UNIT 10 - Business socializing
In this unit you will learn how to socialize at corporate events and have social conversations with business partners.
STARTING OUT
Some business people are talking after work. Try to guess the answers to the questions as you listen the first half of the audio. After that, listen to the second half and check your answers on the next tab.
Please, have a seat.
Can I get you something to drink?
Would you like some tea?
Would you like me to make the reservations?
Could you call a taxi for me, please?
Thank you.
Coffee, please.
I’d prefer coffee.
Yes, thank you very much.
Yes, of course.
Now listen again and repeat. Then, set with one of your colleagues to practice this conversation with the supervision of your teacher.
LET'S TALK
Listen to this conversation at the cafeteria during the coffee break and check the words and expressions you know. The new ones will be CREAM OR SUGAR? and BLACK.
Now listen again and do yourself the visitor’s part as many times as necessary for a good performance. Then, record it and send the audio to your teacher.
LISTEN TO ME
Listen to these social conversations at a corporate event. Then, choose the tab that brings only the correct information according to what each person wants.
CHOOSE ONE
The man wants desert.
Ms. Salas wants coffee but Janet wants juice.
Lin wants to meet and talk to the man in the gray suit.
The woman wants sugar.
Mr. Kato wants to go shopping.
The man wants tea.
Ms. Salas wants juice but Janet wants coffee.
Lin wants to meet and talk to the man in the gray suit.
The woman wants sugar cream and sugar.
Mr. Kato wants to go sightseeing.
The man wants coffee.
Ms. Salas wants juice and Janet wants juice, too.
Lin wants to meet and talk to the man in the blue suit.
The woman wants cream and sugar.
Mr. Kato wants to rest.
LET'S READ
Business gifting
Giving gifts is an important part of business and culture all around the world. However, there are many different customs and practices from country to country. But most corporate gifts are non-expensive ones.
The most important thing is the thought behind the gift to show you care about the other person’s experience. Choosing a typical gift from your country is always a good idea.
What not to give?
Just be careful not to give something that may have a double meaning like red roses, handkerchiefs or knives, for example.
LISTEN AGAIN
Listen to the audio with information about currency exchange rates and write the numbers you hear. Then, check your answers with your colleagues.
UP TO YOU
Are you ever in charge of socializing with business partners?
How often do you take part in corporate events?
Do you receive business gifts very often?
What are good gifts to give to business people in your opinion?
Which gifts do you think are not a good idea?
How much is a Dollar today converted to Brazilian currency?
SUMMARIZING
Can I get you… ?
Could you…, please?
Cream or sugar?/Black
Double meaning
Handkerchief
Have a seat
I’d be happy to
Introduce
Knife/knives
Non-expensive
Of course
Would you like… ?
