Category Archives: Intermediate

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 26 – Connecting Flights and Travel Problems

In this Business English Podcast we’re going to look at the language used for more direct requests, when our traveler and a ticket agent discuss new travel plans due to a missed connecting flight in Paris.

It might be helpful to first listen to first episode in this series (BEP 25), to hear the language of polite, indirect requests, and then listen to this podcast, which uses more direct language for requests and suggestions. As you listen, also notice the more direct tone used in parts of their conversation, especially as Robert gets excited.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 25 – Airport Check In and Making Polite Requests

In this two-part Business English Podcast series, we will be looking at the vocabulary used when traveling by air, and proper and polite forms of making and answering requests.

In this episode, our traveler Robert is arriving at the airport to fly from Sydney Australia to Nice, France. But he must first fly to Paris, and then fly from Paris to Nice. As you listen, pay attention to the phrases used for polite requests.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 23 (Transcript) – Telephoning: Handling a Difficult Customer

In this Business English Podcast we’re going to talk how to deal with problems with the caller in a business-to-business situation. With the proper language and phrases, you can show the caller that you want to help, and reassure them that you can help solve the problem.

Related Podcasts: BEP 21 and BEP 22
Key Language: handling enquiries and clarifcation techniques.

Transcript & Study Notes.

BEP 22 (Transcript) – Telephoning: Handling Enquiries and Technical Problems

Today we continue our Business English Podcast series on making telephone calls in English by looking at how to deal with technical problems and clarify information using alternative choice questions. This questioning technique is useful when you need to clarify important information or reach a decision.

Related Podcasts: BEP 21 and BEP 23
Key Language: handling enquiries and clarifcation techniques.

Transcript & Study Notes.