Acceptances: What Format to Use

Model your reply on the format used in the invitation.  If it is handwritten, then handwrite your reply.  If letterhead stationery is used, reply on your letterhead.  If the invitation is emailed, email your acceptance.  When the language of the invitation is informal, your reply is also informal.

English Speech Communication- Starting a Conversation

One of my favorite Chinese proverbs is “There are three hundred and forty-six subjects for elegant conversation.”

Yes, there are lots of things to talk about, even with the newest acquaintance.  Keep these topics in mind when you want to start a conversation:

•  Especially good is talking about an interest you are passionate about (fly-fishing, movies, growing orchids, soccer, collecting rare books, biking) – convey your enthusiasm which will often prompt people to talk about their passions.
• Almost everyone collects something or knows someone who does. Ask what he or she likes to collect.
• Current affairs such as a news item likely to have been seen by others, recent poll results, or interesting discoveries or inventions.

Then there are those easy topics:

• Weather- Example: All this sun for January.  If you close your eyes it feels like Miami, not Buffalo.  Have you gotten out to enjoy this nice weather?  Do you enjoy the winters here, or would you prefer to be somewhere else?
• Holidays: Do you have anything special planned for the holidays?/Long weekend? / Summer break?
• My grandmother used to make baklava just like this. Do you do much cooking?

Be sure to watch our English Speech Tips videos and Accent Reduction Tip videos  for more English pronunciation and accent reduction exercise.

Check out our new advanced weekly speech tip program, our new subscription called ClearTalk Weekly, www.subscription.cleartalkmastery.com

Acceptances: Job Offers

• When offered a position you want, write an acceptance letter that expresses your enthusiasm and pleasure and which confirms the details of your employment.
• When writing to offer a job to an applicant, include congratulations about being chosen and something complimentary about the person’s background or credentials, experience, or interview. Also give information about the job –duties, salary, supervisor’s name, starting date. Include the name and telephone number of someone who can answer questions.  Include an expression of goodwill about the persona’s employment with the company.  Do highlight some of the advantages of working for the company to influence the person’s decision to accept the offer.

English Speech Communication- Joining a Conversation

What people like the most is going into conversational settings and  leaving later feeling they connected with others.

Here are some tips that savvy socializers use:

• They go early and act to welcome new arrivals as if they were part of the established group.
• They use the tactic of going with a buddy. That way, after they have split up and made a few self-introductions, they can share with each other the interesting people each has met.

If you are by yourself, here are some options:

• Walk around and find another person who is not talking in a group. Greet with “How do you know (the hostess)?” or “I don’t know many people here, do you?”  Once you have gotten to know one another, you can approach a group of other guests as a team.
• Sit down, and you may be able to strike up a conversation with another guest who is sitting down.
• Seek a little help or offer help to the host. When the host is available, it is okay to ask for a couple of introductions.  You may also offer to pass appetizers around to break the ice.
• Join another conversation. Sometimes there is a congenial person who welcomes you. You might say “I’m new here.  May I introduce myself?” Or “I just got here. Could I join your conversation?  My name is ____”  or simply  “Hello.”
• Stand by the food. It’s a topic you will have in common with everyone who approaches the table.

Be sure to watch our English Speech Tips videos and Accent Reduction Tip videos  for more English pronunciation and accent reduction exercise.

Check out our new advanced weekly speech tip program, our new subscription called ClearTalk Weekly, www.subscription.cleartalkmastery.com

Acceptances: Tips on Writing

• Send acceptances as soon as possible. If you are late, apologize, but keep brief and to the point.
• Here’s a tip from noted usage expert Rudolf Flesch, “If your answer to an inquiry is yes, it’s a good idea to make yes the first word in your letter.”
• Be enthusiastic. Of course it is proper to simply state your acceptance and repeat the details for the invitation. However,  the opinion about you with hosts, employers, or friends will go up beautifully if you add a sentence saying something personal, cheerful, or lively.
• When your invitation is issued in the name of more than one person, mention all of them in your reply. Send your reply either to the person listed under the R.S.V.P. or to the first name given.
• Especially important: Always respond promptly to an invitation marked “R.S.V.P.” or “Please reply.”   This is mandatory and required and essential.