Today’s intermediate Business English Podcast is part of a two-part series on making, rejecting and accepting suggestions. In this episode, we’re focused on the language used to introduce your ideas and make suggestions.
The dialog takes place at a sports shoe company called Stratos. You’ll be listening to Karen, a marketing manager, meet with three members of her team, Charles, Sven and Miguel. They are choosing a celebrity spokesperson for a new product. Celebrity means a famous person and spokesperson is someone who gets paid to be in an advertisement for a product.
Karen: OK. Now let’s talk about who we want to use the spokesperson for this project.
Let’s go around the table. Shall we use the sports star or someone else? Sven, what do you think?
Sven: Well… One possibility would be to use a famous overweight business executive, or CEO.
Miguel: Sorry, can I come in here?
Karen: Yes, go ahead Miguel.
Miguel: That’s a good idea, but I’m not sure it would work.
Karen: Why not?
Miguel: Well, For one thing, our customers want to be fit, not fat.
Karen: Then, what do you suggest?
Miguel: Perhaps we should just use the famous sports star like we usually do, if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it. You know what I mean?
Karen: Good suggestion, but I can see one or two problems with that, to be honest.
Miguel: Oh?
Karen: First of all, our target markets are in the UK and the US. I need a man who American and Britain really love. Secondly, our target customer is kind of special.
Charles: I have a good suggestion.
Karen: Go ahead, Charles.
Charles: It’s just an idea, but how about choosing someone from a sport where normal to be heavy, American football, for example, heavy but agile; overweight but strong and fast. You know what I mean?
Karen: Right, I can see what you mean. What do others think?
Miguel: Yes, that’s might be worthy trying.
Sven: Ok, but how about the UK?
Karen: mm… Let me think about this. Shall we try to find someone in golf – That’s popular in the US and the UK.
Charles/ Sven/ Miguel: Good idea.
How to make suggestion:
-One possibility would be to use a famous overweight business executive.
-Perhaps we should use a sports star.
-I have a good suggestion. It’s just an idea, but how about…
-What about washing the dishes? / How about eating lunch together?
-Shall we try to find someone in golf?
-What if we cut the cost by finding a new office?
Monday, 29 June 2009
BEP 28 INT - Meetings Agreeing and Disagreeing
This Business English Podcast episode is the first part in a two-part series looking at agreeing and disagreeing. In these two episodes, we’ll be practicing different levels of agreement and disagreement, from weak to strong.
Appropriate agreement and disagreement is an important part of all meetings and discussions.
Today’s listening is from a meeting in the R&D department of Pharmtec, a drug company.
This meeting is between Jean, the head scientist, and Louis and Carina, two researchers. They are talking about the result of new medicine trial.
Jean: So, what do you think about the new ZeriX trial? This could be the drug we’ve all waiting for. I think it’s going to a big setup.
Louis: So do I.
Carina: I’m sorry, but I really can’t agree. After all, so far we only carried out two trials, and don’t forget the strange (?) of the first trial.
Jean: Yes, I meant the first trial is a little disappointing. But that doesn’t take anything away from these new results, absolutely amazing.
Louis: Yes, fantastic. Aren’t they?
Jean: Especially for men over 60.
Carina: Don’t you think it is still a little early to be so sure? Perhaps we shouldn’t count on our chicken before they hatched. I still think there may be some issues with ZeriX.
Jean: Do you really think so? Anyway, we don’t have anything come out the pipeline right now. We have to try to make this work.
Carina: Yes, of course, but our patients come first.
Jean: The patients always come first, we won’t forget that. Now Carina, let’s talk about these issues one by one.
How to agree (short answer):
-So do I.
-I do too.
-I don’t either (negative sentence)
-Nor do I (negative sentence).
-Neither do I (negative sentence).
How to agree (Standard phrase):
-I entirely agree with you.
-You’re quite right.
-I couldn’t agree more.
-That’s exactly how I see it.
-That’s just how I feel.
How to disagree:
-I’m sorry, but I really can’t agree.
-Well, I’m not so sure about that, to be honest.
-Well, I don’t know.
-Well, it depends.
-I’m afraid I don’t really agree.
-I’m afraid I don’t totally agree with that.
-Yes, I think it is a good idea, but I think it is difficult to implement.
-Don’t you think it is still a little early?
Appropriate agreement and disagreement is an important part of all meetings and discussions.
Today’s listening is from a meeting in the R&D department of Pharmtec, a drug company.
This meeting is between Jean, the head scientist, and Louis and Carina, two researchers. They are talking about the result of new medicine trial.
Jean: So, what do you think about the new ZeriX trial? This could be the drug we’ve all waiting for. I think it’s going to a big setup.
Louis: So do I.
Carina: I’m sorry, but I really can’t agree. After all, so far we only carried out two trials, and don’t forget the strange (?) of the first trial.
Jean: Yes, I meant the first trial is a little disappointing. But that doesn’t take anything away from these new results, absolutely amazing.
Louis: Yes, fantastic. Aren’t they?
Jean: Especially for men over 60.
Carina: Don’t you think it is still a little early to be so sure? Perhaps we shouldn’t count on our chicken before they hatched. I still think there may be some issues with ZeriX.
Jean: Do you really think so? Anyway, we don’t have anything come out the pipeline right now. We have to try to make this work.
Carina: Yes, of course, but our patients come first.
Jean: The patients always come first, we won’t forget that. Now Carina, let’s talk about these issues one by one.
How to agree (short answer):
-So do I.
-I do too.
-I don’t either (negative sentence)
-Nor do I (negative sentence).
-Neither do I (negative sentence).
How to agree (Standard phrase):
-I entirely agree with you.
-You’re quite right.
-I couldn’t agree more.
-That’s exactly how I see it.
-That’s just how I feel.
How to disagree:
-I’m sorry, but I really can’t agree.
-Well, I’m not so sure about that, to be honest.
-Well, I don’t know.
-Well, it depends.
-I’m afraid I don’t really agree.
-I’m afraid I don’t totally agree with that.
-Yes, I think it is a good idea, but I think it is difficult to implement.
-Don’t you think it is still a little early?
Monday, 22 June 2009
BEP 27 INT - Meetings Expressing Opinions
Formal:
Sheila, a vice president, is talking to Walt, George, and Bruce, three software engineers, about the deadline for new software launching.
Sheila: So, let’s move on to the topic of release date. Gentlemen, when do you like we’ll be able to launch this product. Walt?
Walt: Well, I tend to feel that we should probably be able to start testing the product in April. That means if all goes well, we can have the first release in May or June.
Sheila: I see, thank you Walt. What’s you reaction to that, Bruce?
Bruce: May or June? Well, from my point of view, that sounds about right.
George: Excuse me, may I come in here? I wonder if I could say something.
Sheila: Go ahead, George, what would you like to add?
George: Well, it seems to me that May is much, much too early. Actually we’re still having some pretty major problems with bugs in our production, and I just don’t see how we would be able to fix these bugs.
Informal:
Bruce, Walt, and George talk in a break room right after the meeting. Sheila, their boss, isn’t here.
Bruce: Hi guys. Did you see the
Walt: You always have to rub it in, don’t you Bruce? You know I’m a
B: How about you, George?
G: Actually, that was one of the greatest games I ever seen. But the way you guys keep telling the boss we can finish the product by May, none of us are going to have time to watch football games.
How to ask for an opinion (Formal):
-How do you feel about that, Bruce?
-Could you please share your thoughts on that, Sam?
-What’s your view on this, Richard?
-Tony, what’s your feeling on this?
-What’s your reaction to that?
-What’s your opinion on that?
-Any comments Simon?
How to express your opinion (Formal):
-I tend to feel that we should be able to start testing the product in April.
-From my point of view, that sounds about right.
-I have the impression that he didn’t really want to come.
-Don’t you think it’s a little early?
-In my opinion,
How to ask for an opinion (Informal):
-What do you think?
-How about you, George?
How to express your opinion (Informal):
-The point is that we’re doing well in the market.
-Obviously, there is only one choice.
-Basically, I think we have two choices.
Tuesday, 16 June 2009
English training phase II - lesson three -Explain and clarify a problem
Part 1: Dealing with problem
1. Introduce the problem
-I'm afraid we've got a problem.
-I think we've all noticed that the staff moral is extremely low.
- Well, let's turn to a problem that's on everyone's mind.
-So, we need to tackle a fairly pressing problem today.
-I know we've all been discussing this particular issue recently.
-As you all know, we're going to look at the problem of budget.
2. Focus on the discussion
-What exactly is the problem? Budget or something else, let's have some inputs.
-We need to deal with this problem before we get our hand.
-What's the end line causes this problem? And what can it tell us?
-What is exactly the root of this problem, any suggestions?
-Perhaps we can begin by breaking down the problem, who can start?
2. Ask for clarification
-How do you mean exactly?
-I'm not sure I follow, could you explain?
-Could you explain the problem in more detail?
-Could you speak a little more specific?
3. Predict the consequences
-That'll result in even more expense.
-It could be very dangerous.
-It'll mean lengthy negotiations.
-It might turn violent.
4. Suggest possible actions
-Perhaps we could talk to them
-Couldn't we bring some people?
5. Promise action
-I'll get back to you as soon as I can.
Monday, 25 May 2009
BEP024-Teleconference
In this Business English Podcast we’re going to listen to a teleconference between the head office management of a US guitar manufacturer and the manager of their new Latin American plant.
Key language structures explained are: diplomatic language and using probing questions. We also introduce some useful English phrases for starting a teleconference meeting, interrupting and clarifying.
Jack: Hello, this is Jack. Is this James?
James: Yes indeed, and with me are Dan and Angie. How about Jerald?
Jack: It is just me here in the San Jose plant. I didn’t get the agenda for this tele conference, just schedule. So what can I help you with?
James: Oh, Jack, we’ve heard that there have been some troubles in the plant and we thought that perhaps you could tell us what seems to be the problem.
Jack: Oh, problem? Nothing serious, thing’s going well. We have some environmental issues, but that has not hurt our production, which is going up from …
Angie: Could I just interrupt for a moment? Jack, this is Angie. I received report that workers are getting sick in the plant. Could you please give us some data on this?
Jack: Sure, Angie. It seems the few workers had problems breathing when painting the Guitar parts. They were quickly treated and sent home. These things do happen at any plant and anywhere in the world. And I would to say production is increasing. After all, what we act, no plant is perfect, we meet our goals.
Dan: And Jack, this is Dan. I understand what you were saying. But I’d like to point out that we heard the workers complain to local government. This would give bad reputation and we don’t need the government looking for reason to close down our plant.
Jack: While I agree with a lot of you saying. I think you may be exaggerating the problem. Workers complain to the government is very routine. We have many similar workers complain in our plants in the US as well. Would you agree?
James: Jack. The point we were trying to make is that we’d like you to be more specific about what will or might happen because of this. I can understand you’d like to focus on production, but at the moment, I’m afraid we have to give this thing full attention.
Jack: Understood. Well, tomorrow government specters will come to the plant. This is normal of course, and they’ll talk to our workers and then decide on the penalty. After that, they …
Dan: Sorry, sorry to interrupt. Can we go back to the penalty for a moment? What are we looking for here?
Jack: It could be a fine or a temporary shut down while we’re changing our processes, and of course they could close down the plant, but I don’t expect that. We faced things like this before. Angie, you might remember our problem with wood dust a couple of years ago?
Angie: Before answer that just let me check I understand what you were saying. We could be facing a completely shut down of the plant because of this workers complains, is that correct?
Jack: There’s a very slight chance on that, but yes, it is possible.
1. Introduce attendees
-Let’s start by taking a roll call
-Attending today’s conference are our colleagues from Roma office
-Andrew John is also joining us today, he is our chief engineer.
-Stone Shi will be with us shortly.
-And with me are Jack and Tom.
2. Talking in diplomatic way
-It seems we have a slight problem
-Could I just go back to the point about price?
-There might be a small delay
-That might be quite expensive
-Perhaps we could get a meeting next week?
3. Probing question using diplomatic language
-I wonder if you could explain how you
-I’m afraid I am not quite clear about
-I’m interested in knowing more about
-Could you put me in the picture about?
4. Interrupting somebody
-Could I interrupt for a moment?
-May I say something about that?
-Could I speak to that?
5. Ask for clarifying question
-I’m afraid I’m not quite clear what you mean by
-I’m sorry, could you explain what you mean by
-What exactly do you mean by?
6. Disagreeing someone
-How about looking in this different way?
-I am not against your whole idea, just the part about price.
-While I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here, I think it may be
-I am not so sure. I like to hear more about this.
-I can understand exactly how you feel, but at the moment we just had no option.
-Yes, I think it is a good idea, but I think it is difficult to implement.
Key language structures explained are: diplomatic language and using probing questions. We also introduce some useful English phrases for starting a teleconference meeting, interrupting and clarifying.
Jack: Hello, this is Jack. Is this James?
James: Yes indeed, and with me are Dan and Angie. How about Jerald?
Jack: It is just me here in the San Jose plant. I didn’t get the agenda for this tele conference, just schedule. So what can I help you with?
James: Oh, Jack, we’ve heard that there have been some troubles in the plant and we thought that perhaps you could tell us what seems to be the problem.
Jack: Oh, problem? Nothing serious, thing’s going well. We have some environmental issues, but that has not hurt our production, which is going up from …
Angie: Could I just interrupt for a moment? Jack, this is Angie. I received report that workers are getting sick in the plant. Could you please give us some data on this?
Jack: Sure, Angie. It seems the few workers had problems breathing when painting the Guitar parts. They were quickly treated and sent home. These things do happen at any plant and anywhere in the world. And I would to say production is increasing. After all, what we act, no plant is perfect, we meet our goals.
Dan: And Jack, this is Dan. I understand what you were saying. But I’d like to point out that we heard the workers complain to local government. This would give bad reputation and we don’t need the government looking for reason to close down our plant.
Jack: While I agree with a lot of you saying. I think you may be exaggerating the problem. Workers complain to the government is very routine. We have many similar workers complain in our plants in the US as well. Would you agree?
James: Jack. The point we were trying to make is that we’d like you to be more specific about what will or might happen because of this. I can understand you’d like to focus on production, but at the moment, I’m afraid we have to give this thing full attention.
Jack: Understood. Well, tomorrow government specters will come to the plant. This is normal of course, and they’ll talk to our workers and then decide on the penalty. After that, they …
Dan: Sorry, sorry to interrupt. Can we go back to the penalty for a moment? What are we looking for here?
Jack: It could be a fine or a temporary shut down while we’re changing our processes, and of course they could close down the plant, but I don’t expect that. We faced things like this before. Angie, you might remember our problem with wood dust a couple of years ago?
Angie: Before answer that just let me check I understand what you were saying. We could be facing a completely shut down of the plant because of this workers complains, is that correct?
Jack: There’s a very slight chance on that, but yes, it is possible.
1. Introduce attendees
-Let’s start by taking a roll call
-Attending today’s conference are our colleagues from Roma office
-Andrew John is also joining us today, he is our chief engineer.
-Stone Shi will be with us shortly.
-And with me are Jack and Tom.
2. Talking in diplomatic way
-It seems we have a slight problem
-Could I just go back to the point about price?
-There might be a small delay
-That might be quite expensive
-Perhaps we could get a meeting next week?
3. Probing question using diplomatic language
-I wonder if you could explain how you
-I’m afraid I am not quite clear about
-I’m interested in knowing more about
-Could you put me in the picture about?
4. Interrupting somebody
-Could I interrupt for a moment?
-May I say something about that?
-Could I speak to that?
5. Ask for clarifying question
-I’m afraid I’m not quite clear what you mean by
-I’m sorry, could you explain what you mean by
-What exactly do you mean by?
6. Disagreeing someone
-How about looking in this different way?
-I am not against your whole idea, just the part about price.
-While I agree with a lot of what you’re saying here, I think it may be
-I am not so sure. I like to hear more about this.
-I can understand exactly how you feel, but at the moment we just had no option.
-Yes, I think it is a good idea, but I think it is difficult to implement.
Making arguement (BEP17)
1. Begin to present what you want to say
-I would like to begin by re-emphasizing something that we all know
-I would like to comment on the problem of
-I like to make a few marks concerning
-I would like to mention briefly that
-There are three points I’d like to make
-The most important problem seems to be
-Here's the reason why small businesses won't adopt enterprise 2.0
2. Change the point (lead the discussion)
-Let’s go on to our next subject.
-I would now turn briefly to the problem of
-The next issue I’d to focus on is
-Turning to
3. Add to another point
-In addition to that
-Also
-As well as, there is also
-furthermore
4. Give an example
-For instance
-Let me give you an example
-For example
5. Emphasize
-As a matter of fact
-In fact
-I would have you know
-You probably not be awareness that
6. Make generation
-In general, the cost is higher.
-On the whole
-So
-Generally speaking
-All things considered, we are doing quite well.
7. State preference
-We would like to recommend
-I would rather
-I would prefer to
-I tend to favor
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Language you can use to give or react to news
How to give good news
-We’d like to say that we are very impressed by your job interview.
-We’d like to offer you the job.
-We’ve got some good news for you. We’d like to move you up a grade. That means promotion and a bit more money every month.
-I’m really pleased to tell you that you’re the winner of our competition.
How to respond to good news
-Congratulations!
-Congratulations on your engagement. Congratulations on getting married.
-Congratulations, that’s fantastic news!
-Congratulations, that’s great news!
-Congratulations, that’s brilliant news!
There are other two formal phrases, but they are very useful for you when you are writing to congratulate someone.
-I’m really pleased to hear that.
-I’m really happy for you.
How to give bad news
-Well Neil, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you: you didn’t quite make the grades, which sadly means that you won’t be able to go to the university you chose this year.
-Unfortunately, I’m afraid we’re not going to be able to offer you the position this time.
-I’m really sorry but …
How to respond to bad news
-I’m so sorry to hear that.
-Oh my god
-Oh my god, that’s awful.
-That’s terrible
We don’t say ‘That’s a pity’ or ‘That’s too bad’ when someone has really bad news. That’s awful! That’s terrible! These are good ways to react.
-You must be feeling terrible.
-You must be feeling absolutely awful.
If you hear about someone’s bad news from someone else, it’s perhaps better to go to your friend and offer help.
-I heard about your news.
-I heard about your terrible news.
-I’m so sorry to hear about your news.
-I’m so sorry to hear about your awful news.
-Martin told me about what happened.
-We’d like to say that we are very impressed by your job interview.
-We’d like to offer you the job.
-We’ve got some good news for you. We’d like to move you up a grade. That means promotion and a bit more money every month.
-I’m really pleased to tell you that you’re the winner of our competition.
How to respond to good news
-Congratulations!
-Congratulations on your engagement. Congratulations on getting married.
-Congratulations, that’s fantastic news!
-Congratulations, that’s great news!
-Congratulations, that’s brilliant news!
There are other two formal phrases, but they are very useful for you when you are writing to congratulate someone.
-I’m really pleased to hear that.
-I’m really happy for you.
How to give bad news
-Well Neil, I’m afraid I’ve got some bad news for you: you didn’t quite make the grades, which sadly means that you won’t be able to go to the university you chose this year.
-Unfortunately, I’m afraid we’re not going to be able to offer you the position this time.
-I’m really sorry but …
How to respond to bad news
-I’m so sorry to hear that.
-Oh my god
-Oh my god, that’s awful.
-That’s terrible
We don’t say ‘That’s a pity’ or ‘That’s too bad’ when someone has really bad news. That’s awful! That’s terrible! These are good ways to react.
-You must be feeling terrible.
-You must be feeling absolutely awful.
If you hear about someone’s bad news from someone else, it’s perhaps better to go to your friend and offer help.
-I heard about your news.
-I heard about your terrible news.
-I’m so sorry to hear about your news.
-I’m so sorry to hear about your awful news.
-Martin told me about what happened.
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