How to be a good host in natural British English
Whether you are hosting a business lunch, dinner party, child’s birthday party or anything in between, knowing you are speaking natural British English to your guests will make increase your confidence and make your event run even more smoothly. You will need to offer food or drink to your guests. Moreover, it is normal etiquette to have a short conversation with each attendee, find out their opinion about the event and have a short catch-up before excusing yourself to speak to the next guest. If you haven’t done this before don’t worry! Here are some great phrases you can use to be the perfect British English host.
(1) Phrases to greet and welcome a guest.
DO USE natural English:
(Name of guest e.g. Emma)! So glad you could come!
Can I get you a… (item on offer e.g. glass of prosecco / canape)? [informal]
Good afternoon, Mr (insert surname). Welcome to (event name). It’s lovely to see you. May I offer you a… (item on offer e.g. glass of prosecco / canape)? [more formal]
DON’T USE textbook English:
How do you do? I would like to offer you a…
(2) Phrases to invite a guest to start a conversation about the event.
DO USE natural English:
It’s a good turnout today, don’t you think? [neutral]
The (name of event centrepiece e.g. clown / DJ / set menu) seems to be doing down well. [neutral]
DON’T USE textbook English:
What do you think about the event?
(3) Phrases to start a short catch-up.
DO USE natural English:
How’s it going in + (place e.g. the Frankfurt office / the new flat?) [neutral]
How’s it going with + (activity e.g. the house renovations / the dance lessons) [neutral]
DON’T USE textbook English:
Tell me about…
(4) Phrases to end the conversation.
DO USE natural English:
Well, it’s been lovely chatting. Would you excuse me a moment? [neutral]
It’s been great to catch up. If you don’t mind, I just need to pop over to speak to (insert name e.g. the organiser / Mary). [neutral]
DON’T USE textbook English:
It was nice talking to you. Goodbye!
If any of these phrases help you to host an event in natural British English, let us know!
We love to hear your success stories here at PS English!
Take care,
Emma / PS English Teacher
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