Category Archives: Functions

BEP 27 INT (Transcript) – Meetings: Expressing Opinions

In this intermediate Business English Pod episode, we look at ways to give and ask for opinions. We’ll be looking at the formal (or careful) language often used in meetings, as well as the more informal (or direct) language used in casual discussions.

This episode is the first in a regular series of intermediate level podcasts focused on functional Business English language. Each podcasts will introduce and explain how to use a particular type, or function, of language (eg. expressing an opinion, making a suggestion or clarifying information etc.). These podcasts are also designed to support our more challenging advanced level episodes by breaking down the featured language into smaller, more easily understood chunks.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 21 (Transcript) – Telephoning: Opening Calls and Taking Messages

This is an intermediate level Business English Podcast on making telephone calls in English. Some of the key language phrases we cover in this episode are: identifying yourself and the caller, stating the purpose of your call and leaving a message.

These telephone calls are about a contract between a large aircraft company and one of its suppliers, also known as a subcontractor. The contracts department from the client is calling to ask about a proposal it is expecting from the supplier for a new contract. Time is very short for all the proposals to be received, and so far, the aircraft company hasn’t received anything from this supplier.

Related Podcasts: BEP 22 and BEP 23
Key Language: handling enquiries and clarifcation techniques.

Follow this link for the complete telephone alphabet:
http://www.dynamoo.com/technical/nato-phonetic-alphabet.pdf

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 102 (Transcript) – Presentations: Signposting your Presentation

Signposting is informing listeners about what is to be presented in a presentation, and constantly informing listeners as to where they are during your presentation.

The term “signposting” comes from signs posted on street corners, which tell travelers where they are and where they are going. In presentations, signposting is informing the listener as to what things are going to be talked about, and when sections have been completed and new sections are begun.

Transcript & Study Notes.

Online Activities & Exercises