經常有學生諮詢有關社交英語的技巧及應用的文字；由於社交英語跟學術及職場英語有很大不同，所以有時候學生可能無從入手，尤其是初出茅廬的「打工仔」。基本上，「Please」這個字在任何社交場合不能缺乏。

　　今集介紹一些小技巧及例句，讀者也可以發揮創意，就不同場合加上適當的文字。

1.首次會面及對話

　　有時候我們也可以稱為破冰對話，皆因大家素未謀面，怎樣掌握營造一段友善的對話是重要的。簡單來說，就是認識新朋友一樣的謙虛有禮、彼此尊重。簡單例子：

　　Excuse me, do you speak English?

　　Excuse me. Is anyone sitting here?/ Is this seat free/occupied?

　　Excuse me, is this the right place/ the right room for...?

　　Good morning/ afternoon/ evening. I'm here to see/ meet Peter Pan. (I'm guessing that's you.)

2.名字的介紹

　　I should probably introduce myself. My name is Peter Pan (but please call me Peter / but everyone calls me Peter).

　　Sorry, I forgot to introduce myself.

　　Please allow me to introduce myself.　　My name is Peter Pan (from Hong Kong/... institution/school)

　　(Yes.) That's right. / That's me. (And you must be.../ And you are?)

　　I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.

3.禮貌語言

　　在社交場合作出有誠意的溝通是重要的，不論是初次打招呼之後或是久別重逢的朋友，禮儀也是基本的溝通模式。以下介紹一些簡單例子：

　　有關回應「How...?」的問題

　　Good / Pretty good / Wonderful

　　Really great / Brilliant

　　Very well/ Not (so/ too) bad/ Fine

　　Not so good/ Not so great

　　短答後一般也會加插一至兩句，讓對方有空間可以繼續討論。例子：

　　How's the essay writing workshop?

　　It was really great. The workshop helps me refine the way I structure my essay, and now I know how to avoid one-liner paragraphs. But I really need someone to comment on my writing...

　　有關學習或公司／工作的討論

　　I'm studying (for)... at...

　　I majored in English Language and Literature / Engineering / Finance...

　　I work for ABC Company.

　　I'm in charge of/ I'm responsible for...

　　I work in the...department/ division/ section of ABC Limited.

　　有禮貌地不回應問題

　　I'd rather not say (if you don't mind).

4.結束對話的語言

　　社交場合完結之後，不要匆匆的離去，建議有禮貌地跟認識的朋友大體地說再見。以下一些例子：

　　It was my (great) pleasure to meet you.

　　It's great / nice to meet you.

　　I hope you had a good time / I hope you enjoyed yourself... / I hope you learnt a great deal...

　　Thanks again for taking the time to come here today.

　　Thanks, that was really...lovely to meet you / useful seminar / productive discussion / very inspirational talk / stimulating workshop / a real eye opener/...

　　Take care./ Bon voyage./ Have a safe journey (back/ home).

　　Please pass on my regards to...

　　Please say "Hi" to...from me.

　　I hope we have the chance to meet again (soon).

　　I look forward to hearing from you / seeing you/ your call.

　　See you soon.

  以上語文僅供參考，我們鼓勵讀者就不同場合自己度身訂造恰當的內容。

　　下集我們討論Small Talk──跟素未謀面的人談論一些不重要的事情，但可以建立初步的人際關係。

　　大專院校語文講師、企業培訓講師及國際英文公開試主考官 Miss Carol

　　Email：[email protected]