BBC 6 minute English-Business English: Asking for a pay rise

Transcript of the podcast

NB: This is not a word-for-word transcript

Feifei: Welcome to another episode of 6 Minute English with me Feifei

Neil: And me Neil

Feifei: We’re talking about pay and what people earn today and Neil have you brought a salary fact to get us started

Neil: I have! The United Nations International Labour Organisation or the ILO has been looking at earnings around the world, and they’ve worked out the average person’s monthly salary. So, how much do you think it is

Feifei: How much does the average person earn? What, in dollars

Neil: Yep, US dollars. Per month. Feifei: Hmm… I’d say, hmmm, about $5,000 a month

Neil: $5,000 a month, are you sure

Feifei: Yes, am I right

Neil: Well, Feifei you’re absolutely wrong, I’m pleased to say. According to the ILO, the average worker earns $1,480 a month

Feifei: Wow, I was a bit generous there

Neil: Yes, very out of character

Feifei: Hmmm, that is a lot less than I was expecting… there’ll be a lot of people asking for pay rises then

Neil: I suppose there will! Are you going to be one of them

Feifei: You know me Neil

Neil: Yes I do. Do you feel a role-play coming on

Feifei: Do you know what – I think I do

Neil: Can I be the boss

Feifei: No, I think it’s actually my turn to be the boss

Neil: Every time, every time… so, you are the boss

Feifei: I am the boss! I don’t remember being the boss. Anyway let’s get on with the role-play: I’m the boss and you’re asking me for a pay rise. Ready

Neil: Ready

Role-play

Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat

Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you

Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise

Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that

Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think I should be rewarded

Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of

Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask

Feifei: 5%… Hmm… Well, let me think about it and get back to you

Neil: OK, thank you

Feifei: Ooooh, you’re very persuasive Neil

Neil: Haha! It’s all in the technique

Feifei: Let’s ask Business Betty to tell us more. Are you there Betty

Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty

Neil: Ah Betty, wonderful to see you. Looking fantastic as ever, you’ve been on holiday

BB: Thank you Neil. Yeah, lovely, Costa Brava, very nice

Neil: With a destination like that, I am sure you earn a lot more than $1,480 a month, don’t you

BB: Neil, Neil, Neil, you should really know that in British culture, it’s terribly impolite to ask people how much they earn

Neil: Sorry Betty, yes, you’re quite right. I shouldn’t ask you that. But can I ask you to tell us how to ask for a pay rise

BB: You most certainly can Neil. There are a few things to remember when you’re asking for a pay rise. First, make sure it’s a good time to ask

Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat

BB: Next, use verbs like ‘think’, ‘feel’ and ‘believe’. And use adverbs like ‘really’ for added emphasis

Neil: I think I should have a pay rise. I really believe that I’ve grown in the job

BB: Give reasons why you should get a pay rise

Neil: I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility lately. My last project was very successful

BB: Be clear about what you want

Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask

BB: And always, always be polite

Neil: OK, thank you, please. Thank you, please, please

BB: So to sum up: if you’re asking for a pay rise, make sure it’s a good time, use phrases like ‘I really think’, give your reasons, say what you want and be polite! Anything else I can do for you

Neil: No Betty. You’ve done more than enough already, thanks Betty

BB: Then I’ll be on my way. Goodbye

Neil / FF: Bye

Neil: Full of good advice our Betty

Neil: Let’s do the role-play again shall we

Feifei: Shall we

Role-play

Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat

Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you

Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise

Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that

Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think that should be rewarded

Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of

Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask

Feifei: 5%… Hmm… Well I’ll think about it and get back to you

Neil: OK, thank you

Neil: Only 5%, that’s not much to ask, is it? Maybe I should have gone for 10%

Feifei: Neil, we’ve finished the role-play

Neil: 15%? Final offer

Feifei: It’s done. No, I can’t give you a pay rise Neil, I am not your boss really. I’ll buy you a drink after work instead. Is that OK

Neil: Champagne

Feifei: No, a drink – a pint of beer. Right, I think that brings us to the end of today’s programme. Neil

Neil: Yes that’s all. Good luck to you at home if you’re asking for a pay rise anytime soon and join us again for more 6 Minute English

Neil / FF: Bye