PRE-INTERMEDIATE

In company in action: Video scripts

A1 Serena: Well, I really don’t mind who does it, but it is
very important …
Serena: Hi, Vanessa.
Vanessa: You know what these techie types are like.
Vanessa: Hello.
It’s definitely his area. Sorry, got to rush.
Serena: Have you got a minute?
Serena: But …
Vanessa: Sure. Do you want a grape?
Serena: No, thanks. It’s about the new website. Are you
the best person to speak to? A2
Vanessa: If it’s about marketing or design, then yes. Serena: Thanks for meeting with me, Vanessa.
Serena: Well, I’m not sure exactly. I think the website Vanessa: No problem. Would you like a cookie?
looks great, you and Eric have done a really Serena: No, thanks.
good job, but … what’s happened to the Vanessa: Are you sure? They’re delicious.
recruitment section? Serena: Thank you, I’m fine.
Vanessa: Nothing. It’s still there. Vanessa: So, what did you want to talk about?
Serena: I know, but I thought we planned an online Serena: It’s about the recruitment section of the
application form and CV upload facility. website. Now, there was supposed to be an
Vanessa: Ah. Yes. You’ll need to talk to Eric about that. online application form and a facility for people
He’s responsible for anything technical. to upload their CVs. When I asked you to do it,
Serena: Oh, I see. Well, I don’t mind who does it, but you told me it was Eric’s job, but Eric told me to
I really think it needs to be added soon. ask you. He said it was a marketing issue.
Vanessa: Absolutely. Eric will be able to sort it out Vanessa: Yes, there’s been a mix-up.
for you. Serena: That’s right, and now I’m stuck in the middle.
Serena: Okay, I’ll talk to him now. Thanks, Vanessa. We really need to get this sorted out; the
Vanessa: No problem. website is a very important tool for the HR
department. Now, am I right in thinking that
you are the person with overall responsibility
Serena: Hi Eric, sorry to bother you at lunchtime.
for the website?
How are things?
Vanessa: Yes, that’s right. There’s been a
Eric: Really busy. I haven’t even had time to eat yet.
misunderstanding. I thought Eric was doing it
Serena: Just a quick question then. I noticed that the
because of the CV upload facility, which needs
online application form and CV upload facility
some backend programming. But he thought
aren’t on the new website. Can you add them
I was doing it because the application form is
for me when you get time?
part of the website’s content.
Eric: Marketing.
Serena: Okay, but when can we get this fixed?
Serena: Sorry, Marketing?
Vanessa: I’m going to have a meeting with Eric this
Eric: Marketing. That’s content, and anything like afternoon so we can schedule getting both
that is a marketing issue. You need to talk to parts of the section completed. I think we
Vanessa. can agree on what to do next and have the CV
Serena: But I just spoke to her, and she told me to upload facility available by the end of the week.
ask you. Serena: That would be great. I also think you should
Eric: Nope, sorry. The IT department doesn’t do both clarify your roles, we don’t want this to
content. We’re more backend. happen again.
Serena: Okay, if you’re sure. Vanessa: I agree; resolving this problem is in everyone’s
Eric: Very sure. interest.
Serena: Right. Bye then. Serena: It sounds like we’ve found a solution. I’ll send
you and Eric an email later to confirm what
Serena: Vanessa, hi! I’m glad I caught you. Can I have we’ve discussed.
a word? Vanessa: Okay, that’s fine. Are you sure you don’t want
Vanessa: Okay, as long as it’s quick. a cookie?
Serena: Well, I spoke to Eric and he told me my Serena: Oh, go on then.
problem with the recruitment section of the
website is a marketing issue.
Vanessa: Did he? That doesn’t sound right.
Serena: He told me to ask you.
Vanessa: Sorry Serena, but I think he might be trying to
pass the buck.

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B1 B2
Vanessa: Claudia, I don’t want to bother you, but can David: Come in, Claudia. Vanessa told me that there’s
you upload your monthly report today, please? something you want to talk to me about.
Claudia: Can I just email it to you? Claudia: That’s right. I have a complaint and I hope you
Vanessa: Not really, I need it on the system for my can help.
meeting with Joe tomorrow. It’s really David: I’ll do my best. Tell me what happened.
important. Claudia: Well, it’s about the new system the IT
Claudia: I know, the thing is I can’t upload it. I had the department installed. I still have problems
report ready last week, but every time I try and with it, especially when I try uploading the
add it to the system, nothing happens. monthly report.
Vanessa: Well, ask Eric to sort it out. I really need it done David: Do you mean that the system isn’t working
today, okay? properly?
Claudia: Okay! Coffee! Claudia: Yes, there’s something wrong with the Upload
Manager.
Claudia: Eric! ERIC! David: That shouldn’t be too serious. Talk to Eric,
Claudia: Have you got a minute? he can help you with that.
Claudia: Please! Claudia: Well actually, that’s what my complaint
is about.
Eric: What’s the problem?
David: I see. Go on.
Claudia: Thank you! Okay, the problem is I can’t upload
my monthly report onto the system. Claudia: I asked for Eric’s help, but he told me he was
too busy.
Eric: I showed you how to do that last week. Go to
the menu on the left, click Upload Manager, David: Well, he is working on a very important project
then click Add File and the rest is easy. at the moment.
Claudia: I know all that, but it doesn’t work. Every Claudia: Yes, but it feels as though he’s always too busy.
time I select the file, nothing happens. I’m not To be honest, I don’t feel we get the support we
happy with the new system at all; there are so need from the IT department.
many problems with it. David: So, you’re saying that you think they could help
Eric: I know the new system had some problems at you more?
first, but everything is sorted out now. Claudia: Yes. I know they’re very busy and I know that
Claudia: Well, not for me! Could you just take a look at Eric has a lot of work to do at the moment,
it for me, please? but look at it from my point of view; I need to
upload my monthly report. If I don’t, Vanessa
Eric: Not now I’m afraid, I’m really busy at
can’t update Joe about the marketing figures
the moment.
and they can’t make a decision about next
Claudia: Please, Eric; I need the report uploaded for month. I know it seems like a small thing, but
Vanessa today. it’s actually very important.
Eric: And I need to get my work done for David. David: Yes, I understand, and the way you’ve described
We’re working on something really important. this I can see why you’re unhappy. I’ll have a
Claudia: This is urgent … meeting with Eric and we’ll try and rearrange
Eric: It’s always urgent! Look, David said this project his schedule so that he can make time to fix
I’m doing now is the priority, so you’ll have to your problem.
wait, I’m afraid. Claudia: I appreciate your help, but is there a way to
Claudia: Put yourself in my shoes, Eric. Vanessa wants make sure that it doesn’t happen again?
the report for her meeting with Joe tomorrow. David: I’ll see what I can do. I agree with you, the IT
She’ll be really angry if it’s not ready. And, on department should be there to help anyone
a general point, I think we need to get more with a technical problem. We’ll try to be more
support from the IT department. Every time flexible in the future.
I come to you with a problem, you’re too busy Claudia: That would be great. Thanks so much.
to help.
David: No problem. I’ll send you an email after my
Eric: It’s not my fault; David wants me to meeting with Eric. If there’s anything else
concentrate on this project. But I’ll help you I can help you with, let me know.
after that. Okay?
David: Eric, it’s David, have you got a minute?

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C1 Serena: That’s right, they were worried about some

of the questions. The problem is they didn’t
Ralph: There you go!
feel they could really be honest answering
Vanessa: Can I help you, Ralph? questions about senior management.
Ralph: These are the surveys Serena wanted us to do. Joe: Did you tell them that it’s an anonymous
Vanessa: Is this everyone’s? survey?
Ralph: Everyone from Sales and Marketing, yes. Serena: Yes, but according to Vanessa they didn’t
Vanessa: Great, I’ll pass them on to Serena. What did believe that.
you think of the survey, by the way? Joe: Yeah, I thought the question of anonymity
Ralph: I’m not really sure. I don’t understand why it might be a problem. So what do you suggest?
was only our department that had to do it. Serena: I’m convinced that we should go ahead with
Vanessa: It was a trial. Serena wanted to get some the survey anyway. After the first year, when
feedback from our department before giving it everyone has seen that the survey really is
to the whole company. anonymous, the staff will trust it more and
Ralph: Oh, I see. Well, in that case, you can tell her we they’ll be happy to answer the questions
thought it was a waste of time! honestly.
Vanessa: We? Joe: But for the first year we do the survey how can
Ralph: As I collected the questionnaires I spoke we convince people that it really is anonymous
to everyone that did it, and everybody felt if they have to log in?
they couldn’t answer some of the questions Serena: Well, I’m suggesting that all surveys that are
honestly. uploaded to the system don’t have any names
Vanessa: Which questions? attached to them. They just have a number, and
Ralph: You know, questions like ‘Do you agree that there’s no way to connect a number to a name.
the Senior Managers demonstrate strong So we couldn’t match a person to a survey, even
leadership skills?’ I mean, you can’t really say if we wanted to. I’ll explain this to the staff
no, can you? before we ask them to take the survey. I’m sure
Vanessa: Of course you can, that’s why you don’t have to they’ll understand.
add your name. It’s anonymous. Joe: Okay. But I had another idea. What about using
Ralph: They can still find out who we are. Maybe if we a paper form? That way people wouldn’t have
didn’t have to log in before we took the survey, to log in at all.
then people would feel they could be more Serena: I think it would be more successful in the long
honest. term if we use an online survey. It will make it
Vanessa: I’ll tell Serena what you said, but I’m pretty easier to collect data and compare the results
sure she’ll stick to her guns on this one. for each year.
Ralph: Okay, but don’t tell her I said that. Joe: Okay, that makes sense. Did you also consider
a comments section?
Vanessa: Don’t worry; I’ll just say it was general feedback
from the team. Thanks, Ralph! Serena: Yes, but I think it would be a lot better
for everybody if we use questions with a
score from one to five, rather than having
C2 open-ended questions or adding a comments
Joe: Serena. section at the end. This way, we’ll be able to get
Serena: Joe. accurate data that can be compared from year
to year.
Joe: Thanks for coming in. As you know, I wanted
to talk to you about the trial of the staff Joe: Okay, if you’re sure.
satisfaction survey. Serena: Definitely.
Serena: Right. Do you want to discuss the points in Joe: So, what about the other things on my email?
your email? Serena: Well, apart from the things we’ve discussed,
Joe: Absolutely. Firstly, what was the general there’s cost.
feedback from the Sales and Marketing team Joe: That’s right. Should we do an internal survey or
about the survey? hire an external consultant to do it?
Serena: Well, not great, to be honest. Vanessa told me Serena: Internal. It will be much cheaper.
that they thought it was a waste of time. Joe: Are you sure we can make a survey which is as
Joe: Oh, really? good as one created by specialists?
Serena: Yes, but it doesn’t … Serena: I’ve done a lot of research and I’m convinced
Joe: Hang on! Just a sec. Oh, dear. we can create a very detailed survey, which will
Serena: Shall I come back? provide useful results.
Joe: No, no, no. It’s fine. Okay, sorry about that. Joe: Good. And how about the results? Do you think
So the feedback wasn’t good? we should publish them?

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Serena: I’ve thought about that, and yes, I think we David: Okay, what are they?
should publish the results in our e-newsletter Joe: Well, first of all, everyone who works in the
so that the staff can see that we’re happy to factory must wear a full mask at all times.
reveal the results, whatever they are. David: Even if they’re not using a machine?
Joe: Okay then. It looks like you have everything Joe: That’s right, there’s too much risk from dust.
planned. Let’s go ahead and do the survey with David: Felix won’t be happy. He says the staff don’t
the whole company, as you suggested. like wearing masks at all.
Serena: Great! It’s all prepared, so I’ll send you an email Joe: Well, they have to I’m afraid … at ALL times.
with the details later today.
David: Full mask, all times – got it. What else?
Joe: Fantastic! Thanks, Serena.
Joe: The only other big change is that from now on
there will be no more overtime.
D1 David: No overtime? But that’s how the factory
workers make extra money.
Claudia: Good morning.
David: Good morning to you, Claudia! Joe: We cannot have people who are tired using the
Claudia: You’re in a good mood today. machines. It’s too dangerous. No overtime.
That’s final.
David: That’s right.
David: Felix and his team will not be happy.
Claudia: Why’s that then?
Joe: I hear you David, but that’s the way it is.
David: Well, my holiday starts tomorrow. The kids are
Now I want you to tell Felix today.
staying are staying with my parents, so Hilda
David: I think it’s going to be really difficult to …
and I will have the whole week to ourselves.
Joe: Oh you’ll be fine. It’s all just leading change.
Claudia: That sounds wonderful!
No problem for you, am I right? Am I right?
David: And what’s more, today’s my birthday!
David: Okay.
Claudia: Oh, happy birthday, David! I didn’t know.
Joe: Good stuff. Oh, and David … happy birthday
David: That’s all right. I’m just hoping to have a nice
by the way.
relaxing day, and then I can …
David: Thank you very much.
Joe: David … morning.
David: Morning, Joe.
Joe: Morning, Claudia. How are you? D2
Claudia: I’m fine, thank you Joe. Felix: Knock, knock. Do you mind if I come in?
Joe: Good, good. David, I’m glad I caught you. David: Felix! Hi, come in, come in.
Can we have a little chat? Felix: Is everything all right, David? You look
David: Yeah. worried.
Joe: There’s something I need to tell you about. David: No, no, I’m fine. Everything’s fine.
I’d like you to get it sorted today before you go Felix: That’s good. It’s not much, but the team and
off on holiday. I wanted to say … happy birthday David!
David: Today? David: Gosh! Wow … that’s so kind. And look, you’ve
Joe: Well yes, it’s very important actually. all signed it. To our favourite boss … Thank
David: I see. you, Felix.
Joe: The thing is, we heard last night that there will Felix: It’s nothing. Don’t mention it. So, what did you
be a health and safety audit sometime soon. want to see me about?
David: I see. David: The thing is, we’re going to have a health and
Joe: As you know, the woodworking industry safety audit soon.
experienced an increase in the number of Felix: When?
accidents and health problems linked to work David: We’re not sure at the moment. We only heard
last year. last night. As you know, health and safety is
David: Yes, I read about that. very important for the woodwork industry in
Joe: Well the result is that furniture manufacturers general. The machines can be dangerous and
like us will have to be even stricter when it the dust can cause all sorts of health problems.
comes to health and safety. Felix: Is this about masks again?
David: Right. David: Yes and something else. Because of the audit
Joe: So, there are some changes which I need you and because there was an increase in accidents
to tell Felix and the staff about. and health problems in this industry last year,
David: Changes, Joe? we’ve decided to make two big changes that
will affect the factory workers.
Joe: Changes, David. Changes for the better,
I’m sure you’ll agree. Felix: Changes?

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David: That’s right, and in the long term they will be
changes for the better. And let me just say that
with your help, Felix, I’m sure we’ll be able to
put these changes into place without too many
problems.
Felix: Okay.
David: The first change, as you’ve guessed, is that
from now on all workers will have to wear full
masks at all times when they’re working in
the factory.
Felix: Oh, come on! We already wear half masks at
David: Yes, I know. I’d like you to give me some
feedback from the team as soon as you’ve
spoken to them. I’ve postponed my holiday so
I’ll be here next week to help you deal with any
problems. Do you think you can help me with
this, Felix?
Felix: Yes, of course. I’ll talk to them, but I don’t
think it will be easy.
David: I’m sure you’ll do a good job and, like I said,
I’m here if you need anything.

E1
the machines. That’s enough, surely!
David: I’m afraid not. There’s too much risk from the
Ralph: Claudia? Claudia! CLAUDIA!
dust. I need you to make sure that all of the
staff do this at all times. Claudia: Yes, Ralph?
Felix: It’s ridiculous! Ralph: Could you turn the music down please?
David: I know it will be difficult for you to tell the Claudia: Pardon?
staff, and I want you to know that I will Ralph: I said, could you turn it DOWN please.
support you if there are any problems. But, let Claudia: Come on, the song is almost finished and I love
me tell you the second change. This will be bad this one. Can you wait?
news I’m afraid. Ralph: NO. I want you to turn it off now!
Felix: Go on. Claudia: There. Happy?
David: In future, there will be no more overtime. Ralph: No, not really.
Felix: What? No … what? No overtime? How will we Claudia: What’s the problem?
get the work done if there’s a rush? Ralph: I’m trying to work. This is really difficult, and
David: It’s going to mean a lot more careful planning, I can’t concentrate with loud music playing all
and there will be difficulties, but as a health the time.
and safety measure we can’t have tired workers Claudia: It’s not that loud, is it?
operating those machines. It’s too dangerous. Ralph: Yes, it is! And it doesn’t help with you singing
Felix: I don’t think you’ve thought this through, along.
David. The factory workers need overtime to Claudia: Sorry, I just get a little carried away sometimes.
make extra money. It’s very important to them. I didn’t realize it bothered you that much.
David: I know. I realize that this will be very Ralph: Well, it does! In any case, why can’t you listen
unpopular with the team, and I’m going to it with your headphones?
to need your help in communicating these
Claudia: I don’t like them, and anyway, I need to listen
changes. When it comes to leading change like
for the phone.
this, Felix, the senior management are very
Ralph: Well, in that case you’ll just have to stop
grateful for support people like you can gain
playing music.
from the workforce. If you help us to make
the staff understand why we have to make Claudia: What? Oh, come on Ralph, you’re being
these changes, I’ll be happy to give you more unreasonable. I need music; it helps me
managerial tasks in the future. to work.
Felix: Well, I am looking for more responsibility. Ralph: Sorry, but I can’t concentrate.
David: I know that, and this could be very good for Claudia: Meet me halfway on this. I’m happy for you
you. So, when you talk to the team I think you to play your music sometimes.
should make sure that you point out the pros Ralph: I don’t listen to music when I’m working.
as well as the cons. I don’t like it and I can’t concentrate.
Felix: What pros? Claudia: Okay, well why don’t I find some nice quiet
David: Well, if we make these changes, we’ll do very music? That way, I’ll be able to work and you
well with the health and safety audit, which won’t be bothered.
is good for the company in the long term Ralph: Look, I don’t want to make a fuss, but I really
and could affect bonus payments. But most need to get these accounts finished and I can’t
importantly, health and safety rules are there work with music playing, any kind of music!
for a very good reason; we don’t want there I need you to respect that.
to be any accidents or health problems in our Claudia: And I can’t work WITHOUT music. Why can’t
factory, do we? YOU respect that?
Felix: No, of course not. But David, I think people will Ralph: Please, Claudia! I need to get this done, and
be very worried about the money situation in I just want some SILENCE!
particular.

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Claudia: All right, then. I can see you’re stressed. I won’t

play any music.
Ralph: Thank you.
Claudia: Don’t mention it.

E2
Ralph: Morning.
Claudia: Morning. Ralph …
Ralph: Claudia …Er, Claudia, I’m really sorry …
Claudia: No really, Ralph, I’m sorry.
Ralph: Wait … the thing is … I sent Serena an email
yesterday about the music. I was still angry.
I’m really sorry.
Claudia: I know. She spoke to me at the end of the day.
It’s fine. Really. But I think we should talk
about it.
Ralph: You’re right. I mean, you like listening to music
whilst working, I don’t. But we share the same
office so, as you said yesterday, let’s meet
halfway. Would you consider a compromise?
Claudia: That would be great. What do you suggest?
Ralph: Well, we could try playing music for part of
the day.
Claudia: Okay, so I can listen to music in the morning,
but not the afternoon.
Ralph: That would be good. But also, sometimes, when
I have a deadline coming up, like yesterday,
it would be great if I could tell you that and you
would know not to play music at all. Just until
the deadline. Would that be acceptable?
Claudia: That seems reasonable. Is it okay for me to play
music when I’ve got a deadline? It really helps
me to concentrate.
Ralph: Okay, if you give me plenty of warning.
Claudia: Fine.
Ralph: One more thing, I think music with singing
is more distracting than instrumental music.
Would you consider only playing classical
music, or something like that?
Claudia: Really? To be honest, all my favourite music has
singing in it. I don’t really like classical music.
Ralph: Hmm, I’m not sure what to suggest. Pop songs
can be distracting.
Claudia: Would you mind just a little bit of pop music,
if I promise never to sing?
Ralph: Okay, it’s a deal.
Claudia: Great! So, are you coming out with everyone
tonight?
Ralph: Yeah, I think so. Where are we going?
Claudia: Karaoke.

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