Meeting a New Guest
You find yourself standing near someone you don't know. Initiate a conversation, introduce yourself, and ask a casual ice-breaker question.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
colleague
A colleague is a person you work with at the same company or job. Use this word when talking about professional relationships, like 'My colleague and I are good friends.'
stayed in touch
This means keeping contact with someone over time, like through calls or messages. It's useful for explaining ongoing friendships, as in 'We stayed in touch after school.'
cousin
A cousin is a relative who is the child of your aunt or uncle. In social talks, say 'She's my cousin' to explain family connections at parties.
amazing
Amazing means something is very impressive or wonderful. Use it to give compliments, like 'The view is amazing!' to make positive small talk.
delicious
Delicious describes food that tastes very good. It's great for party conversations, such as 'This cake is delicious!' to share enjoyment.
keep an eye out
This idiom means to watch or look carefully for something. Use it casually, like 'Keep an eye out for the dessert table' when suggesting something at an event.
tip
In this context, a tip is a helpful piece of advice. Say 'Thanks for the tip!' when someone gives you useful information, common in friendly chats.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hi there! I don't think we've met. I'm John.
This is a polite way to introduce yourself to a stranger at a party. 'Hi there' is a casual greeting, and 'I don't think we've met' checks if you've met before. Use it to start conversations naturally.
Nice to meet you. I'm Emily. Are you a friend of Sarah's or Mark's?
This sentence introduces yourself and asks an ice-breaker question about connections to the host. It's useful for mingling, as it shows interest in the other person and relates to the party.
I'm a colleague of Mark's, from his old job. We've stayed in touch over the years. How about you?
Here, you explain your relationship and ask back with 'How about you?' This pattern shares info briefly then turns the question around, keeping the talk balanced and engaging.
This is a great party, isn't it?
This compliments the event using a tag question 'isn't it?' which invites agreement. Tag questions make conversations friendlier; use them to praise the host or setting at social gatherings.
The food is amazing, and I love the music they're playing. Have you tried the mini quiches yet?
This gives specific compliments and asks a question to continue the talk. It's practical for parties—mention positives like food or music, then ask about experiences to involve the other person.
Not yet, but I'll definitely keep an eye out for them now! Thanks for the tip.
This responds positively to a suggestion, using 'keep an eye out' idiom and thanking for advice. It shows appreciation and keeps the conversation light; useful when someone recommends something.
Glad to meet you, John! Enjoy the rest of the party.
A friendly way to end the chat politely. 'Glad to meet you' reinforces the introduction, and wishing enjoyment wraps up nicely. Use this to exit conversations gracefully at events.