Formal Greetings

Formal Greetings

JAMES        : Good morning, Professor Austin, how are you doing?

PROF. AUSTIN : Good morning, James. I am doing well. And you?

JAMES        : I'm great, thank you. This is my friend Emma. She                 is thinking about applying to this college. She                   has a few questions. Would you mind telling us                   about the process, please?

PROF. AUSTIN : Hello, Emma! It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm more

               than happy to speak with you. Please stop by my                   office next week.

EMMA         : It's pleasure to meet you, professor. Thank you so

               much for helping us.

PROF. AUSTIN : Don't mention it. Hopefully, I will be able to 

               answer your questions!

Language Notes

• The greetings good morning/good afternoon/good evening are used at different times of the day to greet people. "good evening" is often used after 6 pm or generally when the sun has set.
• "Good night" is not a greeting: it is used when leaving a place or group of people. Thank you and good night!/Good night, and see you tomorrow.
• When people meet in the United States, it is customary for them to shake hands. A handshake should be firm and usually lasts for about two to three seconds - which allows enough time to say "Nice to meet you."
• "Don't mention it" is another way of saying "You're welcome." The phrase "You are welcome" is more formal. However, responses such as Don't mention it./No problem.?happy to help. are informal ways of responding to a thank you.