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BEP 127 – English Meetings: Discussing a Problem (2)

Business English, English for Meetings, ESL Podcast, Intermediate English /

This second part of a two-part Business English Podcast series on running and participating in a problem-solving meeting.

In the first part of this meeting (see BEP 126), the team spent time answering the question: “What is the problem?” In today’s episode, we’re going to focus on how to brainstorm solutions to a problem through discussion, how to evaluate and eliminate suggestions and then agree a plan of action.

Kathryn, the head of Human Resources at a medium-sized company, is meeting with department heads to discuss a problem they are having with low staff morale. The team has identified the root cause of the problem as the separation of staff across 3 different office locations.

Kathryn wants everyone to critique the ideas that the group has brought forward, in order to eliminate impractical suggestions. We’ll see how she confirms the best solution and how her team suggests points for action. As the dialog starts, Kathryn closes the brainstorming session and sums up the input that has been received.

Listening Questions

1) How many ideas does the group come up with for solving the staff morale problem?
2) Which idea does the group agree is the best one to try?
3) Name one of the action points suggested near the end of the meeting.

*** This lesson is part of our Business English eBook for meetings: Meeting Essentials. Premium members click here to download the complete eBook.

Premium Members: Study Notes | Quizzes | PhraseCast | Lesson Module

Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 126 – English Meetings: Discussing a Problem (1)

Business English, English for Meetings, ESL Podcast, Intermediate English /

One of the most common reasons for holding a meeting is to solve a problem. A meeting can be a great place to do this, because it is possible for a variety of people with different experiences and perspectives to work together to identify the problem and come up with possible solutions.

But, while we might have the right people at the meeting, the process is often flawed because one question hasn’t clearly been asked and answered: “What is the problem?” So, in today’s episode we’re going to focus on how to define the problem through discussion and then restate the problem as a challenge. In the second part of this series, we’ll look at how to evaluate and eliminate suggestions and then agree on a plan of action.

We’ll be listening to Kathryn, the head of Human Resources at a medium-sized company, who is meeting with department heads to discuss a problem they’re having with low staff morale across all departments of the company. Morale is a word used to describe a general feeling or mood.

Kathryn wants everyone to consider possible hidden reasons for low morale at the company. We’ll see how she helps participants focus on breaking down the morale problem. As the dialog starts, Kathryn calls everyone to attention and begins the meeting.

Listening Questions:

1) What is the surface problem that Kathryn and the others can see?
2) What does the group decide is the true cause of this problem?
3) What is the challenge that the group faces at the end of the dialog?

*** This lesson is part of our Business English eBook for meetings: Meeting Essentials. Premium members click here to download the complete eBook.

Members: Study Notes | Quizzes | PhraseCast | Lesson Module

Download: Podcast MP3

ET 05 – Discussing Design Changes

Business English, Business Writing, English Video /
YouTube video

In this episode of Email Tune-up we’re looking at an email from Kenny, who works for a bathroom fixtures, or equipment, manufacture. He is writing to his colleague, John, to inform him about the changes he has made to the design of a shower door.

Tip: Select the “HQ” option in the YouTube menu to see a high quality version of this video.

Premium Members: PDF Transcript | Online Practice

Download: Podcast Video

VV 11 – GAAP: Generally Accepted Accounting Principles

Business English, Business English Vocabulary, English Video, Finance and Accounting /
YouTube video

In this episode of Video Vocab we take a look at financial English and accounting vocabulary related to the key components of GAAP or Generally Accepted Accounting Principles. GAAP is a set of rules followed by accountants in preparing companies’ financial statements.

First we’ll hear a short article introducing the vocabulary. Then we’ll go over each word in detail, with some example sentences to show how you can use the words. At the end of the video you’ll have a chance to review and practice your new vocabulary.

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Download: Podcast Video

Business English for Negotiations e-Book Preview

Announcements, Business English e-Books, Negotiating /

Business English for Negotiations eBookThis is a preview of our new Business English e-book on negotiation skills: Successful Negotiations in English for ESL Learners.

Business English Pod e-Books enable you to learn on the go with MP3 audio lessons, review key language and techniques with the detailed PDF study guide, including a full transcript of each lesson; and practice useful phrases and language with interactive quizzes.

Click the launch button to view the online quizzes for Unit 407 – Bargaining:

You can purchase the complete e-book, including the PDF study guide, podcast lessons, key language and practice MP3, and access to the online Flash quizzes and vocabulary flashcards, by clicking the button below:

BEP 125 – Travel English: Renting a Car

Business English, ESL Podcast, Intermediate English, Travel /

Business travelers can’t always get where they need to go by catching a plane or taking a taxi. Sometimes we need our own means of transport, and that usually means renting a car. So, in this ESL podcast we’ll cover language you can use when choosing a car, discussing features and clarifying insurance options.

In the last episode (BEP 124 – Checking our of a Hotel), we met Honesto Salvador and Alan Chan, who have just finished attending a training program sponsored by their company in Boston. They’ve just arrived now at Logan Airport, where they need to rent a car for their upcoming trip to New Haven.

As you listen, pay attention to the language they use to ask about vehicle types, standard features, extras and insurance options.

Listening Questions

1. What kind of car would Honesto prefer?
2. What features are standard on all Beevis cars?
3. Why does Honesto not need extra insurance?

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Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 124 – Travel English: Checking Out of a Hotel

A2, Business English, Customer Service, ESL Podcast, Intermediate English, Travel /

If you’ve ever checked into a hotel, there’s one more thing you’ll definitely have to do before you leave, check out of the hotel and pay the bill. So, in this Business English Podcast lesson we’ll be looking at some of the language you might use as you’re preparing to depart.

A while back, in BEP 55 and BEP 56, we were introduced to Alan Chan and Honesto Salvador, two employees of a US electronics manufacturer visiting the USA on a business trip. As part of their training they have made a trip to Boston and will also travel to a nearby plant in New Haven. We join Alan and Honesto at the hotel in Boston as they go to reception to check out and pay the bill.

Listening Questions

1. How does Honesto feel about breakfast at the hotel?
2. Who was responsible for the minibar charge?
3. Why does Honesto mention his club membership?
4. How will Alan and Honesto get to the airport?

Premium Members: PDF Transcript | PhraseCast

Download: Podcast MP3