Search Results for: PDF

BEP 22 – Telephoning: Handling Enquiries and Technical Problems

A new version of this lesson is available here: BEP 22c – Telephone English: Making Enquiries

In this Business English Podcast lesson we continue our 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.

Premium Members: PDF Transcripts

Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 21 – Telephoning: Opening Calls and Taking Messages

A new version of this lesson is available here: BEP 21 A – Telephone Skills: Starting a Call

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.

Premium Members: Study Notes

Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 20 – Meetings: Supporting your Position (Part 3)

A new version of this lesson is available here: BEP 20c – Presenting a Cohesive Argument

In the final episode of our three-part series on supporting your position in meetings, we look at language used to make your statements more persuasive.

Jack is going to summarize his proposal for the move to Costa Rica and hopes to get a final recommendation on the outsourcing project to present to the Board. He must persuade the managers to proceed, and answer the objections raised at the last meeting.

Key language: Making coherent, persuasive arguments, and effective use of language to support your arguments.

Premium Members: Study Notes

Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 19 – Meetings: Supporting your Position (Part 2)

A new version of this lesson is available here: BEP 19c – Arguing For or Against a Position

Welcome to the second part of our Business English Pod series on how to support your position or argument in meetings.

Our friend Jack is giving an update on the Costa Rican project. Dan is against the idea, because as production manager, he doesn’t want to lose all his staff. The HR manager, Angie, also doesn’t want to lay off her US staff, and is worried about the difficulty of hiring workers in another country. Jack tries to defend his plan, but has difficulty supporting his argument.

Key Language: emphasizing, minimizing, supporting points & vocal stress.

Premium Members: PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 17 – Meetings: Supporting your Position (Part I)

*** This podcast has been updated with a new two-part series.***

Please click the links below to go to the new versions of this lesson:
BEP 17 (Redux) – Part 1
BEP 17 (Redux) – Part 2

In the first part of our series on making and supporting your arguments in meetings, we cover the key English language used to organise your thoughts and support your ideas. In later episodes we’ll look deeper into the topic and provide further examples of language you can use to support your position.

Premium Members: PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

Business News 01 (Transcript) – Business Communication

This is the transcript for the first of our regular Business English News podcasts. We hear how people communicate at work and the different factors that can affect how communication takes place.

We suggest that you first listen to the reading and make a note of any English words you are not familiar with. Then read a copy of the article and see if you can guess the meaning of the words by looking at how it is used. Finally, listen to the explanation and discussion of the vocabulary and see if you guessed correctly.

Members: PDF Transcript

Business News 3 – 200 Million Dollar Mistake

Our news story today is about a share trader in a Japanese bank who made perhaps the worlds most expensive typing error!

After you listen to the story, we’ll explain some of the new vocabulary and provide further examples of how it can be used. The transcript for this Business English News podcast is in the ‘Archives’ section:

Members: PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

BEP 15 – Telephoning: Handling a Problem

*Update: A new version of BEP 15 is available here. The new version includes a new recording of the explanations and greatly improved audio for the dialog and examples.

Problems, and more problems. Sometimes business seems to be all about dealing with problems. And when dealing with problems in a second language over the telephone, we need to be especially careful in our discussions, since we cannot see the reactions of the other party.

In today’s Business English Podcast we’ll listen to business people discussing a delivery problem over the phone. Then, we’ll review the language that is used to establish relationships, discuss the problem and come to agreement on a solution.

Members: PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3

Business News 02 – Cultural Awareness

Today, more than ever business success requires intercultural awareness and effective cross cultural communication skills.

Working, meeting, dealing, entertaining, negotiating and corresponding with colleagues or clients from different cultures can be full of obstacles. One wrong movement or basic misunderstanding could ruin or delay months of work.

Understanding and appreciating intercultural differences promotes clearer communication, breaks down barriers, builds trust, strengthens relationships, opens business opportunities.

Follow this link for great tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business worldwide: www.executiveplanet.com

Members: PDF Transcript

Download: Podcast MP3