Part III Business Conversations

I.

1. Read the conversation

Anne’s boss, Richard Brooks, has offered her a job in the New York office of the company. They are talking about it now.

A: It’s a very difficult decision for me to make.

R: Yes, I can understand that. But I hope you agree that it’s a wonderful opportunity for you. You’ll earn a much better salary.

A: Yes, I know I’ll have a better salary, but ...

R: Yes? But? Go on.

A: Will I have more money?

R: I’m not sure I understand. What do you mean?

A: Well, first of all, the cost of living in New York is much higher than here in London.

R: I don’t agree. Some things are more expensive there. Other things are much cheaper.

A: Let’s come back to that later. It isn’t the only reason it’s so difficult for me to decide.

R: Oh? Isn’t it?

A: No. Another reason is the cost of moving. That will be very expensive.

R: But we’ll help you with the moving expenses. Didn’t I tell you that?

A: No, I’m afraid you didn’t.

R: Oh, didn’t I? I’ll come back to that later too. But now I’d like to help you understand what a wonderful opportunity the job in New York really is! America is the most important market in the world. Don’t forget these things when you make your decision.

A: I’ll think about all these things, Richard, but you gave me only a week to decide. That isn’t enough.

R: All right. I’ll give you more time. Two weeks from today. That’ all I can give you.

2. Focus your attention on the words and expressions you could use in business talks.

to agree - соглашаться

cost of living – стоимость жизни

to earn – зарабатывать

to make a decision – принимать решение

moving expenses – расходы на переезд

salary – оклад, жалованье

3. Discuss with your partner pros and cons of a new job.

II.

1. Read the conversation

Anne Brown is talking to one of her assistant, Peter Woods.

A: You’re been working here for two months now, Peter. How do you feel about it?

P: I really enjoy it. I feel, I’ve learned a lot about the job.

A: Good. Have you had any problems?

P: No.

A: Really? None at all?

P: Well, last week I had … I wouldn’t call it a problem but … difficulty.

A: Yes. Tell me about it.

P: You asked me to get some information for that report on Software Engineering. I didn’t know where to find it. That’s why it took me so long to get it.

A: Why didn’t you ask for help?

P: Well … because … I didn’t want to say that I needed help to do the job. I didn’t want to make a bad impression.

A: Hmm, I see. Can I give you some advice, Peter?

P: Yes, of course. What?

A: You’ll make a far better impression if you ask for help and then do the job really well. If you don’t know where something is or what you should do, you should say so.

2. Focus your attention on the words and expressions you could use in business talks:

to get information on … – собирать информацию о …

to give advice – давать совет

to make a good (bad, favourable, negative) impression – производить хорошее (плохое, благоприятное, отрицательное) впечатление

report – отчет

How do you feel about – Что Вы думаете о …?

3. Talk to your new assistant and find out if she or he faces any problems working for your company.

III.

1. Read the conversation

Last month Anne Brown was offered a job in the New York office of the company she works for. She is talking to her boss, Richard Brooks, about it now.

A: I’ve been thinking a lot about your offer.

R: I know it’s a very difficult decision for you. But before …

A: Yes, it’s been very difficult. But I’ve made up my mind now.

R: You … you have?

A: Yes, I’ve decided to accept your offer.

R: What? You mean … you’d like to take the job in New York?

A: Yes. Exactly.

R: But the last time we discussed this, you said you didn’t think you would be happy in New York. In fact, I was sure you were going to turn our offer down.

A: Yes, I know what I said, Richard. But now I’ve changed my mind. I’ve realized that the job in New York is a wonderful career opportunity. In fact, I’m looking forward to it. You see …

R: Before you go on, Anne, there’s something I should tell you. I hope you won’t be disappointed. Well … we’re changed our minds too, Anne. We want you to stay here in London. We are going to offer you a better job. We intend to promote you.

2. Read and keep in mind the following useful words and expressions:

to accept offer – принимать предложение

to turn an offer down – отклонять предложение

to make up one’s mind – решить

to change one’s mind – передумать

career opportunity – шанс, возможность продвинуться по службе