First impressions matter, and greetings set the tone for any interaction. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with an acquaintance, knowing how to greet and introduce yourself politely is a vital social skill. From mastering the perfect handshake to knowing when to use formal or informal language, your approach can speak volumes about your confidence and respect for others.
Do you instinctively get it right, or could your etiquette use a little polish? Take this quiz to see how well you navigate greetings and introductions—you might just uncover a new tip or two for making lasting impressions!
1) You are meeting a client for the first time at their office. You arrive exactly on time. They are running 10 minutes late. What is the most appropriate action?
A) Call their assistant to explain you have arrived.
B) Sit quietly and wait without bothering anyone.
C) Leave and reschedule the meeting.
D) Inform reception politely and wait in the designated area.
2) When introducing yourself to a senior executive in the UK, which is the most appropriate and respectful greeting?
A) "Hi, I’m Alex, nice to meet you!"
B) "Good morning, I’m Alex Smith. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
C) "Hello, I’m Alex—what’s your name?"
D) "Good to meet you, Alex Smith."
3) When attending a formal business meeting in the UK, what’s the most common expectation for physical greetings?
A) A two-handed handshake.
B) A quick nod of the head.
C) A light hug for familiar contacts.
D) A firm, brief handshake.
4) You are introducing a colleague to a senior manager. Whose name should you say first?
A) The colleague’s name.
B) The senior manager’s name.
C) Both names at the same time.
D) You say the senior manager’s name first, then introduce your colleague.
5) At a networking event in London, someone hands you their business card. What is considered polite?
A) Quickly put it in your pocket.
B) Examine it briefly and place it neatly in your wallet.
C) Read it in detail immediately.
D) Thank them, glance at it, and then put it somewhere safe.
6) If you arrive at a meeting where introductions have already started, what should you do?
A) Interrupt politely and introduce yourself.
B) Wait until the introductions are over, then introduce yourself.
C) Join the group quietly and wait for someone to notice you.
D) Apologise for being late, and wait for a suitable pause to introduce yourself.
7) You are introduced to someone at a meeting, but you don’t catch their name. What’s the best response?
A) Pretend you heard and avoid saying their name.
B) Apologise and politely ask them to repeat it.
C) Ask someone else afterwards.
D) Say, "I didn’t quite catch that—could you repeat your name, please?"
8) How do British business professionals typically prefer to exchange contact details?
A) By exchanging business cards at the beginning of the meeting.
B) By offering contact details verbally at the end of the meeting.
C) By exchanging phone numbers during introductions.
D) By exchanging business cards at the end of the meeting.
9) When introducing yourself to a British client, which of the following titles is often used to show respect?
A) Mr/Ms, followed by their surname.
B) Sir or Madam, even if informal.
C) Their first name immediately.
D) Mr/Ms, unless they invite you to use their first name.
10) If you are offered tea at a British office during a meeting, what is the most polite response?
A) "No, thank you—I don’t drink tea."
B) "Yes, please, if it’s no trouble."
C) "Just water for me."
D) "I’d prefer coffee, actually."
11) You meet a senior colleague for the first time, and they call you by your first name. How should you respond?
A) Use their first name immediately in return.
B) Continue using their formal title until invited otherwise.
C) Ask if it’s okay to call them by their first name.
D) Match their tone and use their first name naturally.
12) You are attending a business meeting where one attendee is unfamiliar with UK etiquette. What’s the best action?
A) Say nothing and let them learn on their own.
B) Pull them aside later and offer tips.
C) Politely guide them in the moment if they make a faux pas.
D) Quietly note their mistakes but remain professional.
13) If someone introduces you as ‘This is Sarah,’ what’s the best reply?
A) "Nice to meet you, Sarah."
B) "Hello, what do you do?"
C) "Hi, I’m Sarah as well!"
D) "Lovely to meet you."
14) What’s considered the most appropriate farewell at the end of a formal UK business meeting?
A) "Cheers, see you later!"
B) "Goodbye, I’ll follow up via email."
C) "Thanks, have a great day."
D) "Goodbye, it was a pleasure meeting you."
15) At a UK business event, when shaking hands, how long is a handshake typically expected to last?
A) 2-3 seconds.
B) 5-7 seconds.
C) A full 10 seconds.
D) Less than 1 second.
16) If a British colleague says "Let’s have a chat sometime," what do they likely mean?
A) They want to discuss something urgent.
B) It’s a polite way to decline a formal meeting.
C) They’re being friendly and vague.
D) They’re genuinely suggesting a future discussion.
17) You are introduced to someone as ‘Professor Smith.’ How should you address them initially?
A) "Hi, Professor!"
B) "Hello, Professor Smith."
C) "Nice to meet you, Prof!"
D) "Hello, Sir/Madam."
Correct Answers:
1. D – Inform reception politely and wait in the designated area.
2. B – "Good morning, I’m Alex Smith. It’s a pleasure to meet you."
3. D – A firm, brief handshake.
4. D – You say the senior manager’s name first, then introduce your colleague.
5. D – Thank them, glance at it, and then put it somewhere safe.
6. D – Apologise for being late, and wait for a suitable pause to introduce yourself.
7. D – Say, "I didn’t quite catch that—could you repeat your name, please?"
8. D – By exchanging business cards at the end of the meeting.
9. D – Mr/Ms, unless they invite you to use their first name.
10. B – "Yes, please, if it’s no trouble."
11. B – Continue using their formal title until invited otherwise.
12. C – Politely guide them in the moment if they make a faux pas.
13. D – "Lovely to meet you."
14. D – "Goodbye, it was a pleasure meeting you."
15. A – 2-3 seconds.
16. C – They’re being friendly and vague.
17. B – "Hello, Professor Smith."
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