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 SỔ TAY TINH GỌN

15 tình huống làm việc

thực tế hàng ngày

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 table of
content

on the phone............................................................................................. 9

product and services........................................................................... 10

greeting visitors .................................................................................... 11

companies ................................................................................................... 13

occupations................................................................................................. 14

comparing services ............................................................................... 15

phone messages .................................................................................... 16

appointments ........................................................................................... 17

meetings ...................................................................................................... 18

negotiating ................................................................................................. 20

networking ................................................................................................ 21

trends ............................................................................................................. 22

effective communication ................................................................. 23

finding work - interview .................................................................. 24

presenting information ...................................................................... 26

transcripts ................................................................................................... 27
working situation 1
on the phone

practical structures 1: talking on the phone

The person who answers the phone The person who calls (the caller)
Hello, [name of company] This is [name]
[name of company]. Can I help you? Can I speak to [name], please?
Who’s calling, please?
Asking someone to wait
I’ll put you through. Just a moment, please.
Speaking. Hold on, please.
Hang on, please.

practical structures 2: calling for information

Offering help
Can I help you?
What can I do for you?
Starting reasons for calling
I’m calling to ask for a brochure
I’d like to arrange a meeting
Asking for details
Can I are you from? name,
Could I do you live? fax/telephone number, please?
May do you work? address,
Note: May is more formal than can or could.
Checking
Could you spell that,
Can you spell that for me, please?
(NOT May you) say that again,

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 working situation 2
products and services

practical structures: talking about products and services

Products
• What is your company’s product? • My company’s product is…
• What product does your company make? • My company makes…

Services
• What is your company’s service? • Our service is…
• What does your company offer? • We make…

Cost
• How does it cost • Its price is…
• How much is it? • It costs…

Origin
• Where is your company’s products • It’s produced in…
produced?
• Where is your company’s products • It’s made in…
made?

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working situation 3
greeting visitors

practical structures 1: greeting visitors to your countries

introducing yourself responding

Hello. I’m David Smith. Please call me David.
Hello, Mr Smith. I’ Susie from Mirage
I’m here to take you to the office.

the visitor’s journey the weather

Did you have a good flight? lovely
How was your trip? hot
journey? It’s a very cold day to day,
windy

Do you travel abroad a lot? It’s about 30 degrees.

Do you like travelling?

people’s jobs
What do you do in your company?

offering to help
Thank you. That’s very kind.
Can I help you with your bags?
Thanks.
No, It’s alright, thanks.

This way.
Thanks.
Here’s our car.
You can put your bags in the boot.

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 working situation 3
greeting visitors

practical structures 2: present and past simple

present simple past simple

Use the present simple to talk Use the past simple to talk about
about things you do regularly: completed past actions and events
Do you travel abroad a lot? at a specified time in the past.
I do about two or three trips
a years. be:
It was a good flight.
and to ask and answer about your regular verbs:
Before that,
job: irregular verbs:
I worked in
What do you do?
Distribution.
I work in accounts.
Davina lefzt
I’m a Marketing Assistant.
last week.
What does Sheila do?
She works in Administration.

Use auxiliary verb do to form Use the auxiliary verbs did to form
questions and negatives: questions and negatives with
Do you travel a lot? most verbs:
No, I don’t like travelling. Did you have a good trip?
Does Martin work with you? No, I didn’t enjoy it.
No, he doesn’t work in the same Why did you leave Amco?
office I didn’t like my boss!
but not with be:
How was your flight?
It’s wasn’t very comfortable.

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working situation 4
companies

practical structures 1: talking about the company

Name
• What is your company’s name? • My company’s name is…
• Where do you work now? • I work for…
Address
• Where is your company? • It’s in…
• It is located/ based in…
Products/Services
• What does your company produce? • We produce/ provide...
• What does it provide? • We specialize in…
Employment
• How many people are there in • There’re…
your company? • My company has…

practical structures 2: present perfect and past simple

Use the present perfect Use the past simple when there is
(have + past participle) to talk about a past time reference or when we
past events when there is no past know that something happened
time reference: at a particular time in the past:
One million people have bought Marilyn sold its baking division
the new XZ. last month

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 working situation 5
occupation

practical structures 1: talking about your job

What do you do? I’m a production manager.
What do you I work for Espinosa in the production
work for? division.

What exactly do I’m in charge of producing

batteries.
you do? responsible for the production of

It’s my job ensure that …

I manage a team of five designers.

related vocabulary 1: personal qualities

To be …, you need to have …
Ambitious Ambition
Creative Creation
Patient Patience
Confident Confidence
Experienced Experience
Qualified Qualifications
Punctual (good) communication skills
Flexible computer skills
Organized

You need to be able to work (well) in a team

on your own
under pressure

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working situation 6
comparing services

practical structures 1: modifying adverbs

We can use modifying adverbs to make an adjective stronger:
The Clifton Hotel is very big
extremely
Note: Really is more informal than very

We can also use modifying adverbs to make an adjective weaker

Parcel Speed is quite fast
fairly

We can use modifying adverbs to show a big difference between two things:
Cybernet is much More convenient than
a lot Suburban Bank

We can use modifying adverbs to show a small difference between two things:
Western Rail is a bit cheaper than TrainWest

practical structures 2: opinions

Asking for opinions
What do you think? Agreeing, completely
Giving your opinion I agree.
I think a finance course is best. Good point (I didn’t think of that).
If you ask me, a business letter
writing course is best.
Agreeing, but not completely
I see what you mean,
That’s true, but it’s useful for some of our employees
That’s a good point,
I agree up to a point,
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 working situation 7
phone messages

practical structures 1: taking and leaving phone messages

Making the call Answering the phone

Beginning Getting information
Can I speak to Tony Jakson, please? Who’s calling, please?
Saying who you are Can I have your name, please?
Hello, my name is.. Asking the caller to wait
This is Pedro Maya.. Just a moment, please
It’s Malco Hayward Can/ Could you hold, please?

Asking to leave a message Connecting to someone else

Can/ Could I leave a message? I’ll put you through
Could you give him/her a message? I’ll connect you
Other action
I will call/ ring/ phone back later Offering to take a message
Can I take a message?
Voicemail messages: Would you like to leave a message?
- Your name and company
- Name of other person Explanations
- Short, clear messages I’m afraid he’s not at his desk at the
- When to contact you moment/ he’s on another call at the
- How to contact you moment/ his line is busy right now

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working situation 8
appointment

practical structures 1: making an appointment

Making a suggestion Saying you are not available

Can I come and see you? Well, I’m pretty busy this week.
Could we meet next week? I’m tied up Thursday morning.
What about Friday? I can’t make/ do Wednesday.
How about Tuesday? I have another appointment.

Saying you are available We often use the present

I’m free all day Wednesday. continuous to explain why we
I’ve got nothing in the afternoon. cannot make an appointment:
I’ve got plans but I can cancel. Sorry, I am interviewing all day
Wednesday.
When you say “no”, try to make
another suggestion:
I’m tied up Wednesday.
What about Friday?

practical structures 2: changing an appointment

Explaining the problem

I’m my flight has been delayed

afraid train cancelled.
taxi is stuck in traffic
I’m lost

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 working situation 9
meeting

practical structures 1: organizing meeting

We are going to have meeting to

would like in order to
so that we can
Checking people availability
Can you give me your availability …. [days/dates]?
Could tell me the following dates: [dates]?
let me know
Can you tell me if you are available on ….[days/dates]?
could let me know

Giving your availability

I’m free on …. [days/dates]
….[day/date] is fine.
I am (not) available on ….[days/dates]/ the week of ….[dates]
I can/can’t make it on ….
I can/can’t make it on…
I’m not sure about …. I may able to do ….
Giving references
I’d rather (not)… My preference would be ….
I’d rather avoid …. My preferred dates would be …
I’d prefer…. The best dates for me are …
Confirming the meeting details
The meeting takes places at ….[time] in [place]
will take place on …[day/date] from 9 to 12
is/will be between 2 and 4

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working situation 9
meeting

practical structures 2: taking part in the meetings

Inviting opinions, allowing other Asking to speak

people to speak Can I make a suggestion?
What do you think? Can I just say/ add something?
What are your thoughts on this?
What does everyone think of that? Reviewing what people have said
Does everyone agree? Shall we recap/ go over what we have
Sure, go ahead said so far?
Let me just go over that?
Asking for clarification Let’s recap.
Sorry, I didn’t catch that. What did
you say? Concluding
So, that’s our decision, then. We’re
Interrupting going to ….
Sorry to interrupt/ stop you, but …. Ok, then, we all agree. Now, we need
to/
someone need to
related vocabulary 1: organizing meetings

prepare the minutes notify the participants

send out the agenda reception
circulate the canteen
organize refreshment the restaurant staff
book a room check people’s availability
individual needs (directions/
set a date and time
parking/special diet, etc
fix a finishing time/a time

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 working situation 10
negotiating

practical structures 1: negotiating with colleagues

Offering to do something Accepting a task
I’ll … Sure
Do you want me to …. No problem
(Maybe/ perhaps), I can/could …. Yes, that’s fine.
Asking someone to do something Yes, that’s good ideas.
Can you ….? All right.
Could you …?
Would you …? Rejecting a task
Would you mind….? I’d rather not, if possible
Perhaps/ maybe you could …. I’d prefer not to

practical structures 2: business negotiations

Polite requests
We’d like delivery in three weeks.
We’d like a 20% discount on this order.
Polite refusal
I’m sorry, but delivery in three weeks is very difficult for us.
I’m sorry. We can’t give you 20% discount.
Agreement with a condition
Ok, but if we deliver in three weeks, you will have to pay extra.
That’s fine, but you’ll have to pay for shipping.
Delaying tactics
I’ll have to think about that and get back to you.
I’ll have to check with my manager and call you back.
Counter suggestions
We can deliver in 5 week if we rush. Is this acceptable?
Can we offer 10% of discount?
How about 10% discount
. 20
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working situation 11
networking

practical structures 1: meeting people

introducing people
Can I introduce you to Green. He’s a new member.
Let me introduce you to Green.
Nice to meet you.
Good to meet you.
Finding out about each other
What is Delight doing here in Europe?
What are Delight’s plans here?
So How long have you been here?
How long do you plan to be here?
And your job is …?
Finding/ recommending contacts
Should I talk to about…?
Who Would be a good person to …?
Can you recommend for…?
There are lots of advertising people in the football team.
You should join.
You really must meet Jane.
Come on, I will introduce you.

practical structures 2: following up

This is Neil Challis. We met at the Chamber of Cemmerce last month.
How is it going?
How are you doing?
I made a lot of contacts through the Bankers’ Association, just as you said …
I’ve made some good contacts, thanks to you.
I’ve meet some interesting people.
I want to thank you for your help.
I just want to say “thanks”

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 working situation 12
trends
practical structures 1: describing trends
Verb
rising
It’s been a good year for us – sales are
going up/ increasing.

falling
We are having a difficult year – sales are
going down / decreasing.

We’ve had problems this year, but we’re remained steady.

pleased that sales have stayed the same.

Adverbs and adverbial phrases

To indicate a small change: a bit
Sales have fallen/ risen a little/ a
To indicate a big change: dramatically
Sales have fallen/ risen a lot/ sharply
To indicate a big change: dramatically
Sales have fallen/ risen a lot/ sharply

practical structure 2 : performance

predicting future performance
I think profits will rise in the next 3 years.
I don’t think costs will fall much, unfortunately.
I predict that sales will increase sharply over the next five years.
I hope we can/ will achieve sales of a million by 2008.
Describing past performance
Traditionally, this is our strongest seller.
Sales have been/ held steady at 5000 $ per year.
Between 2002 and 2004, we saw sales increase/ go down.

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working situation 13
effective communication
practical structures 1: suggestion
asking for suggestions
Does anyone have any suggestions/ ideas?
What can we do about this? Any ideas?
Is there anything we can do to resolve this problem?
Making a suggestion
I wonder if we could…
I wonder whether we could …
What about contacting them directly?
Could we ask the staffs for their input?
Why don’t we make some market research?
Let’s try for this month.
Accepting suggestions
That sounds a good idea/ solution.
That’s a good idea.

practical structures 2: opinion

asking for opinion
what do you think?
Don’t you think that…?
Do you agree?
Giving opinion
I think they should use the phone more.
If you ask me, they write too many emails.
I don’t think a monthly meeting is necessary.
Agreeing completely Agree but not completely
I agree I see what you mean, but
Good point. That’s true, but
I could not agree more. That’s a good point, but
Good idea. I am not sure about that.

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 working situation 14
finding work - interview
practical structures 1: writing a covering letter
saying why your are writing
I would like to apply for the post of …advertised in newspaper/
I am writing position magazine
writing about experience
you will/can see from my enclosed CV that…
I have worked for Z-plan for 3 years/ since 2003.
I have worked for 2/ several/ a number of major banks.
I have worked for GTC for 3 years/ from 2001 to 2004/ in 2003.
Writing about your skills
communication
I have good computer skills
time
Writing about qualifications

I have a degree in
a diploma in/ school qualifications.
Writing about interests, plans.

fashion.
I am interested in
working with visitors

I am keen on sport
I enjoy swimming.

I am keen to pursue a career in this area.

improve my IT skills.
Closing
I am available for interview at your convenience.
If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me.
I look forward to hearing from you.
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working situation 14
finding work - interview
practical structures 2: Job interviews
talking about your good points
What can offer this company?
What have you got to offer us?
Why should we employ you?
Why do you think we should employ you?

I am creative and dynamic.

As you see from my CV, I have strong background in…
I’m self-motivated and good at organizing my time.

talking about negative points

What about negative points?
What do you think your negative points are?
What might your current employer want you to improve?

One fault is that I am a bit of perfectionist.

I sometimes try too hard to get everything exactly right.
Recently, I’ve tried to …

talking about future plans

what about the future?
Do you know where you want to be in the next 2 years?

I would like to be the manager of a whole division in 5 years.

I hope to climb the career ladder as fast as I can.

talking about experience

Have you ever done …before?
Yes, I have, I’ve done that a lot in my current job.

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 working situation 15
presenting information

practical structures : making a presentation

getting started
thank you very much for coming today.
My name is John.
I work for BK Tech.
My presentation is called “Internet security – a hidden problem”
Outline
My presentation today will be there in 3 parts.
Firstly,
Secondly,
Thirdly,
Lastly,
Finally,
Main body
Ok, to begin, let’s analyze the problem.
As you can see on this transparency,
So, let’s move on to some examples,
And that bring me to my next points,
I could say a lot more about this, but time is moving on, so I will turn
to possible solutions.
Conclusion
Let me sum up then,
Firstly, we looked at…
Secondly,…
Last but not least,
I believe that…
And that bring me to the end of my presentation.
Are there any questions
.
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 transcripts

working situation 01 : on the phone

British Airway Club World now offers a more enjoyable service for business lass
passengers than ever before. We provide faster check in at London Heathrow
and New York JFK, and on the plane Club World has more comfortable business
class seats. They are bigger than before, and they even become beds for a good
night’s sleep! You’ll find a tastier menu, and for entertainment, there’s now a
better choice of films, and bigger TV screen.

working situation 02 : products and services

part 1
1 A: Hello, Campbell Designs.
B: Can I speak to Ms Jackson, please?
A: Speaking.
B: Ah, hello, Ms Jackson. My name is Chris Fleming. We met at

part 2
Woman: Ace Training. Can I help you?
Chris: Hello. I’m calling to ask for some information about your
course.
Woman: Certainly. Can I take some details first?
Woman: Certainly. Can I take some details first?
Chris: Yes, sure.
Woman: Can I have your name, please?
Chris: It’s ChrisPemberton
Woman: Could you spell that for me, please?
Chris: It’s Chris. C-H-R-I-S, then P-E-M-B-E-R-T-O-N
Woman: Thank you. And your company?

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 transcripts

working situation 03 : greeting visitors

Jon: Hello. I'm Jon Wright.
Maria: Oh, hello, Mr Wright. I'm Maria from Planeta.
I'm here to take you to our office.
Maria: Thank you. That's very kind.
Jon: Er, can I help you with your bags?
Jon: No, it's all right, thanks. They're not heavy.
Maria: This way. Did you have a good flight, Mr Wright?
Jon: Please call me Jon. Yes, it was a good flight, and very
short - I didn't do any work.
Maria: Never mind! Do you travel abroad a lot?
Jon: Oh, about four times a year.
Maria: Mmm, that's not too bad. Do you like travelling?
Jon: Yes, it's interesting.
Maria: I work in Marketing now, as a Marketing Assistant,
but before that I worked in Sales.
Jon: Right. Why did you change departments?
Maria: One of the Marketing Assistants left, so I applied, and
I'm very happy with it. Marketing is more interesting,
I think.
Jon: I agree. Wow! It's very hot today.
Maria: Mmm, yes. It's about 30 degrees today. Hotter than
London, I imagine.
Jon: Yes, it is. How do we get to your office?
Maria: I've got my car. Here it is. You can put your bag in the boot.

working situation 04 : companies

Seatmaster! How much time do you or your secretary spend trying to book
seats for those important events for your visiting clients? Sports matches,
theater productions…
Why not let us do it for you? Here at Seatmaster we’ll make the phone calls,
pay for the tickets, and even bring them to your office if necessary.

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transcripts

Just tell us what you want, and we’ll find it. We’re based in London, but we
provide a service to business all over Europe, for events large and small. Just
call Seatmaster on 08990

working situation 05 : occupation

1. I'm Denise O'Connor. I work for an advertising company in Dublin. I'm
responsible for all printed publicity material that the company produces, such
as leaflets and brochures. It's my job to ensure that we give our clients the
best printed advertising possible. I love my work because it's interesting and
the people I work with are great fun.

2. I'm Derek Haslam. I work for an English toy company. I'm in charge of safety
testing, so it's any job to ensure that our toys are safe for children before we
distribute them in the markets. I manage a team of ten engineers, and each of
them is responsible for a different aspect of toy safety. I like my work because
I feel I am doing something important for a lot of people.

working situation 06: comparing services

Ben: Judy, sorry to bother you. Do you know a good express
delivery service?
Judy: Well, Delivery Force are very good. They are the
company we usually use.
Ben: I know. But I need to get this document to Vienna by
tomorrow morning. What about Royal Star?
Judy: Royal Star are really expensive. But yes, they
guarantee delivery by 10 o’clock the next morning.
Delivery Force are much cheaper and they’ll probably deliver it in the
morning, anyway.
Ben: I think I’ll use Royal Star. It’s safer. I must get this
document to Vienna on time. Thanks, Judy
Judy: No problem.
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working situation 07 : phone messages

Receptionist: Sonica, good afternoon
Tony: Hello, can I speak to Nadia Gomez, please?
Receptionist: I’m afraid she’s not here today. Can I take a message?
Tony: Yes, please. This is Tony Markham, from Leisure Plus.
Receptionist: Could you spell your surname, please?
Tony: Yes, it’s M - A – R - K – H – A – M.
Receptionist: Thank you
Tony: Can you tell her I’ll email the information she wanted?
Receptionist: Sure, no problem.

working situation 08 : appointment

part 1 part 2
Tara: Hello, Tara Buckman.
Jenny: Hello, Tara. This is Jenny Jenny: I'm free all day Wednesday.
Young from BK Plastics. Tara: Sorry, Jenny, I'm interviewing all day
Tara: Hi, Jenny. How are you? Wednesday ...
Jenny: Fine, thanks, and you? but I'm free all day Thursday.
Tara: Very well. What can I do Jenny: Ah, I'm tied up Thursday morning
for you? and I have another appointment on
Jenny: We've got some new Thursday afternoon.
products which I think you Tara: What about Friday? I'm out in the
might be interested in. morning but I've got nothing in the
Tara: OK. afternoon.
Jenny: Can I come and see you this Jenny: Let me see ... I've got plans but I can
week to show you what cancel ... and I'm visiting another client
we've got? in the morning so I could come
straight to you in the afternoon.
Is two o'clock OK?
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Tara: Well, I'm pretty busy this Tara: Two o'clock's fine.
week, but ... let me look at Jenny: Great. OK ... see you on Friday
my diary ... OK. then.
Tara: Thanks, Jenny. See you then.
Jenny: Bye.
Tara: Bye.

working situation 09 : meeting

A: What do you think, Paul?
B: I don't think we should ask customers to talk about problems with our
products. We want them to look at the positive things, not the negative.
A: I agree, but then how do we get feedback from them?
B: Well, I think you can ask them to make positive suggestions.
A: That's a good idea. So, if this is the kind of feedback we want, we need
to decide how to get it.
B: Can I just say something?
A: Sure, go ahead. D: I think we should send a questionnaire to the cust
C: Sorry to interrupt, Mary, but the problem with questionnaires is that
most people don't return them.
B: Urn ...Paul?
A: I agree. If you ask me, it would be better to ask customers face-to-face
when we meet them.
B: Sony, 1 didn't quite catch that. What did you say, Paul?
C: Why not ask customers directly when we meet them?
A: I'm not so sure about that. When you ask people face-to-face, they're
often not honest in their answers.

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working situation 10 : negotiating

Clive: Right, we've just got one week until the meeting with
the people from Genus. They've got the programme for the
day and the agenda for the meeting ...

Gemma: Fine. They'll also need our latest product brochures and

new trade price lists. Can you send those out now?

Clive: Mmm ... maybe we should send the brochures but give
them the price list at the meeting.

Gemma: Yes, you're right. Do you want me to send the brochures?

Then perhaps you could organize the price lists.

Clive: Sure, no problem. Now, according to the agenda, we're

starting with a mini-presentation of the company.
Could you do that?

Gemma: Oh, well, I'm not very good with PowerPoint. I'd rather not,
if possible. Could you do it?

Clive: OK, if you welcome them and introduce everyone at the

start, I'll give the presentation.

Gemma: Thanks. Are you sure that's OK?

Clive: Yeah, that's fine.
Gemma: So, then we'll work through the agenda. I can lead the
discussions about our product range.
Do you think you could take over for production times
and delivery schedules?

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Clive: Er, I'd prefer not to talk about processes, if that's OK -

you're more familiar with those.

Gemma: All right, I'll talk about the product range and production
times if you discuss delivery schedules.
That's more your area, isn't it?

Clive: Yes, that would be better. And then it's lunch ...

Gemma: Oh ... we need to confirm numbers for the restaurant and

check if there are any special requests for food,
you know, vegetarian and so on ...
Would you be able to do that?

Clive: Mmm, I might not have time to do that ...

Gemma: That's OK, I'll get Martine to call or email them and then let
the restaurant know.

Clive: Good. Now, after lunch we've got the factory tour.
We need to arrange that.

Gemma: I'll do that. I'll ask Chris to lead it.

His tour is usually very good ...

Clive: Excellent. Then we get down to the real negotiations

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working situation 11 : networking

Sarah: Come over here, Isaac. There’s someone you should meet.
Issac: Ok
Sarah: George: Can I introduce you to Issac. He is a new member.
Issac, this is George. He imports precious stones for a
company called Gems Import. Isaac has just arrived in
London to market Financial Review magazine in Europe?
George: Really? Good to meet you, Issac. So, what’s Financial Review
doing here in Europe?

Issac: Actually, we’re producing a European edition. We’ve had an

office here for six months now and we’re about to go into
production.
George: And your job is to get sales under way?
Issac: Something like that, yes. That’s why I’m here …at Doing
business, I mean. To try to make contract with some people
in the banking and finance sector.
George: aha, well… do you play squash?
Issac: Well, I used to … but
George: Good good. There are lots of banking people in the squash
ladder. You should join – sure way to meet banking people.
Issac: excellent. Thanks for the tip. Who should talk to about this
squash ladder?
George: Ah, uhm, let’s see. Come on, I will introduce you.

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working situation 12 : trends

A: Ok, here are the figures and graphs.

B: At least

A: Yeah, let’s have a look. Er…ok…shampoo and hair care products.

B: Sales have gone up. Just as we predicted.

A: Hum, but they haven’t increased as sharply as last year.

B: Well, no. But they have risen a lot.

A: I suppose so. How about sales of bars of soap? Um, there’s a

chart here somewhere.

B: Here it is. Pretty much the same as last year by the look of it.
Mmm, they haven’t really moved since 2003. In fact, sales have
only gone up slightly since 2001.

A: Hmm. What is this one? Sales have dropped dramatically here.

B: Mouthwash, I think.

A: That’s not good. They’ve fallen sharply in the last two years.

B: I’ve got the liquid soap market share here. Looks like we’re still
the market leader, and Raquel is still our biggest competitor, as
always. But look at that new company, Gorgeous

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working situation 13 : effective communication

Mark: with all the new offices that are opening around the region,
I wonder if we could communicate a bit center.

Sonia: Yes, I’m worried that some of our people are feeling isolated.
We want them to feel like part of the team.

Eva: well, how much contact do you have now?

Mark: we mainly rely on email. But I think this is too impersonal. I think
everyone wants to hear a voice occasionally. We telephone
everyone about once a week, but this is expensive and not ideal.

Eva: Have you considered video – conferencing?

Sonia: aha, I’ve thought about it, but it’s very expensive.

Eva: what about video – conferencing on the Internet? That’s much

cheaper.

Sonia: I’m not familiar with it. Is it straightforward?

Mark: I’ve played with the software. It’s quite easy to set up and use.
I think we could install the software on computers in our offices
quite quickly.

Eva: ok, let’s look at that then. I think it could be a cheap way for us to
hace face to face meetings on a more regular basis.

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working situation 14 : finding work - interview

Inter: I am sure you’re aware of the kind of projects we are involved in.
so, what have you got to offer us? Why do you think we should
employ you?

Sara: well, I am creative and dynamic – I think my track record in my

current job proves that, and it also shows that I have good experience.
I’m self motivated and good at organizing my time. I also think I ‘m
flexible in the
way I plan my work, and I’m keen to learn.

Inter: what do you think your negative are? What might your current
employer want you to improve?

Inter: Mnhm, what is it about this post that attract you?

Sara: I think this post offers a good opportunity to develop my skills, with a
company which is obviously moving forward fast in fields that I am
interested in.
Inter: And where do you see yourself five year?
Sara: well, I am ambitious but realistic. Right now, I think I am certainly
capabl of managing project teams. With the right experience, and
furthe training of course, I would like to be the manager of a whole
division in five years. I hope to climb the career ladder as fast as I can.
But it is hard to say, is not it?

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Inter: Yes, of course. Er have you ever used the Quaddro system?

Sara: Yes I have. I haven’t used it in my current job, as the company

uses Mekra. But I used Quandro in my previous job when I
worked for LMH, from 2000 to 2002.

Inter: all right. Do you have any question for me?

Sara: yes, I have one or two written down here. I know you have a
program of staff training – what would that involve in the case of
this position?

working situation 15 : presenting information

good afternoon, every one, and, er thanks for coming at the end of a long day
of presentation when the bar probably seems more attractive than me. My
name’s Mark. I work for Leading Edge Graphics. My presentation is called
“Communication: the key to successful Business” and I hope the title explains
itself really – if not my communication obviously isn’t very successful.
My presentation today will be in three main parts: firstly, the reason why
communication is important, and my company decided to focus to improve
communication within the company; and thirdly, how this model might be
applied in other company situations, including possible problems.
Ok, to begin, let’s look at the importance of communication. I asked a number
of company managers three questions about communication in the
workplace. As you see on this transparency, I asked some fairly basic
questions just to find out …

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