English at work – Episode 3 : The Crisis

Transcript of the podcast

Narrator: Here we are again at Tip Top Trading, where Anna’s interview for a sales job has been suddenly interrupted. Office assistant Denise has entered the room, looking very worried. What’s wrong? And will Anna have any suggestions that might help

!Denise: I don’t know what to do

?Paul: So what’s the matter Denise

?Denise: You know the PowerPoint presentation

?Paul: The one we’ve been preparing for the last two months

.Denise: Yes

?Paul: The one that’s very, very important and that we need this afternoon

.Denise: That one

.Paul: Aha

!Denise: We’ve lost everything

!Paul: No

!Denise: I had it on a USB stick, to transfer it, but the stick has vanished

Narrator: Right Anna, now is your chance to help them find solutions to the problem. You’ll need phrases like

?Can I make a suggestion
?…Why don’t you
?…Have you tried
?…Maybe we could
?…How about
!I have an idea

?Paul: But don’t you have it saved on your computer

.Denise: No, it was taking up a lot of space, so I deleted it

.Paul: So you have lost the only copy we have

.Denise: Yes

.Narrator: What idiots! I’ve never seen such a disorganised office. Go on, you’d better help them, Anna

?Anna: Can I make a suggestion

!Paul: Yes, please do

.Anna: Why don’t you try looking in your recycle bin? It might still be there

.Denise: I did. It isn’t

?Anna: Have you tried asking your colleagues if they’ve seen the memory stick

.Denise: I did. They haven’t

?Anna: How about looking through your rubbish bin to see if you threw it away by mistake

!Denise: (getting shirty) I don’t do silly things like that

.Paul: All very sensible suggestions Anna, thank you

.Anna: Maybe I could do a big office search for you…? I’m good at finding things

.Denise: There are confidential documents in this office – non-staff are not allowed to see them

?Paul: Now, now Denise. Why don’t you drink up that nice tea

?Anna: I have an idea! Did you ever email the presentation to anyone

Paul: Golly gosh, you did Denise! You emailed it to me to proof-read. It’ll be in my inbox somewhere. Good thinking Anna

.Denise: I was just about to suggest that myself

!Paul: Problem solved. Thank you Anna

.Anna: Pleasure

!Narrator: Well done Anna

Paul: Right, now please leave us Denise. Anna and I will continue our interview. Would you like a biscuit Anna

?Anna: Thank you. Oh, what’s that

.Paul: Oh golly gosh, the USB stick! It was mixed in with the plate of biscuits that Denise brought in

!Anna: It’s wet

?…Paul: Yes, I think maybe I stirred my tea with it at one point. Oh well. Now, where were we

My goodness, it’s 11 o’clock! I have a meeting right now! I’m afraid I’m going to have to go. But I’ve made my mind up about you anyway. I suppose you’d like to know if you’ve got the job

!Anna: Yes please

Narrator: Ah – Stop right there! I’m sure everybody would like to know if Anna’s got the job – but everybody’s going to have to wait until we’ve heard her helpful phrases once again

?Can I make a suggestion
?Why don’t you try looking in your recycle bin
?Have you tried asking your colleagues if they’ve seen the memory stick
?…How about
?…Maybe I could do a big office search for you
?…How about looking through your rubbish bin
!I have an idea

Paul: Anna, we need someone who can think on her feet and who is a first-rate people person. Someone who sees solutions, not problems… someone like you! So if you want the job, it’s yours

Narrator: Ah, now think carefully Anna – do you really want to work for these people? They seem a bit… disorganised

!Anna: I would definitely like the job! Thank you

.Narrator: So be it. Join us again next week for Anna’s first day as a sales executive at Tip Top Trading