FORMAL CONVERSATION

Situation: Jane, Leslie, and Mary are having lunch at the restaurant. Since they will have
to give a presentation on etiquette rules next week, they try to practice by talking very
formally to each other.

Jane: Leslie, may I borrow your cell phone to call my mother after we finish lunch?

Leslie: Yes, of course, Jane. And please, do not forget to ask your mother whether you
may go to the movies with us afterwards.

Mary: Jane, could you pass the salt, please?

Jane: Sure, here you are.

Mary: And the pepper too, please. Thank you.

Jane: You are welcome.

Leslie: Would both of you mind if I stop by Marcus bookstore on our way to the movie?

Jane: No, not at all.

Mary: I would love to look at their New Book selection. So, I would like to stop there
also.

Jane: Would both of you like to go shopping after the movie?

Leslie: Maybe some other time. I need to be home by 5:00 o’clock.

Mary: I can go with you if you want.

Jane: That would be great. I need to pick up a gift for my brother. His birthday is on
Sunday next week. What would you recommend, Mary?

Mary: Just a moment please. Let me think. Maybe a fishing pole since he loves fishing?

Jane: What a clever suggestion! My brother will thank me for the lovely gift. I hope there
is a fishing store in the mall.

Leslie: I ordered too many French fries. Would anybody care for some?

Jane: Yes, I would like some.

Leslie: How about you, Mary?

Mary: No, thank you. I have enough food already.

Leslie: Yes, please. Just a little bit.

Jane: Here you go.

Leslie: Oh, that is enough! No more, please.

Jane: Mary, did you remember to bring my Harry Potter book?

Mary: Oh, I am sorry. I completely forgot about it. Could you call to remind me again
tonight?

Jane: Certainly.

Leslie: If you do not mind, may I borrow the book after you are done with it?

Jane: I promised to let John borrow it after I get it back from Mary. You are welcome to
have it once John is finished. John is a fast reader; he will finish it in no time.

Leslie: I, on the other hand, am a pretty slow reader. How long do you think I may keep
it?

Jane: I already read it. So, you may keep it as long as you want. Give it back to me at
your earliest convenience.

Leslie: Thank you, Jane. That will save me some money.

Mary: Are we all done? We should leave now to catch the next show; otherwise, we will
be late.

Leslie: I am ready anytime you are.

Jane: So am I. Shall we go?

EXPRESSIONS
Pass the salt, please:
Here you are:
Would you mind if:
On our way to:
I would be glad to:
May be some other time:
That would be great:
What would you recommend?:
Just a moment, please:
A very clever suggestion:
Would anybody care for some?:
 Certainly:
A fast reader:
A slow reader:
Finish in no time:
On the other hand:
At your earliest convenience:
Catch a movie:
So am I:

EXERCISES
Conversation Practice

Questions/Answers Practice
Pair the students and have them practice the following questions or greetings and
answers. Ask them to come up with similar questions or greetings and answers.
G: May I introduce myself? I am Jonathan. A: Nice to meet you. I am Laura.
G: Hello Kevin. How are you? A: I am fine, thank you.
G: Good to see you, Ana. How are you doing? A: I am doing fine, thank you.
G: Karen, this is John, our new employee. A: John, welcome aboard.
G: Thank you for your help. A: You are welcome.
G: Thank you for your help. A: My pleasure.
Q: Could you please do me a favor and give Mike A: I would be glad to give Mike a call.
a call?
Q: Could you come back after work, please? A: Yes, certainly.
Q: Would you like some coffee? A: Thank you for your offer, but I do not drink
coffee.
Q: Excuse me, would you mind repeating that? A: Not at all.
Q: Could you give me a hand to move this desk, A: Yes, certainly.
please?
Q: May I help you? A: Thank you for your help.
Q: May I have a word with you, please? A: Yes, Karen.