Market Leader Extra

DVD Worksheet 18: Advanced

2.2 MEETINGS
Business Skills

Advanced DVD Clip 18

Objective: Speaking
Can develop an argument with appropriate highlighting of significant points and relevant supporting detail.

Petra and Glen from Windheim are discussing a contract for wind turbines with Maria and David. Petra has
some reservations about taking on the contract.

Expressing reservations and offering reassurance

1 Watch the video clip. Answer the questions and 3 Work in pairs. Complete the expressions used by
give evidence for your answers. the speakers to reassure their colleagues and
express confidence in their beliefs from memory.
1 Who is the leader of the Windheim team, Petra
Then check your answers with the class.
or Glen?
1 I about it too much.
2 I am we’ll figure it out.
3 We can do it, . Either way,
2 What arguments does Petra make to support her
the pay-off the risk.
reservation?
4 Yes, it’s a big project and I agree that if we work
together we can
.
3 What is the size of the order and what is the 5 We that this is not beyond
deadline for delivery? your capabilities.
6 the deadlines will be
tight, I we can
deliver.
4 Why has Maria’s team chosen to work with
Windheim?

2 Watch the video clip again. Write five expressions

that the speakers use to express their reservations.
What other expressions could you use?
1
2
3
4
5
Other expressions:

1 © Pearson Education Limited 2016

© Pearson Education Limited 2016 2
Answer key
1 1 Glen is the leader – he says: ‘Some of my staff 2 1 Do you really think (we can manage this
are concerned that …’ project)?
2 They do not have enough staff – she says: 2 I’m just concerned that (we’re taking on more
Sorry to butt in Glen, but we don’t have than we can handle).
enough personnel.’; they can’t handle any 3 Sorry to butt in Glenn, but (we don’t have
more manufacturing – she says: ‘... and our enough personnel and our manufacturing’s
manufacturing’s already at its limits.’ already at its limit).
3 Three hundred turbines to be delivered in 12 4 I’m sorry to interrupt, but (even the best
months, starting from the day the contracts are companies have limitations).
signed – Maria says: ‘We certainly understand 5 I just think …
that 300 wind turbines in one year is a lot to Other suggested expressions:
ask. … When can you guys start production?’ ‘I’m not so sure about that.’
Glen replies: ‘As soon as we sign the contract’. ‘You see …’
4 Because they are the best company – David ‘I see what you mean, but …’
says ‘Windheim has an excellent reputation’.
3 1 wouldn’t worry
2 confident that
3 trust me; is worth
4 get this done
5 truly believe
6 Even though; feel certain that
the proposed new suppliers.
your business on the high quality of your products. You are very suspicious of
B You are the manager of the online cook shop. You have based the reputation of
they are too expensive.
suppliers because you think that, although they have good quality products,
A You are the buyer for an online cook shop. You want to change your current
Situation 2
serious reservations about whether you can meet the deadlines.
B You are the production manager of the sports clothing company. You have
fan shops.
to sign a contract with a big football club to provide merchandise for their
A You are the owner of a medium-sized sports clothing company. You are about
Situation 1
Task
If you have time, swap roles and role-play the second situation.
Business Skills

where appropriate. Try to bring your boss or colleague round to your point of view.
4 Work in pairs. Role-play the first situation. Use expressions from Exercises 2 and 3
DVD Worksheet 18: Advanced
Market Leader Extra