I warming up
1. Let’s have a talk about gifts.
Do you prefer getting or giving presents?
What is the most remarkable gift you ever got?
What is the most useless thing you ever got?
What gifts can be considered “dangerous”? Does it depend upon cross-culture difference?
2. Demonstrate your greeting card to your group mates and explain what it is written for.
II VOCABULARY
3. There are some words and expressions connected with the etiquette for giving and receiving gifts. Some of them you met reading the text “Business Gift-giving Etiquette”.
Try to explain the meaning of the following words and expressions:
social gesture cross-culture differences to cement relationships
gift bribe products of local pride
to struggle with the humility graciously token of appreciation
to return the favor to master the skills giver and receiver
in the name of everybody
*b) Add some more words and expressions which can be used in a talk about gift-giving etiquette in different countries.
c) Make 3-5 sentences with the words above.
* Let your discourse be connected.
III reading
4. We often get presents from our friends, relatives and colleagues. Surely, you can just pronounce 'Thank You', when receiving a present, but people say that happiness also comes from the response someone shows.
a) Read the phrases people use to give and receive gifts or presents with grace while making a great impression.
Giving a Present
In order to make a good impression, you'll need to say something better than "Here. Take it!" when giving someone a present. This is especially true when giving fits in the workplace.
Informal - for friends and family
I got you something I hope you like it.
Look what I have for you!
I thought you might like this for ...
Happy Birthday! Happy Anniversary! Here's a little gift / present for you.
(handing present to someone) Enjoy!
It's only something small, but I hope you like it.
Here's a little present for you.
Guess what I bought you!
Formal - at work and special occasions
(Name), I'd like to give you this present / gift.
(Name), This is a present that I / we / staff / got you.
I'd like to present you with this ....
(very formal, used when giving an award or special present)
Here is a token of our appreciation.
Receiving a Present
You can just say, "Thanks." when receiving a present. However, chances are that you might insult someone with such a short thank you. These phrases will help you make a good impression when receiving a present depending on the type of gift.
General Phrases for Smaller Items
Thank you so much!
That's so kind!
You shouldn't have!
For Clothing, Decorative Household Items, Handicraft and Art
Thank you! It's beautiful.
I love it! I'll put it on / hang it up / etc. immediately.
That is so thoughtful of you. It matches my .... perfectly!
How did you know I've always wanted a ... to go with my ...
For Larger Items such as Household Appliances
Thank you. I really need a ...
Fantastic! I've been thinking about getting a ...
This is exactly what I needed. Now, I can ...
For Travel, Tickets and Other Events
How kind of you! I've always wanted to see ... in concert / at the movies / at an exhibition
Wow! This is a dream come true! Tickets for ...
Thank you so much! I've hoped / wanted to travel to .... for a long time.
b) Read in pairs the example situations.
Two Friends
Friend 1: Tammy, I need to talk to you for a moment.
Friend 2: Anna, Hi! It's good to see you.
Friend 1: I got you something. I hope you like it.
Friend 2: I'm sure I will. Let me open it!
Friend 1: It's only something small.
Friend 2: Come on. Thank you so much!
Friend 1: ... Well, what do you think?
Friend 2: I love it! It matches my sweater!
Friend 1: I know that's why I bought it.
Friend 2: How did you know I've always wanted a broach to go with this sweater.
Friend 1: I'm glad you like it.
Friend 2: Like it. I love it!
At
Work
Colleague 1: Your attention, your attention! Tom, could you come over here?
Colleague 2: What's this?
Colleague 1: Tom, in the name of everybody here, I'd like to give you this token of
our appreciation.
Colleague 2: Thank you Bob. This IS an honor.
Colleague 1: We thought you might be able to use this at home.
Colleague 2: Let's see ... let me open it.
Colleague 1: The suspense is killing us.
Colleague 2: You've wrapped it up tight! ... Oh, it's beautiful.
Colleague 1: What do you think?
Colleague 2: Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed. Now I can get to work building that birdhouse.
Colleague 1: We had a little help from your wife. She told us about your love of woodworking.
Colleague 2: What a thoughtful gift. I'll put it to good use immediately.
Colleague 1: Thank you Tom for all you've done for this company.
Colleague 2: My pleasure, indeed.
c) Choose words and expressions you consider to be more used. Voice them.