Advanced Speaking Practice
Level: B1
Skill: Speaking
Topic: Greetings & Introductions
Time: 20–25 minutes
exercise 1: sophisticated farewell (substitution drill)
Say each phrase until it feels natural.
It’s been an absolute pleasure meeting you.
I do hope we get the chance to speak again.
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
I shall look forward to our next meeting.
It’s been wonderful talking to you – I hope our paths cross again.
If you’ll excuse me, I must … – but it was truly a pleasure.
Now say the response for each phrase.
The pleasure was all mine!
I do hope so too! It’s been a wonderful conversation!
Thank you! I shall do the same!
Likewise! I shall look forward to it too!
I hope so too! It’s been an absolute pleasure!
Of course! It was wonderful meeting you too!
Repeat until it feels natural.
exercise 2: indirect questions (transformation drill)
Say the direct question.
Then say the indirect question.
What is your name?
→ Could you tell me what your name is?
Where are you from?
→ I was wondering where you are from.
How long have you been here?
→ Do you mind me asking how long you have been here?
What do you do?
→ Could you tell me what it is that you do?
How long have you been based here?
→ I was wondering how long you have been based here.
Have you been here before?
→ Do you mind me asking if you have been here before?
What brings you here?
→ I was wondering what brings you here.
How are you finding things so far?
→ Could you tell me how you are finding things so far?
Repeat until it feels natural.
exercise 3: passive voice (dialogue)
Say the dialogue for each phrase.
introduced
A: I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.
B: I don’t believe we have either!
A: My name is … . It’s a pleasure to meet you!
B: The pleasure is mine! I’m … .
told
A: I was told you have been here for quite some time.
B: Yes, that’s right! I have been based here for … .
A: How are you finding it?
B: I find it … . I have been told it gets even better!
heard
A: I’ve heard wonderful things about you!
B: Oh really? I hope it was all good!
A: Of course! I was told you work as a … .
B: Yes, that’s right! And I’ve heard you work as a … too!
known
A: This place is known for being very welcoming.
B: I couldn’t agree more! I was pleasantly surprised!
A: It is regarded as one of the finest places to meet people.
B: I was thinking the same thing! I’m very impressed!
Repeat until it feels natural.
exercise 4: sophistication drill (transformation)
Say the simple phrase.
Then say the sophisticated version.
Nice to meet you!
→ It’s an absolute pleasure to meet you!
Where are you from?
→ I was wondering if you could tell me where you are from.
How long have you been here?
→ Do you mind me asking how long you have been based here?
I have heard a lot about you.
→ I’ve heard so much about you – I hope it was all good!
Goodbye!
→ If you’ll excuse me – but it was truly a pleasure meeting you!
See you again!
→ I do hope our paths cross again – it’s been wonderful!
Sorry, could you repeat that?
→ I do beg your pardon – could you say that again, please?
Nice to meet you too!
→ The pleasure was all mine – it’s been an absolute pleasure!
Repeat until it feels natural.
exercise 5: full introduction (dialogue)
Say the full dialogue.
A: Good evening! I don’t believe we’ve been introduced.
B: I don’t believe we have either! My name is … .
A: What a pleasure! Please, call me David.
B: It’s a pleasure, David! I was wondering if you could tell me a little about yourself.
A: Of course! I’m from London originally. I’ve been based here for two years now.
B: Do you mind me asking what it is that you do?
A: Not at all! I work as an English teacher. And yourself?
B: I work as a … . How are you finding things here so far?
A: I find it … ! I’ve been told it gets even better!
B: I couldn’t agree more! I was thinking the same thing!
A: Funny you should mention that! I’ve heard wonderful things about this place.
B: As have I! Well, I do hope we get the chance to speak again, David.
A: Likewise! Please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
B: I shall! If you’ll excuse me – but it’s been an absolute pleasure!
A: The pleasure was all mine! I hope our paths cross again!
B: I do hope so too! Have a pleasant evening!
A: Have a pleasant evening! Take care!
