Hello everyone, my name is Christopher Astolfi and I am from the USA. I have been living and working in China for the past 7 years. I have an MBA in international Business Management from Saint Leo University in Florida. I have worked with Saint Leo to establish MBA programs here in China as well as working with other institutions to deliver quality education products here. I also work as a management consultant, helping business leaders solve problems and create efficiency in their organizations.
In this class we will look at a few work related scenarios and you will have a brief opportunity to practice. This class is a preview of a new series of classes that will be run at www.100e.com. In this new series students will learn to communicate effectively in English in all business situations. This will include speaking, conducting negotiations, hosting guests, and reading basic documents. We will also tackle some of the more complex issues like writing e-mails, letters, and presentations. Each unit will use a combination of methods to ensure that students get the maximum benefit. Each unit is 8 weeks long and will have both Chinese and Foreign teachers actively working with you to facilitate your learning. In addition, there are self study portions of the course designed to reinforce your learning. Tommy and the rest of the 100e group will be providing you with more information about this, for now let’s begin today’s lesson.
TODAY’S LESSON: Today we will look at two common business situations and try some role play in each situation. Also we will discuss some of the basic vocabulary for each situation.
SITUATION 1: MAKING AN APPOINTMENT – It is common that we have to make appointments by telephone. This requires us to be flexible and to understand some changes in tone and language. It also means we need to move beyond a simple dialogue and think on your feet.
ARRANGE A MEETING
Caller: As the caller, you must introduce yourself and the reason for your call. You are calling to arrange a meeting with the recipient about a business deal. You should be friendly but also get directly to your point. You want to arrange your meeting for next week. You are available on Wednesday afternoon or evening, Thursday Morning before 12, or Friday any time. You are not available at all on Monday or Tuesday. You want the recipient to come to your office or a coffee shop, you do not want to go to his/her office.
Call Recipient: As the person answering the call you must determine who is calling and what they want. When you know what they want you must arrange a meeting for next week. You are only available Tuesday Afternoon, Wednesday morning, or Thursday morning. You are not available at all on Monday or Friday. You want to meet in your office or an outside place, you do not want to meet in his/her office.
Here is a sample of what the call might look like:
Caller: Hi, My name isChristopher, I am calling from 100e about our order of new computers. Your company has provided the computers but we need more. I would like you to come to our office to discuss this.
Recipient: Hi Christopher. I am Sally with the XYZ computer company. I would be happy to talk with you about your computer needs next week. When is a convenient time for you?
Caller: I am available next week on Wednesday afternoon, or Thursday morning or any time on Friday.
Recipient: Oh, Could you possibly make it on Tuesday?
Caller: No, unfortunately I am booked all day on Tuesday.
Recipient: Ok. Lets try for Thursday morning then. Could you come here to meet with me? That way I could show you some samples.
Caller: Thank you. Thursday morning would be good, but I can’t come all the way to your office. Could you meet me here?
Recipient: Sorry, I can’t make it there on Thursday morning. Could you meet me down town at the UBC coffee shop?
Caller: That sounds good. Do you mean the one near Niu Ren Jie or the one near Dong Zhi Men?
Recipient: The one near Niu Ren Jie would be better fro me.
Caller: Great. I will see you there at 930 on Thursday morning.
Recipient: Good. I am looking forward to it. See you then.
This exercise is a common situation. Try both sides and see what you can do to change the exercise. Can you react to different situations?
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