Welcoming visitors
In this lesson, learn how to effectively welcome visitors to create a positive and friendly first impression.
Part 1
Warm-up
Answer the questions
What did we discuss in the last lesson?
Have you ever welcomed a visitor to a company that you worked for? Did you feel nervous?
Part 2
Useful expressions
Teacher guides the student the useful expressions
Initial greeting
- Welcome to _____ (company name)!
- I’m _____ of/from ______(company name).
Identifying the visitor
- You must be ___(Name)___.
Offering comfort
- Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable.
- Would you like something to drink?
Small talk and Icebreakers
- Is this your first time in the city?
- How was your flight?
- Did you have any trouble finding us?
- Did you find your way here all right?
Offering a tour
- I can show you around the building, if you’d like.
- I could give you a quick tour of the company, if you want.
Part 3
Listening practice
Listen to the conversation between Potter and Aki. Fill out the blank and answer the questions.
Click to play the Audio
Manager
(Potter)
You must be Mr. Aki. Welcome to Golden Shoes!
Thank you.
Aki
Manager
I’m Hank Potter, the (1) ___________ of this company.
So, you’re the person I’ve talked with over the phone, is that right?
Aki
Manager
That is correct. It’s great to finally meet you in person.
Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Potter!
Aki
Manager
How was your flight?
It was fine, but it was a very (2) __________.
Aki
Manager
I see. You must be very tired, then. Please have a seat and make yourself (3) _____________. Would you like something to drink, perhaps a cup of coffee or tea?
Some water would be nice. Thank you.
Aki
Manager
Right away. So, is this your first time in the city?
Yes, this is my first time here.
Aki
Manager
I hope you didn’t have any problems (4) ___________.
No, not at all. Your (5) __________ were very clear. This is a lovely space you have here. Have you been in this location long?
Aki
Manager
No, we actually just moved into this building a few months ago. After the meeting, I can show you around the building, if you’d like.
Yes, I’d love that! Thank you.
Aki
Check your understanding
What company was Mr. Aki visiting?
Does Mr. Adachi already know the manager?
What will Mr. Adachi do after the meeting?
Fill blank answer
- manager
- long flight
- comfortable
- finding us
- directions
Answer
- Mr. Aki was visiting Golden Shoes.
- Yes, Mr. Aki has talked to the manager, Hank Potter, over the phone before meeting in person.
- After the meeting, Mr. Aki will be shown around the building by the manager.
Transcript
Manager: You must be Mr. Aki. Welcome to Golden Shoes!
Aki: Thank you.
Manager: I’m Hank Potter, the manager of this company.
Aki: So, you’re the person I’ve talked with over the phone, is that right?
Manager: That is correct. It’s great to finally meet you in person.
Aki: Nice to meet you, too, Mr. Potter!
Manager: How was your flight?
Aki: It was fine, but it was a very long flight.
Manager: I see. You must be very tired, then. Please have a seat and make yourself comfortable. Would you like something to drink, perhaps a cup of coffee or tea?
Aki: Some water would be nice. Thank you.
Manager: Right away. So, is this your first time in the city?
Aki: Yes, this is my first time here.
Manager: I hope you didn't have any problems finding us.
Aki: No, not at all. Your directions were very clear. This is a lovely space you have here. Have you been in this location long?
Manager: No, we actually just moved into this building a few months ago. After the meeting, I can show you around the building, if you'd like.
Aki: Yes, I'd love that! Thank you.
Part 4
Role play
You are welcoming a guest, as a company’s representative. Your teacher will act as the guest.
You may use the expressions below:
- Welcome to M&M!
- You must be Mr./Ms. Davis.
- It’s my pleasure.
- How was your trip/flight?
- Did you find your way here all right?
I could give you a quick tour of the company, if you want.
Part 5
Reading comprehension
When people meet in business, there is often ‘small talk’ before the business discussion begins. Read the tips aloud for making small talk.
Teacher helps to correct student’s pronunciation.
Making small talk in business
Talking easily with people can make a bigger impression than exchanging business cards. Here are some tips:
- Smile first and always shake hands when you meet someone.
- Take your time during introductions. Make an extra effort to remember people’s names, and use them frequently in the conversation.
- Maintain eye contact in any conversation.
- Be aware of body language. Nervous people make others uncomfortable. Look confident and comfortable.
- Be prepared. Think of three topics you can talk about.
- Play the conversation ‘game’. Answer with more than just ‘yes’ or ‘no’.
- Don’t be a detective! Avoid all personal questions if you don’t know the person well.
Choose the three most important tips in your opinion and give reasons why you choose it.
Part 6
Discussion
Let’s use the vocabulary you’ve learned during the lesson and talk about the following topics/questions freely!
Teacher helps student expand and correct the answers
Do you often welcome visitors at your workplace?
Have you ever had to welcome a VIP visitor? How did you handle it?
Why do you think it’s important to make visitors feel welcome?
Can you share a memorable experience where you felt very welcomed as a visitor?
What are some effective ways to make small talk with visitors?
What are some common greetings in different cultures that you know of?
Do you like to give visitors a tour of the office? Why or why not?
Review
Let’s review the lesson with teacher
Useful expressions for talking with visitors
Tips to make the small talk in business
Discuss about welcoming visitors
See you next lesson
Homework
Do homework
Write an essay on a time when you felt particularly welcomed or unwelcome as a visitor. (around 200 words) What made the experience stand out, and what could have been done differently?
