Workplace Simulation

Language functions for Interpersonal Communication/ small talk at the workplace:

Functions Expression
Initiating How’s it going? Nice to meet you!
Conversation Hi, how are you? Pleased to meet you!
How’s your day going? How do you two know each other?
Having a busy day? So, what do you do for a living? – this means what do
How’s life? you do for a job?
How’s everything? How long have you been doing that?
How are you keeping? How’s your family?
What have you been doing lately? Long time no see!
Apologizing Please accept my apologies. I would like to express my deep regrets for…
I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.. I would like to apologize on behalf of our company.
(I’m) sorry. I didn’t realize the impact of… Please accept my apology for…
Please accept our deepest apologies for… I apologize for my failure to…
Please accept my sincere apologies for… I’m particularly sorry for…
Please accept this as my formal apology for… Please allow me to apologize for…
Expressing ideas I think that… From my point of view…
As I see it… Personally, I think that…
As I thought about this problem/issue/situation, I Based on my own experience, I find that…
realized that… I don’t know about you, but I can say/but I think…
I’d like to point out… I was wondering if it might be possible to…
Maybe we could consider…
Condolences Don't worry you’ll feel better soon
How are you holding up?
I know how you are feeling
This must be hard for you
Im sorry for your loss
Hope you could pass this difficult time
Clarifying/Justifying If I understood you correctly, you would like me
to...
As previously stated…
Could you please clarify what you meant by…?
Sorry if I was unclear. What I meant was…
Please let me know if I misunderstood. Did you
mean…?
Please let me know how we can avoid this in the
future.
It appears there has been a breakdown in
communication.
Praising/ Nice job on your presentation.
Congratulating You made some great points in the meeting
today.
I know public speaking is something you’re not
comfortable with, but you did it! You’ve inspired
me to do something out of my comfort zone, too.
I could see how much effort you put into creating
that strategy. Great work!
Work has been so busy lately, but you’ve handled
the stress with grace.
Thank you for always coming to work with a
smile. It’s contagious!
Requesting I would also be grateful if you could send me … .
I would therefore be grateful if you could send
me … .
Could you therefore please send me … ?
Could you therefore send me … ?
Could you also send me … ?
Would it be at all possible if…
When you get a chance…
Could you give me some more details about...?
Correct me if I’m wrong…
As no doubt you are aware…
Let me know if you need any further clarification or
assistance.
What exactly do you mean by…?
Please find re-attached for your convenience…
I was under the impression…
Going forward, I would prefer that you…
With all due respect…
Thank you for being flexible.
We appreciate your reliability.
Thank you for providing a unique perspective.
Thanks for always bringing great ideas to the table.
It’s always enjoyable to collaborate with you.
I appreciate your enthusiasm.
You ask insightful questions.
Your enthusiasm for the work inspires me to be
enthusiastic too!
You keep a positive attitude in challenging situations.
I wonder if you can review my report.
Can you review my report when you have the time?
I hope you can review my report.
Do you think you could perhaps…
If it’s not too much to ask…
I was wondering if you would mind…