Small Talk at a Business Lunch

Activity 1

Look at the picture and talk about it.

Activity 2

Listen to your teacher as she reads the dialogue. Practice with your teacher.

James: Good afternoon. You must be Mr. Johnson’s secretary?

Barbara: Yes, sir. I’m Barbara. Barbara Miller. Nice to meet you Mr. Lewis.

James: Nice to meet you too, Ms. Miller. I am glad that you were able to finally
hear about our new account. My associate, John should be here any minute.
Would you like anything to drink while we’re waiting?

Barbara: Yes, please. I would like to have some tea. My boss wanted to meet
with you but he is always on the go that’s why he thought of sending me
instead.

James: There’s absolutely no problem about that. We are delighted and

grateful of the time that you have given us.
Barbara: The pleasure is ours.

James: While waiting, I heard that your company just recently had its annual
event. Would you mind if I’d ask how it went?

Barbara: Oh, no not at all. It was well-planned. There were a wide range
of team building activities which involved people from all departments. Even
our immediate supervisors joined the activities.

James: Wow that sounds like excellent team spirit. I guess that’s where your
success lies. No wonder, your organization always stays at the top, you have
excellent working atmosphere.

Barbara: Thank you for that flattery.

James: Oh, here’s John. Let me introduce you to him first before we can
proceed with the details of the account.

Activity 3

Practice reading the bold words or phrases in the dialogue.

Activity 4

Role Play Exercise: Practice with your teacher. Use the dialogue pattern
above with the help of the common expressions below.

Pretend that you're having a business lunch try to make a small talk with your
co-worker.