function                                language
welcoming                             Welcome to ...
                                            We're pleased to welcome you (all) to ...
                                            It's a pleasure to welcome you (all) to ...

greeting people                       How do you do? (formal)
                                             How are you/you doing? (informal)
                                             (So/Very) Nice/Good to meet you.
                                              It's a pleasure (to meet you).


introductions                              My name's ... I'm (position/job)
                                                 I'd like to introduce myself ...
                                                 Let me introduce myself ...
                                                 We haven't met yet. I'm ...
                                                 I'd like to introduce you to ...
                                                 Have you met ...?

small talk                                 How was your flight/trip?
                                              How's the hotel?
                                              Did you have any problems/trouble finding us?
                                              How's the weather in ...?
                                               What do you think of our weather?
                                               Could I take your coat/umbrella?
                                               Would you care for something to drink?
                                               How do you take your coffee/tea?

getting to know each other                How long have you been working for ...?
                                                       How did you get into this line of business?
                                                       How do you like living in ...?
                                                       What's your home town?
                                                       What do you do in your spare time?

typical everyday contacts            How are you today?
                                                How are things?
                                                It's (going) fine, thanks.
                                                Nice to see you again.
                                                I was wondering if ...
                                                Would you mind if ...
                                                Could I ask a favour of you?/Could you do me a favour?

making arrangements                         We'd like to invite you to ...
                                                      Could we arrange a meeting/dinner for ... ?
                                                      Would you be interested in ...?
                                                      Would you like to attend/come to ...?
                                                      What/How about..?
                                                       Would ... suit you/be convenient?
                                                       Shall we say (about) 7.00pm?
                                                       That sounds fine/great.
                                                       Let me just confirm that ...
                                                       I look forward to seeing you then.

having drinks                                           I'd like to get the next round of drinks.
                                                             Could I propose a toast to ...?
                                                             Here's to ...
                                                             Cheers!
                                                             The drinks are on me.
                                                             I'm treating you.
                                                             I'll pick up the tab.


holding conversations                                  I wanted to ask you about ...
                                                                I was wondering if ...
                                                                While we're on the subject ...
                                                                I'd like to mention ...
                                                                By the way ...
                                                                That reminds me ...
                                                                Do you see what I mean/I'm getting at?
                                                                So are you saying ...?  


saying good-bye                                  I'm afraid I really must be on my way.
                                                        I really do need to wrap this up now.
                                                        Thanks so/Thank you very much for ...
                                                        It was nice/a pleasure to meet/see you.
                                                         I look forward to ...
                                                         Please get in touch soon.
                                                         I'll give you a call/email you.
                                                         Goodbye.
                                                         Bye. Take care.
                                                         Have a good flight/trip.
                                                         Safe journey back!