Communication Skills
Prepared by Mr. Gaurav Misal
Ahmednagar College, Ahilyanagar · Savitribai Phule Pune University
Meeting People, Exchanging Greetings & Taking Leave
What is it? Greetings are the words we say when we meet someone. Taking leave is what we say when we say goodbye. These are the first words in any conversation.
Why is it important? A good greeting makes a great first impression. It shows you are polite, friendly, and confident.
- Good morning, sir / ma'am.
- Good afternoon. How do you do?
- Good evening. It is a pleasure to meet you.
- How are you, sir?
- I hope you are well.
- Thank you, sir. Goodbye.
- It was nice meeting you.
- I will take your leave now.
- Have a good day, ma'am.
- Hi! How are you?
- Hey! What's up?
- Hello! Long time no see!
- How have you been?
- Good to see you!
- Bye! Take care.
- See you later!
- Catch you tomorrow!
- Take it easy!
✅ Do This
- Smile when you greet someone
- Make eye contact (respectfully)
- Use the right greeting for the time of day
- Say goodbye when you leave
- Use "sir" or "ma'am" with elders and teachers
❌ Don't Do This
- Don't just walk away without greeting
- Don't say "Good morning" at night!
- Don't use "Hey!" with teachers or seniors
- Don't ignore someone who greets you
- Don't look at your phone while greeting
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Good morning sir. (no comma) | Good morning, sir. | Always use a comma before the name/title |
| How are you? I am fine. (without asking back) | How are you? – I am fine, thank you. And you? | Always ask back – it's polite! |
| Bye bye, sir. | Goodbye, sir. / Have a good day, sir. | "Bye bye" is too childish in formal settings |
| Good night! (when leaving during day) | Good evening / Goodbye | "Good night" means you're going to sleep |
📝 Exam-Oriented Questions
LONG QUESTIONS (8–10 marks)
- Write a short dialogue between two students meeting at college in the morning. Include proper greetings and leave-taking expressions.
- Explain the difference between formal and informal greetings with suitable examples from daily life.
- Write a short paragraph on the importance of proper greetings in our daily and professional life.
SHORT QUESTIONS (2–4 marks)
- Give two examples of formal greetings.
- What is the difference between "Good night" and "Goodbye"?
- Write two expressions used for taking leave formally.
- Give one example of an informal greeting among friends.
- Why is eye contact important when greeting someone?
⭐ Model Answer Points
- Always match the greeting to the time: morning / afternoon / evening
- Formal greetings: Good morning, Good afternoon, How do you do
- Informal greetings: Hi, Hey, What's up, How are you
- Formal leave-taking: Goodbye, It was nice meeting you, Have a good day
- Informal leave-taking: Bye, See you, Take care
- Always ask "And you?" after someone asks how you are – it's polite
- Use "sir/ma'am" with teachers and elders
⚡ Quick Revision Box – Topic 1
Key Phrases
- Good morning / afternoon / evening
- How are you? / How do you do?
- Nice to meet you / It's a pleasure
- Goodbye / Take care / See you
- I'll take your leave now
Golden Tips
- Smile while greeting – it shows confidence
- Don't say "Hey!" to teachers
- "Good night" = going to sleep, not leaving
- Always respond when someone greets you
- Formal = office/teacher | Informal = friends
Introducing Yourself (and Others) in Different Contexts
What is it? An introduction is when you tell someone about yourself — your name, where you are from, what you do. You can also introduce others: "This is my friend Riya."
Why is it important? Every new relationship starts with an introduction. Whether you are at college, in an interview, or meeting new people — knowing how to introduce yourself gives you confidence.
- Good morning. My name is [Name].
- I am from [City/Town], Maharashtra.
- I am currently studying in FYBA.
- I am pursuing a degree in English Literature.
- I am interested in [subject/hobby].
- It is a pleasure to be here.
- May I introduce Mr. / Ms. [Name]?
- Allow me to introduce my colleague.
- This is Prof. [Name] from our department.
- I would like you to meet [Name].
- Hi! I'm [Name].
- Hey! My name's Rahul. What's yours?
- I'm from Ahmednagar. Nice to meet you!
- I'm doing my first year in English.
- I love reading and cricket!
- This is my friend [Name].
- Have you met Riya? She's my classmate.
- Hey, meet Arjun – he's from my hometown!
- This is [Name], we studied together.
My name is [Your Full Name].
I am from [Your City/Village], Maharashtra.
I have completed my HSC from [Your School Name].
I am currently studying in [Your Class / Course].
I am interested in [Your Hobby / Subject].
It is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you.
✅ Do This
- Speak clearly and at a comfortable pace
- Smile and make light eye contact
- Include: name, place, course, interests
- Say "Thank you" at the end
- Practice your introduction before events
❌ Don't Do This
- Don't rush or speak too fast
- Don't say "I am knowing you" – wrong grammar
- Don't give too much or too little information
- Don't forget to greet first before introducing
- Don't look down while speaking
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| I am Rahul Patil from Ahmednagar village. | I am from Ahmednagar. | "Village" sounds too informal; use city/town name |
| My hobby is to playing cricket. | My hobby is playing cricket. | After "is", use verb+ing, not "to+ing" |
| I am studying in first year from last year. | I am currently in my first year. | Keep it simple and present |
| Nice for meeting you. | Nice to meet you. | Correct phrase: "nice to meet you" |
| I am Rahul. I am Rahul Patil. My name is Rahul. | Good morning. My name is Rahul Patil. | Don't repeat yourself – say it once, clearly |
📝 Exam-Oriented Questions
LONG QUESTIONS
- Write a formal self-introduction you would give on the first day of college. Include your name, place, educational background, and interests.
- Imagine you are at a job interview. Write a dialogue showing how you would introduce yourself to the interviewer.
- Write short notes on: (a) Formal introduction (b) Introducing others
SHORT QUESTIONS
- What information should you include in a formal self-introduction?
- Write one sentence introducing your friend to a teacher.
- What is the difference between "Nice to meet you" and "Nice meeting you"?
- Give two informal expressions for introducing yourself.
- Why is it important to practice your introduction?
⭐ Model Answer Points
- A formal introduction includes: greeting + name + place + course/work + interests + closing
- Always start with "Good morning/afternoon" in formal settings
- Informal: "Hi, I'm [Name]" – short and friendly
- Introducing others: "May I introduce..." / "This is my friend..."
- End with: "It is a pleasure to meet you" or "Thank you"
- Do not use wrong grammar like "I am knowing you"
- Practice the introduction template until it feels natural
⚡ Quick Revision Box – Topic 2
Introduction Formula
- Greeting → Name → Place → Course → Interest → Thank you
- Formal: Good morning. My name is…
- Informal: Hi! I'm [Name]. Nice to meet you!
- Introducing others: "This is / May I introduce..."
Golden Tips
- Practise your introduction daily
- Smile and stand/sit straight
- Never rush — speak at a comfortable pace
- Say "Thank you" at the end
- Interview answer = 3–5 sentences maximum
Telephone Etiquette
What is it? Telephone etiquette means using the right words and behaviour when talking on the phone. On a call, you cannot see the other person — so your words and tone are everything.
Why is it important? In today's world, phone calls are used in offices, banks, schools, hospitals, and businesses. Speaking well on the phone shows professionalism and builds trust.
- Good morning. This is [Name] speaking.
- Hello, may I speak to [Name], please?
- Could I speak to the principal's office?
- Am I speaking to Mr. / Ms. [Name]?
- Could you please repeat that?
- I beg your pardon?
- Could you speak a little slowly, please?
- I am calling regarding [purpose].
- May I leave a message?
- Could you please call back later?
- Thank you for your time.
- I will call back later. Thank you. Goodbye.
- Thank you. Have a nice day. Goodbye.
- Hello? Who's this?
- Hey! What's up?
- Hi Priya! Are you free to talk?
- Hey! I was just about to call you!
- Sorry, I didn't catch that. Say again?
- Can you talk louder? The network's bad.
- Hold on a second…
- Okay okay, I got it.
- Okay, talk later! Bye!
- I'll text you. Bye for now!
- Gotta go. Catch you later!
✅ Do This
- Identify yourself when you call someone: "This is [Name]"
- Ask if the person is free to talk
- Speak clearly and not too fast
- Say "please" and "thank you"
- Take notes during important calls
- End the call politely with "Goodbye"
❌ Don't Do This
- Don't eat or chew while on a call
- Don't say "Hello??" rudely when answering
- Don't put the phone on loud speaker in public
- Don't interrupt the other person
- Don't hang up without saying goodbye
- Don't use slang in formal/official calls
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Who are you? (rude opening) | May I know who I am speaking to? | Polite = professional |
| He is not here. Call later. | I'm sorry, he is unavailable. May I take a message? | Always offer to help |
| Haan! Bolo. (code-switching) | Yes, please go ahead. | Stay in English for formal calls |
| I am calling to tell you that I want the form. | I am calling regarding the scholarship form. | Be direct and professional |
| OK bye. (just hanging up) | Thank you. Have a good day. Goodbye. | Always end a call politely |
📝 Exam-Oriented Questions
LONG QUESTIONS
- Write a formal telephone conversation between a student and a college office regarding exam results or admission.
- What is telephone etiquette? Why is it important in today's professional world? Explain with examples.
- Write a dialogue showing an informal call between two friends making plans to meet.
SHORT QUESTIONS
- How should you start a formal phone call?
- What should you say when you cannot hear clearly on a call?
- Write two expressions used to end a phone call politely.
- Why should you identify yourself at the beginning of a call?
- What is the difference between formal and informal telephone language?
⭐ Model Answer Points
- Always start: "Good morning/afternoon. This is [Name] speaking."
- State your purpose clearly: "I am calling regarding..."
- If the person is unavailable: "May I leave a message?"
- If you can't hear: "Could you please repeat that?" / "Could you speak slowly?"
- Always end with: "Thank you. Have a good day. Goodbye."
- Formal calls = clear, polite, professional English
- Informal calls = friendly and relaxed, but still clear
⚡ Quick Revision Box – Topic 3
Key Phrases
- This is [Name] speaking.
- May I speak to [Name], please?
- I am calling regarding…
- Could you please repeat that?
- May I leave a message?
- Thank you. Have a good day. Goodbye.
Golden Tips
- Identify yourself at the start of every call
- Never eat or chew during a call
- Speak clearly – not too fast, not too slow
- Take notes during important calls
- Always say "Goodbye" before hanging up
Thanking and Responding to Thanks
What is it? Thanking someone means expressing gratitude — saying that you appreciate something they did. Responding to thanks means replying when someone thanks you.
Why is it important? A simple "thank you" builds strong relationships. It shows respect, appreciation, and good manners. In English communication, how you respond to "thank you" is just as important as saying it.
- Thank you very much, sir / ma'am.
- I am very grateful for your help.
- I sincerely appreciate your support.
- Thank you for your time and consideration.
- I am deeply thankful for this opportunity.
- This means a great deal to me.
- You are most welcome.
- It was my pleasure.
- I am glad I could help.
- Please don't mention it.
- It was the least I could do.
- Thanks a lot!
- Thanks so much!
- You're amazing, thank you!
- I owe you one!
- Thanks a bunch!
- That was really kind of you.
- No problem!
- Anytime!
- Don't worry about it!
- Happy to help!
- Sure, no big deal!
- Of course!
✅ Do This
- Say "Thank you" when someone helps you
- Be specific: "Thank you for explaining the chapter"
- Respond warmly: "It was my pleasure!"
- Make eye contact while thanking
- Send a thank-you message after an interview
- Smile when you say thank you
❌ Don't Do This
- Don't just say "thanks" in formal situations
- Don't respond with just "ok" when thanked
- Don't sound sarcastic: "Oh, thanks a lot!" (angry tone)
- Don't forget to thank teachers after help
- Don't respond with silence when someone says thank you
| ❌ Wrong | ✅ Correct | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Thanks. (only in formal situations) | Thank you very much, sir. | "Thanks" is too casual for teachers/seniors |
| It's ok. (when someone thanks you) | You are most welcome. / It was my pleasure. | "It's ok" sounds careless |
| I am thank you. | Thank you. / I am grateful. | Never say "I am thank you" – wrong grammar |
| Welcome! (too short and abrupt) | You are most welcome! | Full form sounds more polite and warm |
| I thank you very much very much. | I sincerely thank you. / Thank you very much. | Don't repeat "very much" twice |
📝 Exam-Oriented Questions
LONG QUESTIONS
- Write a dialogue between a student and a teacher where the student thanks the teacher for extra guidance before exams.
- Explain the importance of thanking in English communication. Give formal and informal examples.
- Write a thank-you note to your professor after a guest lecture in your college.
SHORT QUESTIONS
- Write two formal expressions used for thanking someone.
- How do you respond to "Thank you" in a formal setting?
- What is the meaning of "It was my pleasure"?
- Give two informal ways of saying "You're welcome."
- Why is it important to respond when someone thanks you?
⭐ Model Answer Points
- Formal thanks: "Thank you very much, sir/ma'am" / "I sincerely appreciate your help"
- Informal thanks: "Thanks a lot!" / "You're amazing!"
- Responding formally: "You are most welcome" / "It was my pleasure" / "I am glad I could help"
- Responding informally: "No problem" / "Anytime!" / "Happy to help!"
- Avoid: "It's ok" or "No mention" – they sound too casual or incorrect
- Thanking shows respect and builds positive relationships
- Always be specific when thanking – mention what you are thankful for
⚡ Quick Revision Box – Topic 4
Thanking Phrases
- Thank you very much, sir/ma'am
- I sincerely appreciate your support
- I am deeply grateful / Thanks a lot!
- This means a great deal to me
- I owe you one! (informal)
Responding to Thanks
- You are most welcome
- It was my pleasure
- I am glad I could help
- No problem / Anytime! (informal)
- Happy to help!
- → Match greeting to time of day
- → Formal: Good morning/afternoon
- → Informal: Hi, Hey, What's up
- → Taking leave: Goodbye / See you
- → Formula: Greeting + Name + Place + Course
- → End with: "Thank you"
- → Practice using the template
- → Never rush – speak clearly
- → Always say "This is [Name] speaking"
- → State purpose: "I am calling regarding..."
- → End: "Thank you. Goodbye."
- → Speak clearly, don't eat during calls
- → Formal: "Thank you very much, sir"
- → Informal: "Thanks a lot / You're amazing!"
- → Respond: "You are most welcome"
- → Be specific about what you are thankful for