Professional Documents
Culture Documents
In this episode you can learn how to make introductions in a business setting.
Waiter hands drink to Victor.
SAM: Ah yes. I know your company. Your business is expanding very rapidly at the moment.
VICTOR: Yes, we’re doing quite well. And yourself? Who do you work for?
SAM: Actually I work for myself. I’m the C.E.O. of a small export and packaging company. We
specialise in seafood.
SAM: Sam. Victor, let me introduce you to someone. Lin – this is Victor Tang – he’s the regional
rep. for OceanWide. This is Lin Chan, my sales manager.
LIN: Thankyou.
Let's look at introductions. First – how did Sam introduce himself to Victor – who he didn't know?
Victor Tang.
Pleased to meet you.
Sam said hello. We can say hello in most situations. He also said I don't think we've met. This is a
good phrase to use if you want to meet someone new. Practise saying Hello, I don't think we've
met, and then say your name.
Victor replied by saying his name and pleased to meet you. Pleased to meet you is a good formal
greeting for most situations. After Sam introduces himself, say your name, and 'pleased to meet
you'.
And the Western tradition is to shake hands when you meet someone. Usually, when we first meet
someone in a business situation, we want to find out what they do - what their job, or position is.
Let's see how Victor and Sam do this.
Actually I work for myself. I'm the C.E.O. of a small export and packaging company. We
specialise in seafood.
Sam asks and what company are you from? There are a few different ways you could ask this
question: Let's try some of them:
Now you try answering Sam's question with your own answer, saying what company you are
from...
And what company are you from?
Position means the same as job, but it's a more formal term. Listen to how both Sam and Victor
describe their positions:
We describe our job by saying I am or I'm and then naming the position. Notice that Sam says he is
the C.E.O. or Chief Executive Officer of his company. When someone asks who you work for, it
can be useful to also tell them what your job is. When meeting someone, it helps them if you offer
information before they ask. This makes the conversation more relaxed. Now Sam is going to ask
you who you work for and what your position is - answer his questions with your own answers:
Now, the business of names. Should we use formal titles, such as Mr, Mrs or Ms, or should we use
informal, more familiar names. Let's see how Victor solves this problem:
Sam.
Sam uses Victor's formal title - Mr Tang. But Victor says Please call me Victor. Now that they have
met, it's more comfortable for them to use each other's first names - at least in this less formal
situation. Practise saying Please call me, and your first name after Sam's statement.
Sam introduces Victor to someone else. Let's watch how he does this.
Sam says let me introduce you to someone. This is a very useful phrase. Practise saying it after
Sam:
When Sam introduces Lin, he has four pieces of information. Listen carefully to what they are:
First, he told Lin Victor's full name. Second, he told her what Victor's position was and his
company name. Third, he introduced Lin using her full name, and finally he told Victor what Lin's
job was. This way both Victor and Lin know enough about each other to start a conversation. When
introducing people at a function, it's important to try to make them feel comfortable.
Finally, listen again to how Lin and Victor greet each other:
And you.
Lin uses the phrase how do you do. Practise this phrase:
How do you do is another formal phrase for introductions. Victor replies with a formal phrase too
I'm very well thankyou. Practise this after Lin's question.
If someone says How do you do? or How are you? we usually say I'm very well thankyou. And we
could ask them how they are, by saying How do you do? or How are you?
Let's review some of the phrases we've learnt today, for introducing yourself and other people.
Practise the phrases with our characters Sam, Victor and Lin.
Remember, when meeting people, tell them something about yourself before being asked.
When you ask people questions about themselves in English, use a falling tone - it sounds
friendlier. Instead of Who do you work for? (upward inflection)
Who do you work for? (downward inflection)
And when introducing a colleague, or someone you've met, use the full names of both people, and
their positions.
And that's all for today on The Business of English. I'll see you next time.
Từ vựng
sale (n)
1. (dt) việc bán hàng
selling
We made only two sales in the shop yesterday.
2. (dt) việc bán
(no plural) selling a certain thing
representative (n)
1. (dt) người đại biểu, người đại diện
someone who represents someone else
expand (v)
1. (đt) mở rộng, trải ra
become bigger
rapidly (adv)
1. (tr) nhanh chóng, mau lẹ
quickly
specialize (v)
1. (đt) chuyên về; chuyên doanh; nổi tiếng về...
carry a certain kind of product
This shop specializes in fancy foods.
2. (đt) chuyên về; có chuyên môn về; trở thành chuyên gia về...
be an expert in something
engagement (n)
2. (dt) cuộc hẹn
an appointment with someone
I can't come because I have a previous engagement.
lounge (n)
1. (dt) buồng đợi, phòng khách, phòng ngồi chơi
(Brit) a living room of a private home; a public room or hall where someone can relax
The departure lounge in an airport.
Episode 3 - Getting Acquainted
In this episode we look at the things you can say to someone you've just met.
WALTER: No thankyou.
SUE: No, but I just flew in this morning, and I haven't had a chance to sit down since then.
SUE: No, I have been once before, but it was a long time ago.
WALTER: Yes, it has its points. But you're lucky to live in Manila. It's a fascinating city.
SUE: I'm going to Melbourne later. What's the weather like there?
WALTER: Not too good in winter, but at the moment it should be okay.
WALTER: Excuse me - there's someone I must talk to. (stands) It's been very nice to meet you.
I'm Walter by the way.
Today we're looking at a typical conversation you might have with someone you've only just met –
at a conference for example. What sort of thing can you talk about – and what topics should be
avoided? Let's look at how Walter and Sue get acquainted.
Sue breaks the ice – or starts the conversation.
We can tell from how Sue speaks to Walter, that they haven’t met before. She is very polite, and so
is he. But then she says something more personal, and this is the ‘icebreaker’.
That’s better. My feet are killing me.
Sue is letting Walter know two things – firstly – that she is tired, and secondly that she is willing to
have a friendly conversation with him. By making a more personal, or casual remark, she is
inviting him to respond.
No, but I just flew in this morning, and I haven’t had a chance to sit down since then.
To start a conversation like this, it’s fairly safe to talk about what people have just done.
For this, we use the present perfect –‘have’. Practise with Walter some typical questions like this
you could ask.
Questions that start with ‘have you’ are yes/no questions, so they have a rising tone:
When answering these questions in a situation like this it is helpful to add some information, not
just say yes or no.
If you just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’, people may think you don’t really want to talk.
No.
Oh.
Instead – notice how Sue helps the conversation along by giving some extra information.
No, but I just flew in this morning, and I haven’t had a chance to sit down since then.
Sue has said that she flew in this morning. So this gives Walter an obvious next question.
Questions beginning with ‘where’, ‘when’, ‘what’, ‘why’, ‘who’ are all questions asking for
information. Notice the difference between ‘Where have you come from?’ – meaning where did
you fly from, and ‘Where are you from?’ – meaning what is your nationality.
Notice also the falling tone with these questions: ‘Where have you come from?’
This makes the question sound friendly. But be careful not to ask too many questions like this all
together – the other person may think you’re being too nosy.
I’m an accountant.
I’m on business.
Of course – some questions like this are alright – but try not to sound too inquisitive – and offer
some information or ideas yourself.
No, I have been once before, but it was a long time ago.
Yes, it has its points. But you’re lucky to live in Manila. It’s a fascinating city.
Sue doesn’t just answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – she adds some extra information. And Walter finds the
opportunity to give his opinion, and to compliment the place Sue comes from. Now it’s Sue’s turn
to ask a question.
Sue wants to ask Walter about himself – this is showing interest. So she says ‘What about
yourself?’
These phrases should be followed by a question. Practise again, with the question to follow.
When meeting someone new on business, but in a social setting – there are a few safe topics – we
can talk about travel and accommodation, basic questions about the other person, about the city
you are in, interesting sights to see, and of course, the weather.
Finally, let’s look at how Walter ends the conversation. He needs to make sure the other person
doesn’t think he is bored.
Excuse me – there’s someone I must talk to. It’s been very nice to meet you.
I hope so.
He gives a reason why he must go, then says ‘It’s been very nice to meet you.’ Practise some useful
phrases for ending a conversation, with Walter and Sue.
You too.
So have I.
So do I.
I hope so.
In conversation, when asking questions remember to use a rising tone for yes/no questions – such
as those starting with ‘do you’ or ‘are you.’
Questions starting with ‘Do you’ ask about regular actions, and about likes and dislikes, or
opinions:
‘Do you travel often?’
Questions starting with ‘Are you’ are asking for personal information:
Questions starting with where, when, what, why or who are asking for information, and they often
have a falling tone:
People from different cultures have different ideas about what are reasonable topics for
conversation between strangers – so at first, it is safest to stick to general topics – such as travel,
the weather, places, and of course the business you are in.
And remember, to keep the conversation going – offer information, don’t just ask questions.
That’s all today on the Business of English. See you next time.
Vocabulary
break the ice
do or say something at a party or meeting to help people feel relaxed
conference (n)
1. (dt) hội nghị
a meeting for the purpose of discussing something
convenient (adj)
1. (tt) thuận tiện
helpful; making life easier
Amazing (adj)
1. (tt) làm kinh ngạc, làm sửng sốt, làm ai ngạcnhiên hết sức
The magician did the most amazing tricks.
fascinating (adj)
1. (tt) hấp dẫn, lôi cuốn, quyến rũ
It's fascinating to watch a baby grow.
harbour (n)
1. (dt) bến tàu , cảng
a place where ships are safe; a port
acquaint (v)
1. (đt) giới thiệu, làm quen
give information
Episode 4 - Any Other Business
In this episode we look at how to chair a meeting. You can watch the video or just listen to the
audio.
TAN: Well, I’m not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps we
should…
DENISE: So, to sum up – I think we are all aware that some urgent work does need to be done,
and we will need to work on a longer term plan for a major refit.
Well, if there’s no more discussion – we’ll put it to a vote. We’re recommending that tenders be
called for the urgent work needed. All those in favour?
Meetings. We love them or hate them – but we have to have them. Of course there are many
different kinds of meetings –from an informal chat, to a Board meeting, or even an Annual General
Meeting – and some are more formal than others – and so the language used in them changes.
Today we’re looking at a more formal meeting – and in particular at the role of the chairperson – or
the person who runs the meeting.
Our Chairperson is Denise. Let’s look at how she starts things off.
Not at all.
Then she asks someone to take minutes – or keep a record of the meeting. Then she announces the
start of the meeting – she officially begins it.
Now, you’ve all read the proposal, so without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion.
Did you notice the different parts of that introduction by the chairperson?
First, she thanked people for attending the meeting. Even though it may be their job – it’s good
practice to thank people for attending.
Next, Denise states the objective of the meeting. Of course a meeting may have more than one
objective, but often meetings have one main objective, or aim.
The Chair should state the objective of the meeting. In this case it is to discuss a proposal, and to
reach a decision. A proposal is simply a more formal word for a suggestion – but it is usually a
detailed suggestion, in a written form.
The next job of the chair is to invite discussion. Let’s look at how Denise does this…
Now, you’ve all read the proposal, so without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion.
Denise says ‘without further ado, I’d like to open it up for discussion’.
‘Without further ado’ just means without any more procedure. We’re going to discuss it straight
away. Then she says ‘I’d like to open it up for discussion.’ ‘it’ refers to the proposal she has just
outlined.
Okay – now, you can open a topic for general discussion – which means anyone can have a say.
The Chairperson controls the discussion. Or, the Chairperson may invite particular people to speak.
This is what Denise does – watch again…
Denise invites Tan to start the discussion. Let’s practise a few phrases for asking someone to
speak…
Another job for the Chair is to summarise the discussion – that is, concisely state the main points
made during the meeting.
So, to sum up – I think we are all aware that some urgent work does need to be done, and we will
need to work on a longer term plan for a major refit.
Denise summarises the main points from the discussion. To introduce this she could use various
phrases – practise these:
To sum up…
In summary…
The outcome of a meeting might be a suggestion for an action. Depending on what kind of meeting
it is, this could be called a motion, or a recommendation. In our example, Denise puts the
recommendation of the meeting to a vote.
Well, if there’s no more discussion – let’s put the recommendation to a vote. We’re recommending
tenders be called for the urgent work needed. All those in agreement?
Anyone against?
Then we’ll close the meeting. Thankyou everyone. The next meeting will be in two weeks, at
the same time.
Notice how Denise controls the meeting – she doesn’t say ‘Is there any more discussion?’ She says
‘If there’s no more discussion we’ll put it to a vote.’ She is controlling the meeting by moving on.
She then reiterates, or re-states the recommendation and calls for votes by saying ‘All those in
favour’ – that is those who agree, and ‘All those against’. Votes are only taken in a formal meeting
procedure – in a less formal procedure, a decision can be taken by consensus – by everyone
agreeing during the discussion.
Notice that after the vote, Denise says ‘Then that’s agreed.’ A meeting agrees, or doesn’t agree to a
recommendation. If it’s a more formal motion – we say the motion is ‘carried’ or ‘not carried’.
Often at the end of the meeting a chairperson will call for ‘any other business’, before they
officially announce the meeting is closed, and announce the time for the next meeting.
Episode 5 - Hear Hear!
In this episode we look at how to keep to the point in meetings. You can watch the video or just
listen to the audio.
TAN: Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps we
should…
DENISE: Sorry Lin - I don't think Tan had finished. We'll get to you in a minute.
LIN: Sorry.
TAN: As I was saying, perhaps we should get a second opinion before we spend any money.
WALTER: Well, as far as I'm concerned, it's a question of safety. So I think we should go ahead.
WALTER: In my opinion, yes. If you ask me, there is a serious risk of an accident. And it's not a
recent problem…
TAN: Are you implying we should have done something earlier?
BARBARA: What about the problem with parking? There were no places again this morning.
DENISE: All comments through the chair if you don't mind Walter. Parking isn't on the agenda for
this meeting - perhaps you could suggest it for our next meeting Barbara. Well, if there's no more
discussion - we'll put it it to a vote.
Today we're looking again at meetings. In meetings, especially formal meetings, it's important to
keep the discussion relevant, and to the point. So we're looking at some words and phrases that a
Chairperson might use to stop irrelevant discussion and interruptions. We're also looking at ways of
stating an opinion, and agreeing or disagreeing.
First of all - notice how Tan states that he doesn't agree with the report.
Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests.
Tan says 'I'm not convinced.' He means he disagrees with the report. But by saying he's 'not
convinced' - he is leaving himself open to another point of view.
Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps...
Don't be ridiculous!
Excuse me?
When disagreeing, the speaker normally also gives a reason for their opinion, and may use an
expression showing that it is their opinion. Listen to Walter.
Well, as far as I'm concerned, it's a question of safety. So I think we should go ahead.
In my opinion, yes.
Let's practise some phrases you can use to introduce your opinion about something.
In my opinion...
Notice that Tan asks for clarification of the point Walter makes. He wants to make sure he
understands what Walter is saying.
Let’s look at some ways of seeking clarification, and checking understanding. Practise these with
Tan.
One of the roles of the Chairperson is to make sure everyone gets to have their say. All discussion
should go through the chair - that is, people talk to the Chairperson, not to each other directly. So
the Chairperson sometimes has to interrupt, or stop someone from speaking. Let's see how Denise
does this.
Well, I'm not convinced that the work is as urgent as this report suggests, so perhaps...
Sorry Lin - I don't think Tan had finished. We'll get to you in a minute.
Sorry.
By saying 'I don't think Tan had finished', Denise is politely telling Lin that she shouldn't interrupt,
and Lin apologises. But what should you do if someone keeps trying to interrupt?
So perhaps...
Sorry Lin - I don't think Tan had finished. We'll get to you in a minute.
Notice that the language the chairperson uses is always polite, but firm. She uses 'sorry' 'thankyou'
and 'please' as a way of respecting the other members of the committee - although she is in charge.
On the other hand, there is a time factor - it may be necessary to cut people short.
...and furthermore, if we look more closely at some of the estimates, we can see...
Yes but we do have to keep an eye on the time. Perhaps we can come back to that point later.
It is important, but I think it's more important we hear everyone's views on this. Barbara?
There were two key phrases used to stop Tan from sending everyone to sleep. The first one -
'perhaps we should move on' is phrased as a suggestion - but it is said in a firm way - with a falling
intonation at the end.
The second one was put as a reason for moving on - that time is short - notice the emphasis on the
word 'do', and practise after me:
What about the problem with parking. There were no places again this morning.
All comments through the chair if you don't mind Walter. Parking isn't on the agenda for this
meeting - perhaps you could suggest it for our next meeting Barbara.
'All comments through the Chair if you don't mind'. This is a way of reminding Walter of correct
meeting procedure. 'All comments through the chair' means he must speak to the meeting, not
directly to one person at the table. Denise suggests that 'Parking isn't on the agenda for this
meeting'. But so that Barbara doesn't feel bad - she suggests it could be discussed at another time.
Finally - we've looked at disagreeing, let's look at ways of agreeing with a point.
Are you implying we should have done something earlier?
Hear hear!
I think so too.
Agreeing is simpler than disagreeing, as you don't have to state a reason. Repeat these phrases after
me:
I agree
I agree
In that case, I agree.
In that case, I agree.
I'll go along with you.
I'll go along with you.
I couldn't agree more.
I couldn't agree more.
That's right.
That's right.
I concur.
I concur.
Absolutely!
Absolutely!
Let's review some of the other important expressions we've looked at in today's episode.
When giving opinions in a meeting, it's important to use phrases such as 'in my opinion'; 'From my
point of view' or 'I think' - instead of just stating your opinions as facts. This is respectful of other
people who may have different views.
But when you strongly agree with something someone else says - you can say 'Hear Hear!'
That's all for today - see you next time on The Business of English.
Vocabulary
convince (v)
1. (đt) làm cho tin; làm cho nghe theo; thuyết phục
make someone believe or do something by giving reasons; persuade
concerned (adj)
1. (tt) lo âu, băn khoăn
worried
He is very concerned about his health.
as far as
1. xa bằng, không xa hơn
no less far
The bus station is as far as the train station from here.
2. không xa hơn nữa
no farther
This is as far as the bus goes, you have to change buses to go farther.
3. tới mức, tới một chừng mực
to the extent that
go ahead(v)
1. (đt) tiến hành; bắt đầu làm cái gì không do dự
start to do something; do it
risk (n)
1. (dt) mối hiểm hoạ, sự nguy hiểm
a danger that you take on yourself
imply (v)
1. (đt) gợi ý gián tiếp, nói bóng gió, ngụ ý
suggest; hint at
Chairperson(n)
1. (dt) chủ toạ, chủ tịch (từ này dùng cho cả nam và nữ)
the person in charge of a meeting or at the head of a committee.
Episode 6 - What are the Options?
In this episode we look at the options or choices that have to be made. You can watch the video or
just listen to the audio.
DENISE: Now we're looking at the options for handling our on-line orders. They're going through
the roof and frankly the lead-time for delivery is blowing out. We need to improve our performance
in this area. Any suggestions?
TAN: Well, as I see it, we have three options. The obvious one is to employ more people to do the
job. Another alternative is to automate the system more - cut down on the physical handling.
BARBARA: Well, looking at increasing staff versus automation, we have to consider the cost.
Automating has a higher capital cost than putting on more staff. On the other hand, employing
more people is more expensive over a long term. If we keep growing, it'll cost more in the long
run.
TAN: Outsourcing? Well, it does take the problem off our hands. But we lose contact with our
customers.
BARBARA: Outsourcing is the cheapest option, and the easiest - in the short term. But if we want
to keep the operation in-house, the best option is automating our system. The only down side is,
we're taking a risk that our business will keep growing.
We've looked before at formal meetings. Today's meeting is a more informal one, to discuss a
specific issue. The discussion is more free-flowing, or uncontrolled. Let's look first at some of the
language used by Denise when she introduces the problem.
Now we're looking at the options for handling our on-line orders. They're going through the
roof and frankly the lead-time for delivery is blowing out. We need to improve our
performance in this area.
'Options' are different solutions, or answers, to a problem. What is the problem? 'On-line orders are
going through the roof'.
'On-line orders' are orders for goods received through the internet, and if they're 'going through the
roof', they are increasing in number very rapidly.
The 'lead-time' for delivery is the amount of time it takes from when the order is received to when
it's delivered, and if it's 'blowing out' - that time is becoming too long. We use the expression
'blowing out' for something which is becoming too great, in a bad way.
So to 'improve our performance' means, in this case, to shorten the time it takes to deliver goods.
Well, as I see it, we have three options. The obvious one is to employ more people to do the
job. Another alternative is to automate the system more - cut down on the physical handling.
We could outsource.
Tan describes three options. First he lets us know that this is his opinion, by saying 'As I see it'.
Practise with Tan some different ways of letting someone know that what you're stating is your
opinion.
To 'outsource' means to use an outside company. When presenting different options, we can order
them by numbers, like this. Firstly, we could employ more people, secondly we could automate,
and thirdly we could outsource.
We can also use phrases, such as 'one option is to' and 'another option is to...'
We can also use linking words, such as 'or' and 'alternatively'.
Or, we can use a combination of these methods.
When considering two options, we are comparing them. Barbara talks about increasing staff versus
automation. She is saying that she is going to compare these two things. Another phrase she could
use is 'as against'. Practise with her.
Listen to Barbara again, and see if you can hear the two comparative adjectives.
Automating has a higher capital cost than putting on more staff. On the other hand,
employing more people is more expensive over a long term.
She says automating has a higher capital cost than putting on more staff. 'Higher' is a comparative
adjective.
We often use 'than' for the option that is being compared. Remember for words of longer than two
syllables, we use 'more' for the comparative. Employing more people is 'more expensive'. Because
Barbara has already said what the second option is, automating, she doesn't need to say 'employing
more people is more expensive than automating'.
Notice that she uses the phrase 'on the other hand'. This is used to introduce another side to an
argument. Practise this with Barbara.
Another way of comparing two ideas is to use linking words such as 'but' ,'although' and 'however'.
Automation is expensive, but it's more efficient.
Denise asks how likely continued growth is. In looking at words to describe likelihood, we can use
these words:
unlikely
Possible
Probable
Certain
So we can say:
It's unlikely
It's possible
And so on.
We can also qualify these with words such as 'very' 'quite', 'highly' or reasonably
It's a certainty
It's a possibility
There's a probability
There's a high likelihood
Finally, look at what happens when we compare more than two options.
Outsourcing is the cheapest option, and the easiest - in the short term. But if we want to keep the
operation in-house, the best option is automating our system.
Did you hear the superlative adjectives used to compare more than two things.
performance
3. (dt) thành tích
(no plural) how well you do something
option (n)
1. (dt) sự lựa chọn
a choice
You don't have any option - you must do it.
versus (prep)
1. (gt) chống, chống lại, đấu với (nhất là trong thi đấu thể thao
against
BARBARA: Thanks Denise. I'll just outline the process we've been through, identify some
problems, and give you an estimate on completion time and the outcome financially.
BARBARA: Bear with me. Now, if you recall, after a feasibility study, we put the project out to
tender eighteen months ago, and selected Ezybuild as our project manager.
Work commenced about fifteen months ago, and it's been progressing to schedule until recently.
BARBARA: Unfortunately there are three: Firstly, there's been a delay in materials - specifically
steel because of industrial issues at the suppliers. Secondly, we've lost days due to the weather. And
finally, there's been a resulting cost blowout.
BARBARA: Well, they've managed to get another supplier now. I suggested moving the
completion date back. That way, there's no penalty, and they agreed to re-deploy their workers until
building can start again.
BARBARA: We've been waiting for the rain to stop - but we can't control the weather!
BARBARA: At this stage, just a small overage. But I'll be watching it very closely over the next
few months. With no more delays, we're expecting to complete the project just one month behind
schedule.
JOHN: Humph
Today's episode is a focussed meeting with a specific purpose. Barbara has been asked to report on
the progress of a project. Our focus today is on the verb tenses she uses to report. Firstly, let's look
at how Denise asks for Barbara's report.
Today we're looking today at our new widget plant being built at Southside. I've asked
Barbara to report on progress and bring us all up to date and up to speed.
She doesn't use the simple present 'we look', because that is used for regular actions.
She uses the present perfect tense: 'I have asked' because she asked Barbara to report before the
meeting, and Baraba is about to give her report
And she wants Barbara to bring them 'up to date' and 'up to speed'.
These are common expressions - to bring someone 'up to date' is to tell them what has happened up
to the present. And to bring someone 'up to speed' is to make sure they know all the relevant facts.
Thanks Denise. I'll just outline the process we've been through, identify some problems, and
give you an estimate on completion time and the outcome financially.
She uses the future tense: I will, because she's talking about something she's going to do in the next
few minutes. Notice that the 'will' is not repeated, but it applies to all three of the things she says
she is going to do.
Now, if you recall, after a feasibility study, we put the project out to tender eighteen months
ago, and selected Ezybuild as our project manager.
Because Barbara is describing events in the past, she uses the simple past tense.
We put the project out to tender.
We selected Ezybuild as the project manager.
There's been a delay; 'we've lost days'; 'there's been a cost blowout.'
Present perfect tense is used to describe events which began in the past and are still true now.
In business it can be important to use the correct verb tense - using the wrong one can change the
meaning - for example, if Barbara said 'There was a delay' - it means this delay happened in the
past, and there is no delay now.
If she says 'there is a delay', she means that delay is still happening - they are still losing time.
But if she says 'there has been a delay', she means the delay started in the past and has continued up
until the present. But as we'll see - she is now fixing the problem.
Well, they've managed to get another supplier now. I suggested moving the completion date back.
That way, there's no penalty, and they agreed to re-deploy their workers until building can start
again.
Let's look at the verb tenses here...
'They've managed to get another supplier.' They managed to get another supplier in the past, and
that supplier is still now supplying the materials.
I suggested moving the completion date back. She suggested it at a particular time in the past.
They agreed to redeploy their workers - they agreed at a particular time in the past. Redeployed
means they were sent to work somewhere else.
We've been waiting for the rain to stop - but we can't control the weather!
At this stage, just a small overage. But I'll be watching it very closely over the next few
months. With no more delays, we're expecting to complete the project just one month behind
schedule.
Here we see some examples of continuous tenses to help meaning.
We've been waiting - we have been waiting for the rain to stop, and we are still waiting.
We're expecting - we are expecting at the moment, and we will continue to expect in the future.
She says 'and the cost?' The upward inflection in her voice - 'and the cost?' tells us this is a
question, although it's not a complete sentence. The complete sentence would be - 'What will it
cost?' In spoken English, this is very common.
Practise some examples with Denise.
Today we looked at reporting back. Remember, first summarise what you are going to report on.
We also focussed on the different verb tenses, which help exact meaning.
That's all we have time for today, so I hope we'll be seeing you next time for The Business of
English.
Vocabulary
Từ Vựng:
bring up (~)
feasibility (n)
1. (dt) tính có thể thi hành được, tính khả thi
a feasibility study.
E p i s o d e 8 - G r a p h s a n d Tr e n d s
Today we're looking at presenting information using charts and graphs. You can watch the video or
just listen to the audio.
TAN: Now, I'd like to refer to the first graph - as you can see this is a bar graph measuring net sales
over the first ten months of the year.
You'll notice that sales rose steadily in the first few months, then there was a marked increase in
April. They peaked in May at around 3.2 million, and levelled off, then there was a dramatic drop
in the following month, followed by a significant increase in August, and this trend has continued
up until the present.
JOHN: What was the reason for the sudden drop in July?
TAN: This was mainly due to a drop off in air conditioner sales - so it's a seasonal effect.
DENISE: Could it be a consequence of the negative effect of the interest rate rise?
TAN: Possibly. Now, if I could draw your attention to this next diagram. This is a line graph of
sales - the blue line represents air conditioner sales, the red line shows heaters. As you'll note, air
conditioner sales dropped steadily from January to July, bottoming out then, while heater sales
experienced a sharp increase from March to June, then dropped markedly from June to July, then
declined through to September, with a pronounced drop in October.
TAN: Largely - if we look at this pie diagram, you can see that air conditioners and heaters
together represent more than half of our total sales - but they vary seasonally, while other
appliances are fairly steady through the year.
JOHN: Well, we can't sell air conditioners when it's cold. What's the solution?
Today we're looking at presenting information using charts and graphs. We saw three types of
diagram:
A bar or column graph
A line graph
And a pie chart.
Look at how Tan introduced his presentation
Now, I'd like to refer to the first graph - as you can see this is a bar graph measuring net sales
over the first nine months of the year.
Tan says 'I'd like to refer to the first graph.'
When referring to a diagram or graph, first direct your audience's attention to that diagram. Practise
with Tan some phrases to use for this.
I'd like to refer to the first graph...
This levelled off, then there was a dramatic drop, and then a significant increase.
In describing trends, we use two words - one of those words is a noun or verb.
For example we may talk about an increase, or a decrease in numbers. Other words for an increase
are rise, climb, improvement, upturn.
Most of these words can also be used as a verb: to increase; to rise; to climb; to improve.
These also have verbs from them: to decrease; to fall; to decline; to worsen.
So we say - there was an improvement in the figures for April, or the figures for April have
improved.
There has been a decline in sales since June, or sales since June have declined.
But we often add more descriptive words -adjectives and adverbs. Remember adjectives go before
nouns, and adverbs go after verbs.
These describe the change in figures - was it big or small, fast or slow?
Other words for a big change are significant, marked, massive, pronounced, substantial.
Most adjectives can also be made into adverbs, just by adding 'ly' or 'lee'. There is no adverb for
'big', but informally we say 'a lot'.
Other words for small are slight, insignificant, and their adverbs slightly, insignifanctly.
Other words for a fast or quick change are sharp, dramatic, sudden, and again we add 'ly' for the
adverbs.
And for a slow or medium change, we can use steady or moderate, and the adverbs steadily and
moderately
Now - try changing the phrases from noun phrases into verb phrases - for example - if Tan says
'There was a dramatic increase in sales' - you say 'Sales increased dramatically.'
Have a try.
There was a steady rise in sales.
This was mainly due to the drop off in air conditioner sales - so it's a seasonal effect.
A consequence of
The drop in sales is a consequence of an interest rate rise.
Because of
The drop in sales is because of an interest rate rise.
A result of
The drop in sales is a result of an interest rate rise.
Then he says they 'experienced a sharp increase'. And he says there was a 'pronounced' drop in
heater sales in October. 'Pronounced' here means significant, or large. Finally, look at how Tan talks
about his pie diagram.
...if we look at this pie diagram, you can see that air conditioners and heater sales together
represent more than half of our total sales - but they vary seasonally, while other appliances are
fairly steady through the year.
Tan says air conditioners and heaters 'represent' more than half of sales. This means they account
for more than half of the sales. We could put this another way:
More than half of sales are represented by air conditioners and heaters.
We could say washing machines represent 15% of sales.
Washing machines account for 15% of sales.
Washing machines make up 15% of sales.
And that's accounted for our time today in the Business of English. See you next time.
Vocabulary
graph (n)
1. (dt) đồ thị
a chart with lines that shows the connection between different things
trend (n)
1. (dt) xu hướng, khuynh hướng
something that is temporarily fashionable
a new fashion trend.
2. (dt) phương hướng, chiều hướng
a direction in which something is moving
peak (n)
1. (dt) đỉnh, chỏm, chóp (núi)
the top of a mountain
The peak of the mountain was covered with snow.
2. (dt) tột đỉnh, cao điểm
the top point of something
He is at the peak of his career.
peak (v)
1. (đt) (làm cho) đạt tới đỉnh cao nhất
reach a high point
level (v)
1. (đt) san bằng, phá sập, phá đổ
destroy buildings or other structures
consequence (n)
1. (dt) kết quả; hậu quả
a result
fluctuation (n)
1. (dt) sự dao động, sự lên xuống, sự thay đổi thất thường
a fluctuation in temperatures.
Episode 9 - A Customer Survey
We look again at presentations. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.
...........
TAN: Today I’m going to look at the results of our customer survey. First I’ll go through the
survey questions, then summarise the results, and finally I’ll outline the conclusions. After that,
there’ll be time for questions and discussion. So, let’s start with the survey questions...
Turning to the results, as you can see from the diagram, most people decided what to buy when
they saw the product at the showroom. About one third made their decision based on what the
salesperson said. The others knew what they wanted to buy already. Most of those made their
decision on the recommendation of a friend. Only a few said they relied on advertising...
Let’s move on to the conclusions.The first one is that it’s very important that salespeople on the
floor know about our products. Another is that after-sales service is critical. People who experience
good after-sales service are more likely to recommend a brand.And finally, advertising – it’s
expensive, so we need to make sure we’re getting results.
In today's program, we look again at a presentation. Tan is presenting the results of a survey. Let's
see how he does it. How does Tan start his presentation?
Today I'm going to look at the results of our customer survey.
When giving a presentation it's important to state clearly what you are going to talk about at the
beginning. What is your topic?
For this, Tan uses the future tense 'I'm going to…'. He could also have said 'I will…'
There's one more sequencing signal in his introduction. Did you hear it?
After that, there'll be time for questions and discussion.
Even though Tan said 'finally' he would talk about conclusions, he has something 'after that'. This is
because the questions are not part of his presentation. He's telling his audience that after he's talked
about conclusions, it will be time to ask questions.
So sequencing words are very useful - they tell your audience how many parts are in your talk -
and they can signal when you are moving from one topic to the next one. Sequencing words are
words like firstly, secondly, thirdly, then, next, finally, after that, following that, and later on.
Another type of signal can be used to show you are moving from one part of your talk to another.
Here are three that Tan uses - practise them with him.
So, let's start with the questions...
Stress occurs in words, and sentences. In words - one syllable is stressed. The wrong stress makes
it hard to understand. So:
Conclusion, not conclusion
Products, not products.
Even more important in speaking, is to stress the important words in a sentence. This helps the
meaning of what you are saying - it gives emphasis.
So Tan says Let's move on to the conclusions, stressing 'conclusions' because it's the key word in
this sentence. The other words stressed are the key words for understanding.
Let's listen to Tan once more, noting the pauses, intonation, word and sentence stress.
Let's move on to the conclusions. The first one is that it's very important that salespeople on the
floor know about our products. Another is that after-sales service is critical.
Let's look at the diagram, and how we can describe numbers, or statistics.
First, Tan says 'most people decided what to buy at the showroom'.
Because more people decided at the showroom than at home, we can say 'most', 'the majority', or
'over half'.
To describe people deciding at home, which is less than fifty percent, we could say 'a minority' or
'less than half'.
Looking at the reasons for decisions, we are comparing four groups of people. We can use
descriptive words such as 'many', 'some', ' a few'.
And we can say 'the greatest number' or 'the highest percentage'.
And we can use words like approximately, about, nearly, over and under.
BARBARA: So, I'd like to end with a summary of what I've looked at today, and some
recommendations.
The figures show that sales are strongly seasonal, and that customers depend on good information
on the showroom floor. So I'd like to recommend we concentrate on discounting in the off-seasons,
and spend more time on briefing our sales representatives.
That's all I have for now. Are there any questions?
DENISE: You mentioned that the sales figures may also reflect economic trends. Can you expand
on that?
BARBARA: Well, we are always going to depend on the economy. As I understand it, we can look
forward to an improvement this year. Does that answer your question?
BARBARA: Well, I'm afraid that's a bit outside my area of expertise, but that's what the papers are
suggesting.
DENISE: You suggested that we might be spending too much on advertising. Can you clarify that?
BARBARA: We don't have the figures to really know how effective our advertising is.
BARBARA: Okay, we'll wrap up now. Thankyou for your input everyone.
DENISE: Thankyou.
Today we're looking at how to end a presentation, and how to deal with questions. Let's look first at
how Barbara concludes, or finishes her presentation.
I'd like to end with a summary of what I've looked at today, and some recommendations.
Barbara says she'd like to end with a summary, and some recommendations.
When ending a presentation or a talk, you may do this with a summary - this is a short statement of
your main points - with a conclusion, which is a result of all the information you've presented, or
recommendations, which are things you think should be done. In all cases, they should be clear and
concise, or not too long.
Practise with Barbara some phrases you can use to introduce your final points.
I'd like to end with some recommendations
To summarise...
My recommendations are...
Let's look at how Barbara finishes her talk, and asks for questions.
That's all I have for now. Are there any questions?
Here's Barbara with some useful phrases for you to practise if asking for questions.
Are there any questions?
In the question you can ask the speaker to respond in different ways. Denise asks her to expand, but
she could also clarify (or make clearer), or explain further. Practise some phrases you can use for
this:
Can you expand on that?
Notice that she also checks whether Denise is satisfied with her answer by saying:
'Does that answer your question?'
If she wanted to, Denise could ask a further question, but Tan does it for her.
Are you saying we're in for a period of growth?
Well, I'm afraid that's a bit outside my area of expertise, but that's what the papers are suggesting.
Tan is asking for clarification. He wants Barbara to say more about her point. He does this by
checking that he has understood her.
Practise with Tan some phrases you can use to ask for clarification.
Are you saying..?
So you're saying that...
We don't have the figures to really know how effective our advertising is.
Notice that, as before, Denise restates what she thinks Barbara said, by saying 'You suggested
that…' then asks her to clarify, by saying 'Can you clarify that? And Tan asks her to repeat
something simply by asking 'Could you repeat that?' Notice too that when Barbara answers Tan,
she uses different words. If someone asks you to repeat, or clarify, it's better to rephrase, than
simply say the same thing again. Notice how Denise puts in her own comment.
In my experience you can't do without advertising.
This is Denise's comment, or opinion, not a question. She shows this by starting 'in my experience'.
She could also have said 'in my opinion', or 'As I understand it,...'.
I have one.
Yes John?
Thankyou.
The person giving the talk is in control, so she needs to signal that she is finished. She does this by
saying 'Time for one last question.'
expertise (n)
1. (dt) sự tình thông, thành thạo
an expert knowledge or skill
E p i s o d e 1 1 - C a n I H e l p Yo u ?
We look at how to make business calls. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.
LIN: Yes, this is Lin Chan from Acme Appliances. I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson if he's available
please?
TAMMY: I'll just see if he's available - hold the line please.
It's a Lin Chan from Acme.
*************
LIN: Ah yes, Mr Wilson. Thanks for calling back. I wanted to set up a meeting with you to discuss
your requirements for next year.
WILSON: Yes certainly. How about Thursday about two-thirty.
WILSON: Goodbye
When we use the phone we can't see the other person, so we have to listen carefully and speak
clearly. Often we deal with a switchboard operator or personal assistant, but the language we use
on the phone follows conventions.
Wilson & Wilson, can I help you?
Yes, this is Lin Chan from Acme Appliances. I'd like to speak to Mr Wilson if he's available please?
When answering the phone, a switchboard operator will usually say the name of the company, then
'can I help you?' or 'How can I help you?'
Or they may not say anything after the name of the company. In any case, the caller normally says
their name, by saying 'this is' and their name, then the name of their company after the words 'from'
or 'of', and then who they would like to speak to.
Don't wait to be asked, but offer the information. On the phone, unless you know the other party
personally, always use polite, formal language.
Wilson & Wilson. What do you want?
Often it's not convenient to speak to someone straight away. 'If he's available' really means, 'If he
wants to speak to me at the moment.' Here's some useful phrases for asking for someone on the
phone:
Is Mr Wilson available please?
Here are a few simple phrases to use when leaving a message. Practise them with Lin.
Could you ask him to phone me please.
9882 6776
nine double eight two, six double seven six
or
nine eight eight two, six seven seven six.
And the receptionist must also make sure she has all the details correct.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
First Lin thanks him for calling back. She says 'Thanks for calling back'. She could also say,
'Thankyou for returning my call.' Then she states the purpose of her call, and they make the
arrangements for the meeting. Because she wants the meeting, Lin lets Wilson suggest a time. This
is polite, because he is the customer in this situation. Then he says 'I look forward to seeing you
then.'
Again, this is a polite way of ending a conversation - as well as being a signal that there is no more
to say.
Notice too, that Lin repeats the day and time of the meeting so that both people are sure about it.
Let's now just review the key phrases for phone calls when calling someone, and making an
arrangement.
LIN: Hello, Lin Chan, Sales Manager for National Sugar - and my associate John Martin.
VICTOR: Very pleased to meet you. I'm Victor Tang, and this is my legal adviser Sue Panay.
LIN: Well, we'd better get down to business. Mr Tang, to start off with, I just want to say we
believe we can offer you a very good deal and come up with a win-win result.
VICTOR: Well, from our point of view, we see it as an exploratory talk - testing the water you
might say.
SUE: We don't intend to reach any agreements at this meeting - in any case we would need to run it
past our board first.
JOHN: You haven't heard our terms yet - you may find them hard to resist!
(Victor and Sue exchange a raised eyebrow)
LIN: Of course we understand you need time to consider any offer. My first priority is to keep the
negotiations open.
LIN: We're prepared to offer a very attractive price for a minimum sale, in exchange for a two-year
contract. John will clarify the terms.
A negotiation is a discussion that should result in an agreement or business contract. The discussion
is usually between two parties - or organisations - trying to reach an agreement satisfactory to both.
In a negotiation, we need to reach a position that it is not too difficult for either side to accept, so
the language we use is important - and it's also important to listen carefully.
When starting a negotiation, begin with a greeting, and what we call 'small-talk' - something to
'break the ice', or make the meeting a friendly one.
Hello, Lin Chan, Sales Manager for National Sugar - and my associate John Martin.
Very pleased to meet you. I'm Victor Tang, and this is my legal adviser Sue Panay.
Before they start the negotiations, John asks about their journey. He says 'I hope you had a pleasant
flight', and asks how long they are staying. This way, the negotiation starts in a relaxed and friendly
atmosphere.
Here are a few phrases you could use to put the other party at ease.
I hope you had a pleasant flight.
Sue: We don't intend to reach any agreements at this meeting - in any case we would need to run it
past our board first.
Victor says 'from our point of view', and Lin says 'we don't intend'. They use the words 'our' and
'we', instead of 'my' and 'I' because they are talking as representatives of the company, not as
individuals. If Victor was on his own, he might use 'I' and 'my' - especially as the C.E.O. of the
company. Here are some other phrases Victor could use to state their point of view:
'From our perspective...'
'Our position is that...'
'As far as we're concerned...'
Victor says they see it as an 'exploratory talk'. He means they are 'exploring options', or finding out
what Lin has to offer. He is suggesting by this that they aren't going to make a decision at this
meeting - and he is letting Lin know this. He describes this in another way by saying they are
'testing the water'.
Notice too that Sue reinforces this. She says 'we don't intend to reach any agreements at this
meeting.' She is stating clearly the outcome that they are expecting from the meeting. She says they
would have to 'run past the board' any proposals made. A proposal is a formal offer or suggestion
made by one business to another, and to 'run something past the board' means to get the board's
approval or feedback. In a negotiation, each party needs to respond to what the other says for the
negotiation to proceed.
You haven't heard our terms yet - you may find them hard to resist! (Victor and Sue exchange a
raised eyebrow)
John hasn't listened to what Victor and Sue have said, and they don't like it. But Lin makes a
conciliatory statement. That is, she makes a concession. She backs down from her first position.
When negotiating, you usually need to make some concessions to reach an agreement. If nobody
makes a concession, the negotiation can't proceed...like this...
I just want to say we believe we can offer you a very good deal and come up with a win-win result.
Well, from our point of view, we see it as an exploratory talk - testing the water you might say.
Why bother the board? We can settle this deal right now!
We're prepared to offer a very attractive price for a minimum sale, in exchange for a two-year
contract. John will clarify the terms.
Let's review the main points from today. In negotiations, begin with introductions and then some
informal talk. Then each side makes an opening statement -this should state clearly what they want
to achieve.
Then, whichever party called the meeting begins the negotiation by giving an opening proposal.
And remember - it's important to listen to signals and the opening statements carefully, otherwise
the negotiation can quickly go in the wrong direction.
That's all for The Business of English for today. See you next time.
E p i s o d e 1 3 - We M i g h t H a v e A D e a l !
We take a further look at negotiating. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.
LIN:….so that's our offer. We think it's a fair one, with advantages for both sides.
VICTOR: Yes, well, we're prepared to consider your offer Ms Chan, if you can accept some
conditions.
VICTOR: Well, firstly the price you're proposing. Would that be variable depending on currency
fluctuations? The issue is that we're in an unstable environment at the moment - the exchange rate
could affect us negatively.
JOHN: Us too!
VICTOR: True, but the problem is that we're tied to the U.S. dollar.
VICTOR: Another problem we may have is that of supply. Our customers often need supply at
short notice. If we do get large orders, we need to guarantee delivery - so we need to stockpile. The
difficulty there is the capital outlay. How would you feel about a partial offset against our sales?
SUE: Would you be agreeable to a deferred payment? We can provide security of course.
LIN: I think that would be acceptable. Unfortunately, I would need to get Board approval for it.
SUE: Of course.
LIN: In principle.
He is signalling to the other side that there is a chance for agreement by using the word 'consider',
which means 'think about'.
He then makes this conditional by saying 'if you can accept some conditions'. In English, using the
word 'if' in this way is called a conditional.
Victor is saying 'We can consider your offer if you can accept some conditions.' One part of the
sentence is conditional on, or depending on the other.
The negative is also true. If they can't accept the conditions, Victor can't consider the offer.
Notice that Sue adds: 'subject to consideration by the board'. 'Subject to' is another type of
conditional phrase. She means 'We can agree if the board agrees.' 'Subject to' is a legal phrase
meaning 'only if', or 'only after'. There are a number of expressions you can use when giving a
condition. Try them after me:
...subject to the board's agreement.
Notice that he explains what the problem is... He says 'The issue is that we're in an unstable
environment.'
'The issue' means the problem, or the thing that needs discussing.
One thing that could happen is that the exchange rate, the amount of money you can exchange in
one currency for another, may change. Notice that Victor uses the words 'would' and 'could'.
'Would' is like a conditional. One thing might result in another thing happening.
The exchange rate might change.
Victor is talking about the price for their product. He asks 'would that be variable depending on
currency fluctuations'. 'Fluctuations' are changes. We can express this another way: 'If the currency
changes, will the price change?' 'Could' is used to express a possibility - something that might
happen.
Victor says 'the exchange rate could affect us negatively'. Notice that you can say something will
affect you negatively - it will have a negative, or bad effect, or positively - it will have a positive ,
or good effect.
We can give both questions and answers using these 'could' and 'would' phrases. Practise them after
Lin and Victor.
Would you consider hedging against currency?
I think that would be acceptable. Unfortunately, I would need to get Board approval for it.
Sue uses the phrase 'would you be agreeable'. 'Would you be agreeable to a deferred payment.' A
deferred payment is when you pay later for something you buy. Lin thinks this condition is
acceptable, but she makes it conditional on Board approval by saying 'I would need to get Board
approval.' Notice the stress on 'would'. Practise some phrases you can use for this type of condition.
That would have to have Board approval.
So it's very important when negotiating to listen for words that signal a condition: words like 'if',
'could','would', 'provided' or 'providing', 'as long as' and 'subject to'.
And words that might signal a problem, such as 'problem', 'unfortunately', and 'however'.
Notice that even at the end, they are being careful about what they say.
Then I think we might have a deal!
In principle.
Lin agrees 'in principle'. This means they have agreed on terms among themselves, but as she needs
Board approval, she can't authorise the agreement right now.
And right now we've reached the end of today's program. See you next time on the Business of
English.
Episode 14 - A Formal Speech
We look at how to make a formal speech. You can watch the video or just listen to the audio.
DENISE: Our keynote speaker is a man who I'm sure is very well known to all of you. He's
Professor of Fruitology at Dubbo University and has written many books on the subject of tropical
fruit. So without further ado, I'd like to introduce our keynote speaker, Doctor Sam Eriks.
*********
Ladies and gentlemen, I hope I've been able to clear up a few misconceptions, and leave you with
some new ideas about how we might view bananas in the future.
We've seen, in looking at their history, that bananas have a significant role in many cultures. I've
also noted their positive nutritional qualities. And in addressing the main question, why bananas
are bent - we've learned that the reasons are many and complex.
Madam Chair, thankyou for the opportunity to address the conference today, and thankyou ladies
and gentleman for your kind attention.
Making a formal speech to an audience is a scary thing for many people - even more so if it's in a
language that is not your first language. What are the things you can do to prepare a formal speech
in English? First of all, let's look at the structure of the speech. In a formal situation, like a keynote
address, the speaker will be introduced by someone else.
Our keynote speaker is a man who I'm sure is very well known to all of you. He's Professor of
Fruitology at Dubbo University and has written many books on the subject of tropical fruit.
When introducing a speaker, research their background and accomplishments - that is, the
important things they've done, such as books they may have written, important positions they've
filled, and of course their proper title or qualifications, such as Professor.
Here are some useful phrases to use when introducing a speaker. Practise them with Denise:
Our next speaker is well known to all of you.
The Honourable Judith Bryant, Minister for Trade, Professor Eric Vogel, Professor of economics at
Wagga University, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen.
If there is a representative of government, such as a minister, they would be acknowledged first -
then any other people of particular note.
Then he addresses 'distinguished guests' - this can include anyone who has been invited to attend
the event. And finally he says 'ladies and gentlemen', which means everyone else.
The history of bananas, the many qualities of bananas, and the uses of the banana.
In describing his topic, he said 'I felt it would be appropriate to address…' and then names the parts
of his speech. To 'address' something here means to talk about it. You could also use words like
'consider', 'discuss', 'outline', 'cover'.
Pronunciation is important too - it's a good idea to practise your speech out loud - especially any
difficult words.
I've also noted their positive nutrishal, nutrishishional, nutritional qualities.
What does Doctor Eriks do next in his speech?
But first let me tell you a story about a banana.
He says he is going to tell a story about a banana. When making a speech, it's good to put in some
personal touches - a story of something that happened or a joke.
We've seen;
'I've noted';
'we've learned'.
SAM: Thankyou.
VICTOR: Well, it has been a great pleasure to meet you Sam, and Lin.
LIN: Yes, it's been great. What a pity you have to go home.
VICTOR: Well, all good things must come to an end. But I'm sure we'll meet again.
LIN: And good luck with your business. I'm sure it will go well.
SAM: Well, I think we should drink a toast to the end of the conference, and to ourselves. Here's to
us.
Cheers
VICTOR: Cheers
LIN: Cheers.
VICTOR: Thankyou. I'll send you an email. And if you're ever in Singapore, you must look me up.
SAM: We certainly will. And you have my number. When you're next in Sydney, give me a call -
we'll have a drink.
VICTOR: Goodbye.
For the final programme in the series we're looking at some of the phrases you may use when
you're saying goodbye to someone - either for a short time, or a long time. In our example, Victor is
from another country, and he's about to go back home. At a conference, he's met Sam and Lin.
It has been a great pleasure to meet you Sam and Lin.
Here are some useful phrases to do with meeting again. Practise them with Victor.
I'm sure we'll meet again.
Another part of saying goodbye can be wishing someone well for the future.
And good luck with your business. I'm sure it will go well.
Cheers
Cheers.
This is an informal toast. Sam says 'I think we should drink a toast'.
Another phrase he could use is: 'Let's drink to' - for example… 'Let's drink to the end of the
conference' or 'Let's drink to our future meeting'. Then they clink their glasses together and say
'Cheers'.
Lin: Cheers
And of course, the toast doesn't have to be alcohol - it can be any kind of drink.
The next part of their conversation is about keeping in touch - or keeping in contact.
We should keep in touch.
Yes.
Thankyou. I'll send you an email.
Repeat the phrases after Sam…
We must keep in touch.
Here's my card.
We certainly will. And you have my number. When you're next in Sydney, give me a call - we'll
have a drink.
To 'look someone up' just means to arrange a meeting. When Victor says 'You must look me up', he
is inviting Sam and Lin to meet him if they are in Singapore. This is more of a social invitation,
than a business one. Using the word 'must' is not like an order here - it suggests that Victor will be
very happy if Sam sees him in Singapore.
In the same way, Sam says 'Give me a call' to Victor. It sounds like an order, but in fact it's an
invitation. It's important to get the intonation - the way you say it - right - so that it sounds like an
invitation, and not an order.
You must look me up when you're in Singapore.
And if I don't?
Goodbye.
There are a few ways of saying goodbye - but the simplest and best is simply 'Goodbye'. Sam says
'Bon voyage' - a French phrase which is also quite common for someone who is travelling.
Now, let's review and practise some of the phrases we've learnt today.
It's been a pleasure to meet you.
Be strong.
I know we will.
Goodbye.