great to join forces and tackle some of the biggest economic challenges facing the world today.

Ana: Well, it looks like we have a potential collaboration on our hands. I think we should all have a drink to celebrate.

Mr. Smith: I couldn’t agree more. Let’s do it.

Dr. Taylor: Yes, let’s. Cheers!

Formal Introduction – Han & Hanna

Han: Hello, Dr. Smith, I am Han, and this is my colleague, Hanna. We are from a book fair organizing company.

Dr. Smith: Nice to meet you, Han and Hanna. How can I help you today?

Han: We are here to offer you a premium spot for your publications at our upcoming book fair. We believe it will be a great opportunity for you to showcase your work to a wider audience.

Dr. Smith: That sounds interesting, thank you for your offer. But I am currently quite busy and don’t have much time. Would you be able to provide the proposal to my secretary for me to review later?

Han: Of course, Dr. Smith. We’ll make sure to provide the proposal to your secretary for you to take a look at.

Dr. Smith: Great. It was nice meeting you both.

Hanna: Likewise, Dr. Smith. We look forward to the possibility of working together. Have a great day!

Formal Introduction – John & James

Anna: Good afternoon John and James. May I have your attention please? I would like to take a moment to formally introduce you both.

Anna: Allow me to introduce James, who is a highly dedicated and talented teacher. James has been making a positive impact in the lives of many students, including John’s daughter.

Anna, I would like to introduce John, a well-respected doctor in our community. With years of experience and a passion for helping others, John has earned a reputation for excellence in his field.

Anna: I am confident that the two of you will have much to discuss and share with each other. Both of your professions are integral to shaping the future and I am honored to bring you together today.

John: It’s a pleasure to meet you, James. I have heard wonderful things about your work as a teacher.

James: Thank you, John. It’s an honor to meet you as well. I have always admired the work that doctors do, and it’s a privilege to meet one of the best.

Anna: I am sure that this meeting will be the start of a productive and meaningful professional relationship between you both.

James & John: Thank you for the introduction. We look forward to getting to know each other better.

Informal Introductions – John & James

John: Hey James, who’s that girl over there by Barbara?

James: That’s Anna Anderson. You didn’t get a chance to meet her at Steve’s party last week?

John: No, I couldn’t make it to the party. What’s she like?

James: She’s really cool. She’s smart, funny, and has a great sense of humor.

John: That sounds great. Can you introduce us?

James: Sure thing, come on over. Anna, this is my cousin John.

Anna: Hi John, nice to meet you.

John: Hi Anna, it’s great to finally meet you.

Anna: Yeah, James has told me a lot about you.

John: Oh really? I hope it’s all good things.

Anna: Of course, only good things. So, what do you like to do for fun, John?

John: I love to hike, play basketball, and try new restaurants. How about you?

Anna: I love trying new things too, especially when it comes to food. I also enjoy yoga and reading.

John: That’s great. Maybe we can go on a hike and grab some food after?

Anna: That sounds like a plan.

Informal Introductions –  Sam & Jim

Han: Hey Sam, what’s good?

Sam: Not much man, just chilling. How about you?

Han: I’m doing pretty well, thanks. So, who’s the guy with you?

Sam: Oh, that’s my cousin James. He’s here for a vacation.

Han: Nice, it’s always good to have a break. Hey James, I’m Han.

James: Hi Han, nice to meet you. Call me Jim.

Han: Sure thing, Jim. So, what brings you to town?

Jim: Just wanted to get away from the city for a bit and explore some new places.

Han: That’s great. You guys should check out the park, it’s just a few blocks away. They have a nice lake and some great hiking trails.

Sam: That sounds like a plan. We’ll definitely check it out.

Han: Yeah, it’s a beautiful spot. Well, I got to run now. It was nice meeting you, Jim.

Jim: Nice meeting you too, Han.

Sam: Take care, man. See you later.

Han: Later guys. Have a great day.

Sam + Jim: You too!