Episode 26 - Farewell

Chairman: Good morning. David can’t be with us today; he’s visiting a client in Guangzhou. OK, let’s start the meeting. Mandy will go through the minutes of our last meeting. [teaching points: Apologies for absence; starting; going thru minutes]

Mandy...

[In a cocktail/trade fair]

Dialogue 1 (showing bluntness)

A: Hello. How’re you?

B: Who are you? I don’t know you. X

A: Oh …

Dialogue 2 (showing careful language and proper etiquette)

A: Hello, Mandy Wong?

B: Oh, hi … Have we met before?

A: I...

Demonstrating mistakes:

Telephonist: Hello. Who is it?

Caller: My name is Laura.

Telephonist: What do you want?

Caller: I'd like to speak to Mrs. Hutch.

Telephonist: She isn't here. Leave a message.

Caller: (frustrated) Could you …?

Impoved:...

Client: Good morning. I have an appointment at 4 pm.

Receptionist: May I have your name, please?

Client: My name is Mandy Wong.

Receptionist: Miss Wong, you have an appointment with Dr Chin, but I’m afraid that Dr. Chin is out of the clinic for an...

Version showing errors:

Interviewer: Tell me about your academic qualifications, please.

Interviewee: F.7.

Interviewer: Do you have any work experience?

Interviewee: Yes. X (Elaboration required)

Interviewer: What is your job?

Interviewee: Recen...

Policeman: Madam, do you know that it’s against the law to jaywalk?

Woman: I know. The man’s green!

Policeman: Yes, it’s green now. But it was red when you crossed the road. Can I see your ID?

Woman: Am I under arrest? You’re putting me in jail?

P...

(In a pet shop and the customer has just bought a pet dog/cat)

Customer: I’ve never kept a pet before. Can you give me some tips on taking care of a dog/cat? Is a vet visit necessary?

Shop assistant: These are the things you should do. Have your...

(1)

Manager: Hello, Mary, do you feel better now?

Employee: Yes, much better. I went to the doctor and here’s the doctor’s note.

Manager : Well, we require a doctor’s note for any sick leave beyond 2 days. You took one day off, so you don’t have t...

(1)

Customer: How much is this?

Sales Assistant: That’s $580, ma’am.

Customer: Is there any discount?

Sales Assistant: I’m afraid there is no discount on this item. It’s new arrival.

Customer: OK, thank you.

(2)

Customer: How much is this?

Sa...