WorkIntermediate

Small talk with a client in English

Everyday English for small talk with a client. Key line: “Did you find the place okay?”

Full script

LinHi, Sarah. Did you find the place okay?
ThemI did, thanks. My map tried to send me next door.
LinGood thing you ignored it. It loves drama.
ThemApparently. I almost introduced myself to a dentist.
LinWell, we're slightly less painful than the dentist.
ThemThat's reassuring. And your coffee smells much better, too.
LinGreat, because our coffee is doing the first impression today.
ThemThen it's winning; I might ask it for directions later.

Key phrases

The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.

arrival

✓ Did you find the place okay?

Polite check about their trip there

Natural opening when you first meet

luckily

✓ Good thing you ignored it.

You're glad they didn't do that

Shows relief; followed by a clause

relief

✓ That's reassuring.

Use after hearing good news

Very common after good news

impression

✓ first impression

How someone seems at first

Also: make a good first impression

Quick answers

arrival: what to say in English

Say “Did you find the place okay?” — polite check about their trip there. Natural opening when you first meet.

luckily: what to say in English

Say “Good thing you ignored it.” — you're glad they didn't do that. Shows relief; followed by a clause.

relief: what to say in English

Say “That's reassuring.” — use after hearing good news. Very common after good news.

impression: what to say in English

Say “first impression” — how someone seems at first. Also: make a good first impression.

Next: Small talk with a client All scenes