Conversations at Work

Conversation Starters

100

When some one says, "Nice to meet you"  You could reply:

Nice to meet you too! 

or 

Likewise

200

When someone says:  Jesse, meet Andy.  You should reply:

Hi Andy.  Nice to meet you!

300

When someone says: How was your commute?  You could answer: 

It was fine.  It only took 30 minutes.  or The traffic was terrible.  Or the subway broke down... etc.

400

When someone asks:  How was your first day?  You could answer

It was exciting.  I learned a lot.  (past tense)

500

When someone asks:  Are you looking forward to your first day?  You could answer:

I am excited and terrified at the same time.  I am not sure what to expect.  (present tense)

Responding to a Receptionist

100

And you are?

My name is.....

200

"Please take a seat" means you should

sit down

300

"Hold on.  I will see if she is available" is a comversation happening where?

by phone

400

"I will call her to let her know you are here" is a conversation happening where?

at reception

500

"She'll be right with you" is a conversation happening where?

usually in person

Small talk prompt and response

100

Nice shoes!

Thank you!  They are brand new!

200

Chilly today, isn't it?

Yes.  I think the high is only going to be 12. (usually we agree with this type of question)

300

How about those Blue Jays!

Yes!  They're having a great season!

400

Did you hear the news?

Which news?  About the Queen?

500

What are you up to this weekend?

Nothing much.  Just relaxing.  How about you?

Initiating a conversation

100

Self introduction

Hi.  My name is.......I'm new here.  What's your name?

200

Talking about your role.  

I work in ....(HR / Accounting / IT)  

I'm a manager / assistant/ junior assistant.

300

Asking about someone's role

What do you do?  Where do you work?

400

Asking about time at the company or in the job.

How long have you been working here?

How long have you been an accountant / manager/ etc?

500

Asking about what they like about their work

What do you like best about your work / job? 

Asking for Clarification

100

Asking someone to repeat

Could you please repeat that?  I didn't understand.

200

Asking for correct spelling.  

Could you please spell that?

300

Asking for confirmation of information heard

Did you say....( MONDAY at 9 AM?)

400

Paraphrase for clarification

So do you mean to say.....(we should NEVER eat at our desk?)

500

Ask a question to clarify a lunch meeting.  

So we're meeting for lunch?  What time is that?