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In company in action: Video scripts

A1 A2
Ed: Hi there! I’m Ed Ryan. Welcome to Blue Rock! Ed: Yeah, well we originally said the eighteenth, didn’t
Jack: Pleased to meet you, Mr Ryan. I’m Jack Wright, we? I’m sure it can move. Just hold on for me.
East Africa Operations. Take a seat, Jack; I’ll be with you in a minute.
Ed: Good to meet you, Jack. And please, call me Ed. Sorry about that … Okay … Yep … Just give me
We don’t stand on ceremony around here! their number again, will you? … Yep … Okay, well
Jack: Okay then, Ed. look, I’ll give them a call and get back to you …
You’re welcome. Bye. Sorry about that Jack, what
Ed: I thought we should get to know each other. I’m a
can I do for you?
program analyst too, so I guess we’ll be working
together. Join me for a coffee? Jack: Look, Ed, I want to apologize. I was a bit stressed
out the other day, and …
Jack: Well, actually it’s a bit early. Um, our coffee break is
not till 11, and I really need to sort these files out. Ed: Yeah, we got off on the wrong foot, didn’t we?
Look, I think I’m to blame as well. We like to wind
Ed: Oh, I see.
each other up around here, and I should have
Emma: Morning!
realized that things might be different at GWA.
Jack: Morning, Ms Lambert. Er, Mr Ryan.
Jack: Yeah, I suppose we both overreacted. Anyway,
Ed: Ed. what about that coffee you suggested?
Emma: Emma Lambert. Pleased to meet you, Mr Ryan. Ed: Sure. But don’t you guys take your coffee break at
Ed: That’s one very busy woman! Your assistant? eleven?
Jack: My boss. Jack: Usually, yes. We find it’s a good way to keep up to
Ed: Oh. So you meeting the Minister today then? date with what’s going on – a bit like your Friday
Jack: I’m sorry? lunches.
Ed: Relax, I’m only joking! But you don’t always dress Ed: Right.
like that, do you? I mean, we’re not-for-profit, we’re Jack: But since we’re going to be working together,
not selling anything! and my manager’s in a meeting with your CEO –
Jack: Oh. Well, um, Ms Lambert likes us to dress smartly. I think I can risk taking an extra break!
Ed: Huh, well that’s management for you. I mean, they Ed: When the cat’s away, eh? Come on, let’s go!
may look good but they haven’t got a clue, have
they? Ed: There you go!
Jack: Well, I don’t know about Blue Rock but I think our Jack: Cheers.
management do an excellent job. Ed: Mm. So no tie today then?
Ed: And you wouldn’t want to upset management, Jack: No, I thought I’d better try and blend in with the
would you? Anyway, listen, Jack. There’s a few of us locals!
at Blue Rock go for a working lunch in a restaurant
Ed: Actually, it wouldn’t do us any harm to take a leaf
on Fridays. It’s sort of half work, half pleasure, so
out of your book. We had a Bolivian minister in a
we get back a little late, usually around three. But
few weeks ago; she was shocked when she saw us
it’s a good chance to exchange ideas and brainstorm
all. Are you going to join us for lunch on Friday?
problems. We thought you might like to join us?
Jack: Well look, I’d love to. But I do need to be back for
Jack: Oh, I don’t know, I’m supposed to be back at my
two o’clock.
desk for one forty-five. I don’t think Ms Lambert
will like the idea. Ed: Oh that’s a pity. Still, if it can’t be helped …
Ed: Oh, bring her along too. The more, the merrier! Jack: The thing is, we try to start and finish early, you
know, beat the rush hour. I’ve noticed that Blue
Jack: No, I don’t think so. We don’t socialize much at
Rock people tend to work late …
GWA.
Ed: Yeah – and your guys are always hard at work
Ed: Oh dear, oh dear. Not a very happy little
when we drag ourselves in in the morning!
organization, then, are we?
Jack: But basically, as long as the job gets done,
Jack: What do you mean? What makes you think you
it doesn’t matter when we do it, does it?
have the right to judge us? You’re worried that we
take our work more seriously than you do, is that Ed: Exactly. I mean, after all, we’re all in this together.
it? Well, at GWA we have a reputation to uphold, But you know, I think it would be really useful to
and now I have important work to do. have some guidelines as to what’s optional and
what isn’t.
Ed: I was only trying to be friendly. Look, if that’s the
way you want to play it then fine, don’t say I didn’t Jack: Like what?
try. If everyone at GWA is like you and your boss,
you’re going to find it hard to fit in here!

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Ed: Well, take meetings, for example. Your guys are Cassie: It’s okay, I’ll, I’ll work on the structure …
always ready to start on time, but some of our Peter: Yes, but it’s not just the structure. The whole
people are systematically ten to fifteen minutes thing was a disaster from start to finish! I mean,
late which is unacceptable! I think this merger your body language, your voice, your slides …
could be a chance to really straighten things out. You mustn’t look nervous, you have to sound
Jack: I see what you mean. Maybe we should suggest confident, otherwise you make your audience
something to management? feel uncomfortable! And why did you speak in
Ed: What? Staff taking the initiative? They won’t like that funny little voice?
that! Cassie: I don’t know, I just don’t know!
Peter: It’s not good enough, Cassie, do you hear me?
We’ll have to do this again on Monday morning.
B1
Cassie: So, um, as I said before, um, although we’ve
Sue: Feedback on her presentation, right?
had very successful fundraising campaigns this
year, our costs have risen, um, a lot. And, er, Peter: You heard it?
we expect them to continue to increase, um – Sue: I was in the office next door. These walls are thin.
unlike two years ago when they actually fell. Peter: Sorry. Honestly Sue, I didn’t mean to upset her.
Er, oh I forgot to mention the tax changes last If I’d known this was going to happen I’d have
year which means we’ll have even less money done the presentation myself.
available – sorry about that. Um, and, oh um, Sue: Don’t you think you’re being a little hard on her?
yes, er, the other big problem we’re facing is, Peter: I tried to be positive, but … it was just such a
um, foreign exchange. If the pound continues mess!
to weaken, um, our project costs will increase. Sue: I see. Well, I got this at a management training
Er, but I don’t want to go into detail on that session last year. You might want to look
now. Um, so, um, basically, that’s, that’s about through it over the weekend. I found it very
it. Er, that’s the situation we’re facing. Um, helpful.
yeah, er … Peter: Oh. Okay, er, thanks, Sue, I’ll do that.
Peter: All right, Cassie, let’s leave it there. Um, we’ll
take the questions as read. Um, good job …
basically. B2
Cassie: Oh, er, thanks. Did you think it was all right? Cassie: So in conclusion, let me just summarize the
Peter: Well, er, yeah, not too bad. The, er, the new logo main points. Over the last two years our costs
looked good. have increased significantly. Unfortunately we
Cassie: Yeah, it’s nice, isn’t it? expect them to continue to increase. Despite
Peter: But for goodness sake, Cassie, a presentation successful fundraising campaigns this year,
has to have a structure! I mean, that was a our overall level of funding continues to fall.
complete mess! Has no one ever told you that a In addition, tax changes and the weakening
presentation should have a beginning, a middle pound have reduced our capacity to fund
and an end? overseas projects. The bottom line is this:
unless we can find additional sources of funding,
Cassie: I’m sorry Peter, I just didn’t have enough time …
our ability to fight water-related disease will
Peter: Look, I’m not asking for perfection, just an
decrease – and that means more children in East
introduction at the beginning, and a conclusion
Africa will be at risk. Ladies and gentlemen,
at the end. I mean, your presentation just …
I hope I’ve convinced you that the lottery should
kind of fizzled out. You have to have a strong
increase its grant to Blue Rock. I’ll be happy to
finish, leave your audience with the key take-
answer your questions.
home message … and at least invite them to ask
Peter: Cassie, that was excellent! Really, really good!
questions!
Cassie: Thank you. Well, to tell the truth, Sue gave me
Cassie: Well I wasn’t really sure … I didn’t know how
some help over the weekend.
long you wanted it …
Peter: Did she now? That was kind of her. She gave
Peter: Come on, Cassie, don’t make excuses! I told you
me some help too, actually. Look, I owe you an
to ask if you needed help. You didn’t ask, so I
apology, Cassie. I was much too hard on you
thought everything was okay.
on Friday.
Cassie: Yes, but you were in Stuttgart …
Cassie: No, it’s all right. I know you just wanted to
Peter: So why didn’t you just call me? If I’d known there
improve the presentation. And I have to admit,
was a problem I could’ve done something about
it was rubbish!
it! Oh, I hate it when this happens! Look, Cassie,
Peter: No, it just needed a bit of polishing, that’s
crying won’t getting us anywhere; pull yourself
all. But I shouldn’t have been so aggressive.
together and … be professional.
I’m sorry about that. Anyway, you’ve made a
huge improvement.

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Cassie: Really? Did you think it was all right? Sue: Yes. You’ve heard of elevator pitches? Well now’s
Peter: Definitely. Have you got a few minutes to talk your chance! You’ve got about two minutes
about it now? before the conference call begins!
Cassie: Yeah, sure. Peter: Well, um, my, er, presentation is in three
Peter: All right. Um, you go first – how did you feel parts, er …
about it? Sue: Two minutes, Peter!
Cassie: Well, overall much better. I think the structure Peter: Right. Er, basically, I think a social media
was a lot clearer. Um, but maybe it was a bit campaign is the best way to raise funds to install
too long? solar-powered water pumps in the villages in
Peter: No, not at all. It was just the right length. Eastern India, and I want to launch …
Cassie: Oh, right. Well what did you think? Sue: Hold on, I thought we already had government
Peter: Well there were lots of really good points. funding for that project?
The structure was fine, like you said. You were Peter: Well we did, but they cut it by 50%.
confident, you looked comfortable – having the Sue: So why didn’t you say so? Go on.
pointer in your hand was a really good idea – and Peter: Anyway, er, studies show over 40% of social
your voice was better, much more authoritative, media users are sympathetic to helping people in
more in control. That’ll make a really good the developing world get access to clean water.
impression. At the moment, women and girls are walking
Cassie: Thanks, Peter. miles in very high temperatures to fetch water
Peter: And the ending was really clear; you did a good for their families. Unfortunately, that doesn’t
job there. mean that the water is fit to drink …
Cassie: Oh, thank you for being so positive. What about Sue: Okay Peter, I’ve been there, I know what it’s like.
the negatives, what didn’t you like? How will social media help us raise money?
Peter: Actually there’s only really one question in my Peter: Our plan is to encourage the community of
mind. I just wonder whether we still have too current small and mid-level donors to leverage
many slides? their interest by building shared-giving
Cassie: Yeah, I thought about that too. I wanted to cut relationships, a kind of MLM business model
two or three, but I wasn’t sure which ones. that will …
Peter: Maybe there’s a couple of places we can condense Sue: Sorry Peter, you’ve lost me there. MLM?
two slides into one; shall we have a look through Peter: Multi-level marketing. Basically, instead of Blue
them together? Rock appealing directly to potential donors,
Cassie: Yeah. we identify supporters or fans who each recruit
their own team of donors, who then recruit from
their own circle of friends and family, and so on,
C1 and so on …
Peter: They haven’t called yet, then? Sue: You mean like pyramid schemes? I’m not sure
Emma: No, we’re a few minutes early, actually. that’s something we want to be associated with.
Sue: I hope they’ll be on time. I have a train to catch Peter: No, you don’t understand! We’re not selling
at five. By the way, you couldn’t fill in these anything, Sue! We’re just giving donors the
forms for me, could you? We’re supposed to send satisfaction of making a bigger contribution to
them back today. improving people’s lives, don’t you see?
Peter: Sorry, Sue. I’ve got a big meeting tomorrow, and Sue: Has it been done before by the non-profit
I’ve got stuff to prepare. Couldn’t Cassie deal sector?
with it? Peter: Well, sure, there are lots of fundraising
Sue: No, I don’t think she knows enough about it. applications for good causes …
I’ll just have to do them on the train. Sue: For example …?
Peter: Right. Um, Sue, I need to talk to you about Peter: Well, off the top of my head … there’s
fundraising for the Eastern India project. DonationConnect, and Giveabit, and … can I get
Sue: Well, it’ll have to be next week. I’m off to a back to you on that?
conference in Manchester for three days. Sue: Hm. What sort of investment are we talking
Peter: Oh. You don’t have any time later? about here?
Sue: Sorry, no. Stuff to prepare, you know. Peter: Well, the app service and setting up the mobile
Peter: So when can I make my presentation? website are going to be quite expensive, but
It’s pretty urgent; we need your decision as the ROI should compare favourably with our
soon as possible. conventional strategies. Anyway, what we want
to do is …
Sue: Well, how about now?
Sue: Sorry Peter, time’s up.
Peter: Now?
Emma: Hello, Emma Lambert?
Charles: Hi Emma, it’s Charles.

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Emma: Oh hi Charles. Sorry, can I just put you on hold We also provide them with an app. that they
for a few seconds? can pass on to their friends and contacts. I
Charles: Sure. know you’ll have questions about cost, return
Sue: You said you need a quick decision? on investment and so on, so I’ve put all the
Peter: Yes. Can we go ahead? details in this handout.
Sue: I’m sorry, Peter, I’m not ready to commit to such Sue, Emma: Thanks.
a big change. Plus, I’m not sure our supporters Peter: Now, the great benefit of using social media
are ready for social media. Let’s talk again when to build these circles is they just keep
I get back from Manchester, okay? growing and growing. Each new supporter
Sue: Hello, Charles? Sue here. Sorry about that, we’re to a giving circle passes the word on to their
ready for you now. own circle of friends, who then become a new
giving circle – and so on, and so on. So, what
are we waiting for? As I mentioned, this
C2 strategy is already being used by top NGOs
Emma: How was the conference by the way? – if we wait till everyone’s doing it, it won’t
Sue: Good. But absolutely exhausting, you know what be so effective. And the sooner we start, the
these things are like. And I have to fly to New sooner we can be pumping clean water into
York tomorrow! those villages. That’s why I’m asking you to
give the go-ahead before you leave for New
Peter: That’s a pretty heavy schedule!
York! Do you have any questions?
Sue: Yeah. Oh, and I still haven’t managed to fill in
Sue: Only one. That was great, Peter. But why
these stupid forms!
didn’t you pitch it like that first time round?
Peter: Leave them with me, I’ll deal with them.
Sue: Well, that’s very kind of you, Peter. Much
appreciated. D1
Peter: No problem. Jack: Here’s the Somalia file you wanted.
Sue: Anyway. You wanted to talk to me again about Sue: Oh, thanks. Er, Jack, you’re good with computers,
the Eastern India project. It’ll have to be quick can you have a look at this?
I’m afraid, I’ve got another meeting in five Jack: Sure. What’s the problem?
minutes. Sue: There’s something weird happening here. I’ve lost
Peter: That’s fine; two minutes will be plenty! Okay. Did all the punctuation in this email.
you know 68% of social media users will take Jack: Um, Sue … you’re not going to send it out like that,
time to learn about a humanitarian project if are you?
they see a friend post about it? Sue: Well, no, obviously – I’ll have to put all the
Sue: Really? punctuation back first.
Peter: Yes. As you know, the objective of this project Jack: I don’t mean the punctuation – I’m talking about
has been to install solar-powered water pumps why you’re imposing all these changes.
in Eastern India. Now, the problem we’ve been Sue: I’m not imposing anything, Jack, I’m simply asking
facing is the government funding we were people to follow slightly different procedures.
promised has been cut by 50%. We think – and Besides, people always resist change at first, but
by the way, this was Cassie’s idea, so she should they soon get used to it.
take the credit – we think the solution is to ask
Jack: Well, I don’t think they’re going to like it, that’s all
our existing supporters to use their social media
I’m saying.
contacts to build giving circles.
Sue: Oh, come on, it’s just admin procedures! What’s
Sue: I’m still worried it sounds a bit like pyramid
not to like about it?
selling.
Jack: Well for a start, I don’t mind laying out the cost of
Peter: I know exactly what you mean. We certainly
a meal or a couple of nights in a hotel, but I don’t
don’t want to compromise our reputation and
see why I should have to pay for my own flights!
our relationship with our loyal donors. But let
me reassure you on that point, this strategy is Sue: We’re not asking you to pay for flights, Jack;
already being used very successfully by high- just to make your own booking instead of going
profile non-profits like the WWF, UNICEF and through the travel bureau. You know, online –
the Museum of Modern Art. it’s pretty straightforward!
Sue: Oh, I see. Jack: True, but have you tried booking a flight online
without a credit card? Or are you planning to give
Peter: So, how does it work? First, we invite our
us all a company card?
supporters to post on social media about our
work and how they’ve helped us with their Sue: Hm, I hadn’t thought about that.
donations. We encourage them to find four or Jack: And taking public transport instead of a taxi when
five people who show interest in what we’re you’re travelling alone in a place like Africa or India
doing and form what’s called a giving circle. – it can be pretty risky!

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Sue: Obviously we understand there are exceptions … Sue: Like having more control over when and how they
Jack: Well, I’m sorry, but that’s not exactly the message travel?
that comes across! And do you realize how much Ed: Exactly.
time this is going to take, all this bureaucracy? Sue: Yes, I suppose I should’ve mentioned that.
I came to work here so I can help people have Ed: It would definitely help. Of course, what might
access to clean water, not spend all my time filling be even better would be to actually identify the
out expense claims! people most directly concerned before you start
Sue: Oh, come on, Jack. I don’t understand why you’re making the changes.
reacting so strongly! Sue: You mean the people with the most air miles?
Jack: Well, don’t take my word for it, ask other people. People like you?
It seems to me if you send this email out as Ed: Well, yeah, people like me. We can probably
it stands, you’re going to have a rebellion on make helpful suggestions, become your ‘change
your hands! champions’.
Sue: What was all that about? Sue: And help convince the others the changes are
a good idea? I understand. Talking of helpful
D2 suggestions, Jack was worried about using his
own credit card to book flights. But we can’t
Ed: Hi Sue – you said you wanted a word? give everybody a company credit card – any
Sue: Hello Ed. Yes, have a seat. I showed this email to suggestions?
Jack and he went crazy! I don’t get it. You know Ed: Well, yes. You know you can get those virtual
this organization as well as anyone – what’s the credit card numbers? You give people a one-time
big deal? use number to book their flights, the company’s
Ed: All staff … changes will be introduced … travel billed and nobody can ever use that number again.
must be approved … staff are also reminded … Sue: Now that’s really clever. Thanks Ed. I appreciate it.
ensure these changes are implemented … uh-huh.
Ed: Well, you’ve got to provide the tools and resources
Well, I think I can see why Jack took exception.
people need. One other suggestion …
Sue: You can?
Sue: Yes?
Ed: Yeah. And to be honest, I think you’ll upset most
Ed: How about circulating the figures on how much
people if you send it out like this.
we’ve saved each month? Maybe even get people
Sue: What do you mean, like this? together to discuss which projects need that extra
Ed: Well, let’s just say the style is kind of … money?
impersonal? Lots of passives, staff should do this Sue: To keep communicating and consolidating the new
or that … procedures? Yes, you’re right. Thanks Ed. You’re a
Sue: All right. I was in a hurry. I’ll make it more … real change champion! I owe you one, okay?
collaborative.
Ed: Right. More we’s, fewer you’s!
Sue: Sorry? E1
Ed: We are going to do this together, rather than you Cassie: You can’t be serious, Ed!
will do this alone! Ed: Why not? It’s my budget, after all.
Sue: Okay, I take the point. But I still don’t Peter: Ed, this is just totally impossible!
understand why he got so upset about a few small Jack: Why, just because you say so?
administrative changes. Peter: Look Jack, you’re new here, but we’ve been
Ed: You know, even very small changes can become big through all this before …
issues when people don’t see the benefits. Emma: Listen you guys, can you keep the noise down a
Sue: Yes, I suppose so. bit? We’re trying to work next door …
Ed: People need to know why. Cassie: I’m sorry Emma, but this is important! We’re
Sue: Why we’re changing the procedures? Well it’s trying to stop Ed making a big mistake.
obvious, isn’t it? Raising funds is getting more and Ed: Trying to undermine my village wells project,
more difficult, so we need to make every penny you mean!
count! Every pound we save on travel is an extra Jack: Yeah! What do Marketing know about this
pound we can spend on wells and pumps in Africa anyway?
and Central America. Jack knows that! Cassie: Oh don’t be ridiculous!
Ed: Of course he does. But you didn’t mention it, Peter: Oh now, wait a minute …
and people aren’t going to think about that when Emma: Whoa! Hold on a minute! What’s going on here,
you’re telling them to book their own flights Peter?
or use public transport – they’ll just see the
Jack: Marketing are trying to muscle in on
inconvenience for them. You’ve got to get people
Operations …
on your side first: explain why we need to make
Cassie: They’re being totally unreasonable, they just
the changes, and show them the benefits for
everyone. won’t listen …

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Peter: Look, this is really unnecessary, you … Jack: Yes it is!

Ed: Cassie and Peter are just being very Emma: No, it isn’t!
narrow-minded … Cassie: Surely they have their own education budgets!
Emma: Stop it, all of you! This is ridiculous! Shouting at Why should we have to pay?
each other like a bunch of schoolkids won’t settle Ed: Because if we don’t, they might stop cooperating
anything. I can see I’m going to have to mediate with the village wells project!
here. So let’s talk this through. And one at a Cassie: But that’s blackmail!
time, please. Now Peter, what’s this all about? Ed: No, it’s politics.
Jack: Ed was just trying to … Cassie: It’s blackmail!
Emma: Jack, I asked Peter, not you. Ed: It’s politics!
Peter: Thank you. Well, in a nutshell, Ed’s agreed to pay Emma: Where are you going Peter?
for three African students to go to university in
Peter: I’m getting Sue in to sort this out. This is out
the UK.
of control!
Ed: Because if we don’t, it could put the village wells
project in danger!
Jack: Exactly! E2
Emma: Look, do you want me to try to help, or not? Sue: Let’s get started then. I’m sorry I couldn’t
You can’t keep interrupting or we’re never speak to you all yesterday. As you know, I was
going to get anywhere! just leaving for Geneva when you asked me
Ed: You don’t know what you’re talking about! to mediate. First of all, a few ground rules.
Jack: Nobody asked your opinion anyway! I’d like everybody to explain their point of
Cassie: Exactly. They’re just talking nonsense! view, without interruptions, and then we’ll
try to generate different options and see if we
Emma: Stop! That’s enough! If you can’t have a civilized
can’t find a compromise that’s acceptable to
conversation, I’ll have you all out on the streets
everyone. I’m not going to get involved, I’m just
collecting donations! Not you, Peter, of course.
going to chair the discussion and help you to
Now, Peter; please explain why Blue Rock can’t
find an agreement. Is everybody comfortable
pay for university courses.
with that?
Peter: Well, as Ed discovered while he was enjoying
All: Yeah that’s fine, Sue. Okay that’s fine. Sure.
the sunshine in Kampala last week, the Africans
are very keen to train young engineers in the Sue: Good. So, Ed, could you summarize the meeting
UK. Now, that’s all well and good, but Blue you had in Kampala?
Rock’s supporters donate their money to help Ed: Well if Blue Rock don’t support me on this,
the poorest people in Africa. We can’t afford we can forget about the village wells project!
to be seen spending their money on expensive Sue: Let’s stay positive please Ed; tell us about the
university courses for the intellectual elite. benefits rather than the negatives?
Cassie: Who just happen to be the sons and daughters Ed: All right. Well, Africa desperately needs highly
of the politicians! trained water resources engineers. There’s a
Ed: That’s nonsense Cassie and you know it! You’ve lot of pressure on us to sponsor engineering
got to think long-term; Africa can’t continue students. Our local partners are very keen on
to depend on foreign aid. If you want good the idea …
engineers you’ve got to train the brightest and Cassie: Especially if their children are the students!
the best. Sue: Cassie? We’ll come to you next, okay? But let’s
Emma: But don’t you realize that could be considered hear Ed out first, all right?
as corruption? Cassie: Sorry Ed.
Ed: Don’t you start! Sue: So basically you’re saying if we support the
Jack: Yes, if you’re going to mediate, you really education project, we’re sure to be able to
shouldn’t be taking sides! continue to provide clean water to villages,
Cassie: She’s not taking sides; she’s just stating the have I got that right?
facts. Ed: Exactly.
Jack: Facts! Huh! Well we could do with some facts, Peter: But the point is, Ed, you should at least have
instead of half-baked opinions! talked to us first, and …
Emma: Look, I’m not going to sit here and be insulted! Sue: Peter, can we try to use ‘I’ rather than ‘you’?
I was only trying to help … You know, ‘I’d like’ rather than ‘you should’?
Jack: Well clearly it isn’t working, is it? Peter: Oh, er, sure. Um, Ed, I’d like us to talk this
Emma: But that’s not my fault! You and Ed are being through together before making any kind of
totally unprofessional! commitment …
Jack: This is a complete waste of time! Cassie: Personally I just find this really disturbing!
Emma: No, it isn’t! I mean, it’s like they’re trying to blackmail us!

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Sue: Cassie, let’s leave judgements aside for the

moment, all right? That’s rather a broad
generalization: can you be more specific?
Cassie: Well, Amos Jeffah’s son wants to go to Brunel
University. It just seems too much of a
coincidence that they’re suddenly asking us to
fund engineering students!
Jack: Er, can I just come in here?
Sue: Yes, Jack, go ahead.
Jack: Frankly, that’s a load of rubbish!
Sue: Let’s not get too abrasive here. You’re saying
that’s not a good example?
Jack: Right, sorry. Amos Junior is already at Brunel
University; his course is being funded by the
European Union. All the Africans want is for
other bright young people to have the same
opportunities.
Sue: So, are there any other options?
Emma: Couldn’t we help them with the education
project without actually funding it ourselves?
Jack: You mean get someone else to raise the money?
Emma: Exactly. That way, we’d ensure their continued
cooperation with the wells project without
upsetting our donors.
Sue: Ed, does that make sense?
Ed: I suppose it’s worth exploring. Maybe we could
ask the lottery people to get involved?
Cassie: We could try talking to the universities too?
Sue: All right. Let’s look at that idea in more detail …
Sue: Peter, are you happy with that?
Peter: As I said, as long as it’s clear that our donors’
money is only being spent on building wells,
yes, I can live with that.
Sue: Okay. So, shall we ask Ed to float the idea with
the Africans?
All: Yeah.
Sue: Let us know how they react. I’ll summarize
what we’ve agreed by email – and I suggest we
all meet again when I get back to London.
All: Okay. Thanks, Sue. All right.

In Company 3.0 Upper Intermediate © Macmillan Publishers Limited 2014 SCENARIO VIDEO SCRIPTS 7