Unexpected Visitor (Unsolicited)
You open the door to an unexpected visitor, such as a salesperson, a charity worker, or someone you don't recognize. You need to politely inquire about their purpose without inviting them inside.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
neighborhood
A neighborhood is the area around your home where you live, including nearby houses and people. Use it when talking about local community activities, like 'We're in your neighborhood today.'
audit
An audit here means a check or inspection, like an energy audit which examines how much energy your home uses. It's a formal word for reviewing something to find improvements.
appreciate
To appreciate means to be grateful for something. Use it politely to thank someone, as in 'I appreciate your help,' to show respect without agreeing.
offer
An offer is a proposal of something, like a service or deal. In conversations, say 'I appreciate the offer' to politely acknowledge but possibly decline it.
utility bills
Utility bills are monthly payments for services like electricity, water, and gas. Common in household talks, e.g., 'This can save on your utility bills.'
stopping by
Stopping by means visiting briefly without prior invitation. Use it to thank someone casually, like 'Thanks for stopping by,' in door-to-door situations.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hello?
This is a simple, tentative greeting when opening the door to an unknown visitor. It's useful for starting interactions politely and shows caution. Use it with rising intonation to ask who's there.
Good afternoon. My name is James from Green Home Solutions.
This introduces yourself and your purpose formally. 'Good afternoon' is a time-specific greeting (after noon). Useful for salespeople; it builds trust by giving your name and company early.
Oh, an energy audit. I see.
This shows understanding and acknowledgment. 'I see' is an idiomatic way to say you comprehend. Useful in responses to explanations; it keeps the conversation flowing without commitment.
We're actually not looking for anything like that right now.
A polite way to refuse an offer. 'Actually' softens the rejection, and 'right now' implies possible future interest. Use this pattern for declining services without being rude; 'we're' uses plural for household.
I appreciate the offer, but we're really not interested at the moment.
This combines thanks with firm refusal. 'At the moment' means currently, allowing for change later. Essential for polite door-to-door rejections; the 'but' contrasts positive and negative parts.
Thank you for stopping by. Have a good day!
A courteous ending to end the interaction positively. 'Stopping by' acknowledges the visit. Use this to close doors politely; 'Have a good day' is a common farewell, responded with 'You too.'