DIALOGUES
Introductions
1. Hello. My name's Peter. What's your name?
2. Janet.
1. Where are you from Janet?
2. I'm from Seattle. Where are you from?
1. I'm from Madrid.
2. Are you American?
1. Yes, I am. Are you Spanish?
2. Yes I am.
Key Vocabulary
My name is...
What's (is) your name ...
Where are you from?
I'm from... Are you (Spanish, American, German, etc.)
What's (is) your name ...
Where are you from?
I'm from... Are you (Spanish, American, German, etc.)
Hello and Goodbye - Three Short Conversations
Hello
1. Hello, Peter. How are you?
2. Fine, thanks. How are you?
1. I'm fine, thank you.
Goodbye
1. Goodbye, Janet. See you tomorrow!
2. Bye bye, Peter. Have a nice evening.
1. Thanks, you too!
2. Thanks.
Key Vocabulary
Hello... How are you?
I'm fine, - OK, - well, thank you
Goodbye, - bye bye
See you tomorrow
Have a nice evening, - day
I'm fine, - OK, - well, thank you
Goodbye, - bye bye
See you tomorrow
Have a nice evening, - day
What time is it? - I
1. Excuse me. Can you tell me the time, please?
2. Yes, of course. It's seven o'clock.
1. Thank you.
2. No problem.
What time is it? - II
1. What time is it?
2. It's half past three.
1. Thanks.
2. You're welcome.
Key Vocabulary
Excuse me.
Can you tell me the time, please?
What time is it?
It's half past...
It's quarter past...
It's ten to...
It's quarter to...
o'clock
Can you tell me the time, please?
What time is it?
It's half past...
It's quarter past...
It's ten to...
It's quarter to...
o'clock
Shopping for a Sweater
1. Can I help you?
2. Yes, I'm looking for a sweater.
1. What size are you?
2. I'm an extra large.
1. How about this one?
2. Yes, that's nice. Can I try it on?
1. Certainly, there's the changing rooms over there.
2. Thank you.
1. How does it fit?
2. It's too large. Do you have a large?
1. Yes, here you are.
2. Thank you. I'll have it, please.
1. OK, how would you like to pay?
2. Do you take credit cards?
1. Yes, we do. Visa, Master Card and American Express.
2. OK, here's my Visa.
1. Thank you. Have a nice day!
2. Thank you, goodbye.
Key Vocabulary
Can I help you?
Can I try it (them) on?
size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large
How does it fit?
changing rooms
How would you like to pay?
credit cards
Can I try it (them) on?
size - extra small, small, medium, large, extra large
How does it fit?
changing rooms
How would you like to pay?
credit cards
Telephone Banking
Representative: Hello. How can I help you today?
Customer: Hello. I'd like some information on the telephone banking services offered at by your bank.
Representative: Certainly. What is your account number?
Representative: Certainly. What is your account number?
Customer: at the High Street Branch.
Representative: What would you like to know?
Representative: What would you like to know?
Customer: How do I sign up?
Representative: Just let me know, I'll sign you up immediately.
Representative: Just let me know, I'll sign you up immediately.
Customer: Can you tell me how the telephone banking services work?
Representative: You can do all your day-to-day banking over the telephone, 24 hours a day.
Representative: You can do all your day-to-day banking over the telephone, 24 hours a day.
Customer: That's great. How do I access my account?
Representative: Just call the bank, key in your PIN number and listen to the menu of options available.
Representative: Just call the bank, key in your PIN number and listen to the menu of options available.
Customer: How do I choose which option I want?
Representative: Just press the number for the service stated by the recording.
Representative: Just press the number for the service stated by the recording.
Customer: What kind of things can I do?
Representative: You can check your balance, pay bills, order a statement or even transfer money to another bank.
Representative: You can check your balance, pay bills, order a statement or even transfer money to another bank.
Customer: That's fantastic! Can I trade stocks and bonds.
Representative: I'm afraid you will have to have a special account for that.
Representative: I'm afraid you will have to have a special account for that.
Customer: What about getting help if I have any problems?
Representative: There's an automated answering machine and staff are available 9 to 5 seven days a week.
Representative: There's an automated answering machine and staff are available 9 to 5 seven days a week.
Customer: It all sounds very good to me. I'd like to sign up.
Representative: Alright, can you answer a few questions please?
Representative: Alright, can you answer a few questions please?
Customer: Certainly...
Useful Vocabulary
24 hours a day
account number
automated answering machine
day-to-day banking
menu of options
telephone banking services
to access an account
to check your balance
to key in a PIN number
to order a statement
to pay bills
to sign up
to trade stocks and bonds
to transfer money
account number
automated answering machine
day-to-day banking
menu of options
telephone banking services
to access an account
to check your balance
to key in a PIN number
to order a statement
to pay bills
to sign up
to trade stocks and bonds
to transfer money
Making a Doctor's Appointment
Caller 1: Dr. Peterson's office. How may I help you? Caller 2: I'd like to make an appointment to see the doctor.
Caller 1: Certainly, are you ill at the moment?
Caller 2: Yes, I'm not feeling very well.
Caller 1: Do you have a fever, or any other symptoms?
Caller 2: Yes, I have a slight fever and aches and pains.
Caller 1: OK, Dr. Peterson can see you tomorrow. Can you come in the morning?
Caller 2: Yes, tomorrow morning is fine.
Caller 1: How about 10 o'clock?
Caller 2: Yes, 10 o'clock is fine.
Caller 1: May have your name?
Caller 2: Yes, it's David Lain.
Caller 1: Have you seen Dr. Peterson before?
Caller 2: Yes, I had a physical exam last year.
Caller 1: Yes, here you are. OK, I've scheduled for ten o'clock tomorrow morning.
Caller 2: Thank you.
Caller 1: Drink plenty of warm fluids and get a good night's sleep!
Caller 2: Thank you. I'll do my best. Goodbye.
Caller 1: Goodbye.
Leaving a Message
Caller 2: Hello, this is Ken. May I speak with Andy?
Caller 1: I'm afraid Andy isn't in at the moment.
Caller 2: Could you take a message?
Caller 1: Sure, just a moment let me get a pencil... OK.
Caller 2: Great. Can you tell Andy that we're meeting tomorrow at three o'clock.
Caller 1: OK ... three o'clock meeting with Ken. Does he know where the meeting is?
Caller 2: Tell him we'll be meeting in the corner office downtown.
Caller 1: Yes, corner office downtown. Is there anything else?
Caller 2: I'll leave my telephone number just in case he doesn't have it.
Caller 1: OK, I'm ready.
Caller 2: Yes, my cell phone number is 439 908 7754.
Caller 1: That's 439 808 7754.
Caller 2: No, it's 439 908 7754.
Caller 1: Ah, sorry.
Caller 2: No problem. Thanks for your help.
Caller 1: I'll make sure Andy sees this as soon as he gets in tonight.
Caller 2: Thank you. Good bye.
Caller 1: Good bye.
Making a Dinner Reservation
Caller 1: Good Evening Brown's Grill how may I help you?
Caller 2: Hello, I'd like to make a dinner reservation for Friday.
Caller 2: Hello, I'd like to make a dinner reservation for Friday.
Caller 1: Certainly, I'd be happy to help you with that. How many people are there in your party?
Caller 2: There'll be four people.
Caller 2: There'll be four people.
Caller 1: ... and what time would you like to make a reservation for?
Caller 2: Let's say at seven o'clock.
Caller 2: Let's say at seven o'clock.
Caller 1: I'm afraid we don't have anything available then. We could seat you at six o'clock or at eight o'clock.
Caller 2: Oh, OK. Let's make the reservation for eight o'clock.
Caller 2: Oh, OK. Let's make the reservation for eight o'clock.
Caller 1: Fine, eight o'clock on Friday evening for four people. May have your name?
Caller 2: Yes, it's Anderson.
Caller 2: Yes, it's Anderson.
Caller 1: Is that Anderson with an 'e' or an 'o'?
Caller 2: Anderson with an 'o'.
Caller 2: Anderson with an 'o'.
Caller 1: Thank you. Great. I have a table for four for the Anderson party at eight o'clock on Friday evening.
Caller 2: Thank you very much.
Caller 2: Thank you very much.
Caller 1: You're welcome. We'll see you on Friday.
Caller 2: Yes, see you then. Good bye.
Caller 2: Yes, see you then. Good bye.
Caller 1: Good bye.
Telephoning School for your Child
Caller 2: Good morning, this is Alice Smith, I'm calling for my daughter, Judy. She's not feeling well today.
Caller 1: I'm sorry to hear that. I hope it's not too bad.
Caller 2: No, no she has a little fever and a cough. Nothing too serious.
Caller 1: Well, I hope she feels well soon.
Caller 2: Thank you. Do you think I could get her homework for today?
Caller 1: Is there any specific class?
Caller 2: I'm especially concerned about math and science.
Caller 1: OK, is it alright for me to give your e-mail address to the teachers? They can then send the homework along later today.
Caller 2: That would be great. Do you have my e-mail on file?
Caller 1: Just a moment, ... we have chrisp at gmail dot come. Is that correct?
Caller 2: Yes, that is correct.
Caller 1: OK, I'll make sure Mr Brown and Ms White get your message and e-mail.
Caller 2: Thank you very much.
Caller 1: I hope Judy feels well soon.
Caller 2: She should be fine by tomorrow. Thanks for your help.
Caller 1: My pleasure, have a nice day.
Caller 2: Thank you. Good bye.
Caller 1: Good bye.
Asking a Question about a Bill
Caller 1: Good afternoon, Northwest Electricity, how may I help you?
Caller 2: Good afternoon, this is Robert Tips, I have a question about my electricity bill this month.
Caller 1: I'd be happy to help you with that Mr. Tips. Can I have your account number?
Caller 2: I'm afraid I don't have that with me.
Caller 1: It's no problem, I'll just look your name up in our database.
Caller 2: Great.
Caller 1: Could you give me your address as well?
Caller 2: It's 2368 NW 21st Ave. Vancouver, Washington.
Caller 1: Yes, I have your account up on my computer. How may I help you?
Caller 2: The last bill I received seemed too high.
Caller 1: Yes, I see that it was considerably higher than last year. Did you use more electricity?
Caller 2: No, I don't think we used any more electricity that the year before.
Caller 1: OK, I'll tell you what I can do. I'll mark this and have a supervisor take a look at the account.
Caller 2: Thank you. When can I expect an answer?
Caller 1: We should have an answer for you by the end of the week. I'll give you an inquiry number.
Caller 2: OK, let me get a pen .... OK, I'm ready.
Caller 1: It's 3471.
Caller 2: That's 3471.
Caller 1: Yes, that's correct.
Caller 2: Thank you for your help.
Important Phrases
Leaving a Message
Sometimes, there may not be anyone to answer the telephone and you will need to leave a message. Follow this outline to make sure that the person who should receive your message has all the information he/she needs.
- Introduction - - - - Hello, this is Ken. OR Hello, My name is Ken Beare (more formal).
- State the time of day and your reason for calling - - - - - It's ten in the morning. I'm phoning (calling, ringing) to find out if ... / to see if ... / to let you know that ... / to tell you that ...
- Make a request - - - - Could you call (ring, telephone) me back? / Would you mind ... ? /
- Leave your telephone number - - - - My number is .... / You can reach me at .... / Call me at ...
- Finish - - - - Thanks a lot, bye. / I'll talk to you later, bye.
Telephone: (Ring... Ring... Ring...) Hello, this is Tom. I'm afraid I'm not in at the moment. Please leave a message after the beep..... (beep)
Ken: Hello Tom, this is Ken. It's about noon and I'm calling to see if you would like to go to the Mets game on Friday. Could you call me back? You can reach me at 367-8925 until five this afternoon. I'll talk to you later, bye.
As you can see, leaving a message is pretty simple. You only need to make sure that you have stated all the most important information: Your Name, The Time, The Reason for Calling, Your Telephone Number
Standard Business Questions
Business Reporter: Thank you for taking the time to meet with me today. Manager: It's my pleasure
Business Reporter: Who do you work for?
Manager: I work for Springco.
Business Reporter: What does Springco do?
Manager: Springoco distributes health products throughout the United States.
Business Reporter: Where is the company based?
Manager: Springco is located in Vermont.
Business Reporter: How many people do you employ?
Manager: Currently, we have 450 people on staff.
Business Reporter: What's your annual revenue?
Manager: Our gross revenue is about $5.5. million this year.
Business Reporter: What type of distribution services do you provide?
Manager: We distribute to both wholesale and retail outlets.
Business Reporter: What sort of internet presence do you have?
Manager: We have a storefront, as well as an online forum.
Business Reporter: Is your company public?
Manager: No, we are a privately held company.
Business Reporter: What type of logistical structure do you have?
Manager: We ship from four regional warehouses.
Business Reporter: Where are your products manufactured?
Manager: Most of our products are manufactured abroad, but a number are also produced here in the United States.
Standard Business Questions
Who do you work for?
Variations:
Which company do you work for?
Where do you work?
Related Questions:
What kind of job do you have?
What do you do?
What are your responsibilities?
What does X do?
Variations:
What kind of business does X do?
Which business is X in?
Related Questions:
What type of products does X sell / manufacture / produce?
What type of services does X provide / offer?
Where is the company based?
Variations:
Where is your company located?
Where are your headquarters?
Related Questions:
Where do you have branches?
Do you have any offices abroad?
How many people do you employ?
Variations:
How many people does X employ?
How many people does X have on staff?
How many employees are there at X?
Related Questions:
How many divisions are there?
How many people are on staff in that branch?
How many people do you employ in (City)?
What's your annual revenue?
Variations:
What's your turnover?
What type of revenue do you do?
Related Questions:
What's your net profit?
What are (were) your quarterly earnings?
What type of a margin do you have?
Is your company public?
Variations:
Are you a publicly traded company?
Are you on the stock market?
Is your company privately held?
Related Questions:
What's your company's stock symbol?
Which market are you traded on?
Where are your products manufactured?
Variations:
Where are your goods produced?
Where do you manufacture / produce your merchandise?
Disputing an Electricity Bill - Speaking to a Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative: Hello, Big City Electricity, how may I help you today?
Mr. Peters: I'm calling concerning my electricity bill.
Customer Service Representative: May I have your account number?
Mr. Peters: Certainly, it's 4392107.
Customer Service Representative: Thank you, is this Mr. Peters?
Mr. Peters: Yes, this is Mr. Peters.
Customer Service Representative: Thank you, what can I help you with?
Mr. Peters: I think I've been overcharged for the past month.
Customer Service Representative: I'm sorry to hear that. Why do you think we charged you too much?
Mr. Peters: The bill is 300% higher than last month.
Customer Service Representative: I'm sorry to hear that. Let me ask you a few questions and then I'll see what I can do.
Mr. Peters: OK, Thank you for your help.
Customer Service Representative: Of course, thank you for calling this to our attention. Now, how much do you usually pay for your electricity?
Mr. Peters: I usually pay about $50 a month.
Customer Service Representative: Thank you. and how much did we charge on this bill?
Mr. Peters: $150. I can't understand why.
Customer Service Representative: Yes, Mr Smith. Was your usage different in any way?
Mr. Peters: No, it was an average month.
Customer Service Representative: I'm sorry there certainly seems to be a mistake.
Mr. Peters: Well, I'm happy you agree with me.
Customer Service Representative: I'll contact a service representative to come out and check your meter. What's your address Mr Peters?
Mr. Peters: 223 Flanders St., Tacoma, Washington 94998
Customer Service Representative: ... and what's your phone number?
Mr. Peters: 408-533-0875
Customer Service Representative: I'm terribly sorry about the misunderstanding. We'll do our best to change this as quickly as possible.
Mr. Peters: Thank you for your help in clearing this up.
Getting a Driver's License at the DMV
Customer Service Representative: How may I help you today?
Mr. Anderson: I'd like to apply for a driver's license.
Mr. Anderson: I'd like to apply for a driver's license.
Customer Service Representative: Fine. Can you fill in this form, please.
Mr. Anderson: Certainly.
Mr. Anderson: Certainly.
Mr. Anderson: Peter can you help me with this form?
Peter: Sure, what's your last name?
Mr. Anderson: Anderson.
Peter: Sure, what's your last name?
Mr. Anderson: Anderson.
Peter: Could you spell that please?
Mr. Anderson: Certainly, A - N - D - E - R - S - O - N.
Mr. Anderson: Certainly, A - N - D - E - R - S - O - N.
Peter: What's your first name?
Mr. Anderson: You know that! It's Jack.
Mr. Anderson: You know that! It's Jack.
Customer Service Representative: Are you married?
Mr. Anderson: No, I'm single.
Mr. Anderson: No, I'm single.
Peter: OK. Now, what's your address?
Mr. Anderson: It's 2926 NW 2nd Ave.
Mr. Anderson: It's 2926 NW 2nd Ave.
Customer Service Representative: and what's your zipcode?
Mr. Anderson: 87665
Mr. Anderson: 87665
Peter: Right. Are you an American citizen?
Mr. Anderson: Good question. Yes, I am.
Mr. Anderson: Good question. Yes, I am.
Peter: ... and what's your date of birth?
Mr. Anderson: I was born on 19th April 1961
Mr. Anderson: I was born on 19th April 1961
Peter: Ha, ha! You certainly don't look your age! You look older!
Mr. Anderson: Very funny, Peter. Let's continue, ok?
Mr. Anderson: Very funny, Peter. Let's continue, ok?
Peter: Yes, OK, Are you disabled?
Mr. Anderson: Well, my legs sometimes hurt, but I'm not disabled. How many more questions are there?
Mr. Anderson: Well, my legs sometimes hurt, but I'm not disabled. How many more questions are there?
Peter: Just a few. Do you wear glasses?
Mr. Anderson: Yes, I need glasses to drive.
Mr. Anderson: Yes, I need glasses to drive.
Peter: OK, last question. Do you currently have a driver's license?Mr. Anderson: Yes, I do.
Peter: Where's it from?
Mr. Anderson: It's from California.
Mr. Anderson: It's from California.
Peter: Fine. Right. Here you go, your form is filled out.
Mr. Anderson: Thanks for your help Peter.
Mr. Anderson: Thanks for your help Peter.
Mr. Anderson: Here's my completed form.
Customer Service Representative: Thank you, please take this completed form to the cashier with your payment of $75.
Customer Service Representative: Thank you, please take this completed form to the cashier with your payment of $75.
Mr. Anderson: Certainly. What happens next?
Customer Service Representative: The cashier will help you with the next steps.
Talking About Your Job - Business English DialoguesCustomer Service Representative: The cashier will help you with the next steps.
Jack: Hi Peter. Can you tell me a little bit about your current job?
Peter: Certainly What would you like to know?
Jack: First of all, what do you work as?
Peter: I work as a computer technician at Schuller's and Co.
Jack: What do your responsibilities include?
Peter: I'm responsible for systems administration and in-house programming.
Jack: What sort of problems do you deal with on a day-to-do basis?
Peter: Oh, there are always lots of small system glitches. I also provide information on a need-to-know basis for employees.
Jack: What else does your job involve?
Peter: Well, as I said, for part of my job I have to develop in-house programs for special company tasks.
Jack: Do you have to produce any reports?
Peter: No, I just have to make sure that everything is in good working order.
Jack: Do you ever attend meetings?
Peter: Yes, I attend organizational meetings at the end of the month.
Jack: Thanks for all the information, Peter. It sounds like you have an interesting job.
Peter: Yes, it's very interesting, but stressful, too!
Useful Vocabulary
computer technician
day-to-day basis
glitch
good working order
in-house
need-to-know basis
organizational meeting
stressful
to be responsible for
to develop
to involve
to pay bills
to produce reports
to work as
Dialogue and Multiple Choice Questions: Having a Hard Time Finding a Job
Having a Hard Time Finding a Job
Original Conversation
Mark: Hi Peter! How are you doing these days?
Peter: Oh, Hi Mark. I'm not doing very well, actually.
Peter: Oh, Hi Mark. I'm not doing very well, actually.
Mark: I'm sorry to hear that. What seems to be the problem?
Peter: ... you know I've been looking for work. I can't seem to find a job.
Peter: ... you know I've been looking for work. I can't seem to find a job.
Mark: That's too bad. Why did you leave your last job?
Peter: Well, my boss treated me badly, and I didn't like my chances of advancing in the company.
Peter: Well, my boss treated me badly, and I didn't like my chances of advancing in the company.
Mark: That makes sense. A job without opportunities AND a difficult boss isn't very attractive.
Peter: Exactly! So, anyway, I decided to quit and find a new job. I sent out my resume to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, I've only had two interviews so far.
Peter: Exactly! So, anyway, I decided to quit and find a new job. I sent out my resume to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, I've only had two interviews so far.
Mark: Have you tried looking online for a job?
Peter: Yes, but so many of the jobs require moving to another city. I don't want to do that.
Peter: Yes, but so many of the jobs require moving to another city. I don't want to do that.
Mark: I can understand that. How about going to some of those networking groups?
Peter: I haven't tried those. What are they?
Peter: I haven't tried those. What are they?
Mark: They're groups of people who are also looking for work. They help each other discover new opportunities.
Peter: That sounds great. I'll definitely try some of those.
Peter: That sounds great. I'll definitely try some of those.
Mark: I'm glad to hear that. So, what are you doing here?
Peter: Oh, I'm shopping for a new suit. I want to make the best impression possible at my job interviews!
Peter: Oh, I'm shopping for a new suit. I want to make the best impression possible at my job interviews!
Mark: There you go. That's the spirit. I'm sure things will look up for you soon.
Peter: Yes, you're probably right. I hope so!
Peter: Yes, you're probably right. I hope so!
Reported Conversation
Mark: I saw Peter today.
Susan: How's he doing?
Susan: How's he doing?
Mark: Not too well, I'm afraid.
Susan: Why's that?
Susan: Why's that?
Mark: He told me had been looking for work, but hadn't found a job.
Susan: That surprises me. Was he fired or did he quit his last job?
Susan: That surprises me. Was he fired or did he quit his last job?
Mark: He told me his boss had treated him badly. He also said he didn't like his chances of advancing in the company.
Susan: Quitting doesn't sound like a very wise decision to me.
Susan: Quitting doesn't sound like a very wise decision to me.
Mark: That's true. But he's been working hard at finding a new job.
Susan: What's he done?
Susan: What's he done?
Mark: He said he had sent out his resumes to more than twenty companies. Unfortunately, he told me that only two had called him for an interview.
Susan: That's tough.
Susan: That's tough.
Mark: Tell me about it. However, I gave him some advice and I hope it helps.
Susan: What did you suggest?
Susan: What did you suggest?
Mark: I suggested joining a networking group.
Susan: That's a great idea.
Susan: That's a great idea.
Mark: Yes, well, he told me he would try a few groups.
Susan: Where did you see him?
Susan: Where did you see him?
Mark: I saw him at the mall. He told me he was shopping for a new suit.
Susan: What?! Buying new clothes and no work!
Mark: No, no. He said he wanted to make the best impression possible at his job interviews.Susan: Oh, that makes senseSusan: What?! Buying new clothes and no work!
Dialogue and Multiple Choice Questions: Hooking Up My Computer
This dialogue contains a lot of computer jargon. Here is a vocabulary list of the most important related vocabulary, most of which you will find in the dialogue.
Computer Related Equipment
computer
printer
cable modem
hard drive
monitor
keyboard
mouse
SD card
memory reader
cable
Ethernet
Computer Related Verbs
to update
to turn off / on
to switch off / on
to plug in
to unplug
to install
to hook up
to connect
to disconnect
to boot up
to cut
to paste
to copy
to surf
to browse
to fix
Hooking Up My Computer
Peter: Hi Jack. Can you give me a hand?
Jack:Sure. what's up?
Peter: I've just bought a new computer and I'm having some problems hooking everything up.
Jack:... and I'm a geek. Yeah, I know. I'd be happy to help.
Peter: Thanks! I've connected all the cables from my monitor, mouse and keyboard, and I've plugged it in.
Jack: Have you installed the software yet?
Peter: No, I haven't. Do I need to?
Jack: Not always, but it's best to install drivers for your keyboard and mouse, as well as your printer.
Peter: Will the computer boot up without those?
Jack: Of course. Boot up the computer and then we can update the drives.
Peter: OK. What's that thing (points to a computer component)
Jack: Oh, that's a memory reader. You can insert things like SD cards from your camera and mp3 players into it.
Peter: That's handy.
Jack: You've bought a nice system. How big is the hard drive?
Peter: I think it's 750 gigabyte.
Jack: Good... The computer's booted up. Let's install those drivers.
Peter: Before we do that, can I get online?
Jack: Do you have a modem?
Peter: Yes, I do. I think I have a cable modem.
Jack: hmmm... yes you do. Is the Ethernet cable plugged in?
Peter: What's that?
Jack: It's the cable that connects your modem to your computer.
Peter: Let's surf the internet!
Jack: Just a moment... first we need to launch the browser.
Peter: The browser?
Jack: It's the program that allows you to surf the internet.
Peter: oh ... I've got a lot to learn.
Jack: Yes, you do. I can see I'm going to be here all day ..
Talking About Your Job
Jack: Hi Peter. Can you tell me a little bit about your current job?
Peter: Certainly What would you like to know?
Jack: First of all, what do you work as?
Peter: I work as a computer technician at Schuller's and Co.
Jack: What do your responsibilities include?
Peter: I'm responsible for systems administration and in-house programming.
Jack: What sort of problems do you deal with on a day-to-do basis?
Peter: Oh, there are always lots of small system glitches. I also provide information on a need-to-know basis for employees.
Jack: What else does your job involve?
Peter: Well, as I said, for part of my job I have to develop in-house programs for special company tasks.
Jack: Do you have to produce any reports?
Peter: No, I just have to make sure that everything is in good working order.
Jack: Do you ever attend meetings?
Peter: Yes, I attend organizational meetings at the end of the month.
Jack: Thanks for all the information, Peter. It sounds like you have an interesting job.
Peter: Yes, it's very interesting, but stressful, too!
Business Jargon - Advanced Level Dialogue
Tim: Hey, can I get a little facetime?
Randall: Sure, let's dialogue.
Tim: Great. I tried to ping you earlier, but you weren't in.
Randall: Yeah, I had to handle some pushback on my proposal.
Tim: Really, why was that?
Randall: Well, I've come up with a number of synergies in the value chain. My value proposition was to seamlessly integrate our customer service reps.
Tim: Sounds like a win-win. How long is the ramp-up?
Randall: That's the problem. I projected a roll-out in two months. C-level people want to dial-in the project in two weeks.
Tim: ...but you're proposing an end-to-end solution!
Randall: Yeah, I know. I had the time-frame mapped out for all the deliverables, too.
Tim: Sometimes you have to wonder about high-level management's capabilities to leverage people like you!
Randall: You're much too kind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?
Tim: Nothing much, I just wanted to give you a heads-up on some performance management issues I've been having with Pete.
Randall: No room to breathe?
Tim: You've got it ....
Translation into easy (well, easier) English:
Tim: Hey, do you have some time for me?
Randall: Sure, let's talk.
Tim: Great. I tried to contact you earlier, but you weren't in.
Randall: Yeah, I had to manage some complaints about my idea for the company.
Tim: Really, why was that?
Randall: Well, I thought of a number of tasks that can complement each other in how we provide our service. My improvement idea was to include our customer service representatives our processes.
Tim: That sounds like a good idea for everybody. How long will it take to put your plan into action?
Randall: That's the problem. I think it will take two months to put into place. The directors want to put the project into action in two weeks.
Tim: ...but you've suggested a complete solution to the problem!
Randall: Yes, I know. I had developed a schedule for all of the improvements, too.
Tim: Sometimes it's difficult to understand why upper management can't take advantage of people like you!
Randall: You're much too kind! Anyway, what was it you wanted to talk to me about?
Tim: Nothing much. I just wanted to tell you ahead of time about some problems I'm having with Pete trying to control everything I do.
Randall: No room for your own efforts?
Tim: That's right.
Key Vocabulary
facetime (noun)- time together
to dialogue (verb) - to speak
to ping (verb) - to contact someone
pushback (noun) - to object to, complain about
synergies (noun) - combinations in efforts that improve something
value chain (noun) - the group of processes that provide something positive
value proposition (noun) - the improvement idea
seamlessly (adverb) - flowing smoothly
to integrate (verb) - to include in a process
win-win (noun, also used as an adjective) - successful outcome for everyone involved
ramp-up (noun, also used as a verb) - time it takes to do something
roll-out (noun, also used as a verb) - time it takes to do something
C-level (adjective) - upper management, directors
to dial-in (verb) - time it takes to do something
end-to-end (adjective) - complete
time-frame (noun) - amount of time needed
to map out (verb) - to plan
deliverables (noun) - specific improvements or products to be made
to leverage (verb) - to take advantage of something
heads-up (noun) - notice of something
performance management (noun) - way of managing someone
Deliveries and Suppliers
Susan: Doug, can I talk with you for a moment?
Doug: What can I do for you Susan?
Susan: I'm concerned about the delays we're experiencing with some of our suppliers.
Doug: We're doing everything to get back on schedule.
Susan: Could you give me an approximate timeline?
Doug: A number of deliveries are arriving tomorrow. Unfortunately, this time of year is often troublesome.
Susan: That's not good. We can't make excuses to our clients. Are all shipments affected?
Doug: No, but it is summer and some companies are cutting back until September.
Susan: Where are most of our suppliers located?
Doug: Well, most of them are in China, but there are a few in California.
Susan: How does that affect deliveries?
Doug: Well, there are weather delays and shipment delays due to reduced production. Sometimes, larger packages are delayed because of a bottleneck at the distribution point.
Susan: Is there any way around these delays?
Doug: Well, we often work with delivery services such as UPS, Fed ex or DHL for our most urgent shipping. They guarantee door-to-door deliveries within 48 hours.
Susan: Are they expensive?
Doug: Yes, they're very expensive at that cuts into our bottom line.
Taking a Message
Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?
Caller: Could I speak to Mr Adams, please?
Receptionist: Who's calling please?
Caller: This is Anna Beare.
Receptionist: Sorry, I didn't catch your name.
Caller: Anna Beare. That's B E A R E
Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?
Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards
Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. I'll try and put you through. … I'm sorry but the line's busy. Would you like to hold?
Caller: Could I leave a message?
Receptionist: Certainly.
Caller: Could you tell Mr Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday.
Receptionist: Shipment delayed … arriving next Monday.
Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives?
Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?
Caller: Yes, it's 503-589-9087
Receptionist: That's 503-589-9087
Caller: Yes, that's right. Thanks for your help. Goodbye
Receptionist: Goodbye.
Placing an Order
on the telephone
Jane Tegal: Hello, this is Jane Tegal from Excellerator Co. calling. May I speak to Mr. Mitchell?
Arthur Mitchell: Hello Ms Tegal, this is Arthur Mitchell.
Jane Tegal: Hello, I'd like to place an order for a number of your Millennium desk units.
Arthur Mitchell: Certainly. How many were you interested in ordering for purchase?
Jane Tegal: Quite a few. Do you have many available in the warehouse?
Arthur Mitchell: We keep a large supply in stock. There's also a showroom with quite a few on hand. It shouldn't be a problem.
Jane Tegal: Well then. I'd like 75 units by the end of the month. Could I get an estimate before place an order?
Arthur Mitchell: Certainly, I'll have it for you by the end of the day.
Jane Tegal: What does the estimate include?
Arthur Mitchell: Estimates include merchandise, packaging and shipping, duty if required, any taxes and insurance.
Jane Tegal: Do you ship door-to-door?
Arthur Mitchell: Certainly, all shipments are door-to-door. Delivery dates depend on your location, but we can usually deliver within 14 business days.
Jane Tegal: Thank you for your help.
Arthur Mitchell: My pleasure. You can expect an e-mail by 5 this afternoon.
