BBC 6 minute English-Business English: Punctuality
Transcript of the podcast
NB: This is not a word-for-word transcript
Feifei: Hello I’m Feifei and welcome to another episode of 6 Minute English
Neil: Hi, I’m Neil
Feifei: Oh, here you are Neil, I was just about to start without you
Neil: No need, no need, I’m never late for anything, you know that! Punctuality is my middle name
Feifei: Punctuality meaning: being on time for things
Neil: Yes, punctuality means not being late. It’s very important in Western working culture. Are you a punctual person Feifei
Feifei: I’m always punctual in my working life, but in my personal life
Neil: OK, I don’t want to know. That’s interesting Feifei because the psychiatrist Dr Keith Ablow, says the three most common causes for lateness are: firstly, worrying about the appointment, secondly, a need to show power or superiority, and the third reason for people being late is that they have a need to know they are loved. So Feifei, which one is you? Sounds like you are a mixture of all of them
Feifei: No comment – let’s move on
Neil: Let’s hear what some of our friends and colleagues have to say about punctuality
I think living in London, you find the most common reason for being late is transport because it’s not very reliable – whenever you are rushing somewhere, you think you are OK with time, but suddenly your train is delayed: if you have to change to another train, you might miss that train and it’s going to make you be even later than you intended to be
Feifei: Well that’s very interesting. Generally speaking, if you’re going to be late for something, it’s polite to call and let people know
Neil: It is. And here’s a clip of someone doing just that
Joe: Joe Smith speaking
Sarah: Hi Joe, it’s Sarah. I’m on my way to the meeting but I’m afraid the traffic’s terrible. I’m sorry but I think I’m going to be late
Joe: OK, don’t worry. What time do you think you’ll get there
Sarah: To be honest, it’s hard to say. I’ve been here for 30 minutes and the traffic is at a standstill. I think I’ll be about 15 minutes late
Joe: OK, thanks for letting me know. If you’re going to be any later, call me again
Sarah: OK, will do. Sorry again. See you soon
Neil: So, that was Sarah calling to say she’s going to be late and if I’m not mistaken
Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty
BB: Hello! I’m not late am I
Neil: Not at all, and I wouldn’t care if you were
BB: Thank you Neil
Feifei: You’re just in time to tell us how to say you’re going to be late for something
BB: Oh that’s good, I hate being late for things. Right – so to business. Now, in the English speaking world, if you are going to be late for an appointment, you should let people know. There are three things you need to do here. First, apologise. Second, explain why you’re late. And third, say when you think you’ll arrive. So, first: apologise. Here’s what Sarah said
Sarah: I’m sorry but I think I’m going to be late
BB: “I’m sorry but I think I’m going to be late” – nice and simple. She apologised again at the end of the conversation
Sarah: Sorry again
BB: Second, explain why you’re late. Sarah said
Sarah: I’m on my way to the meeting but I’m afraid the traffic’s terrible. I’ve been here for 30 minutes and the traffic is at a standstill
BB: Let’s hear that again
Sarah: I’m on my way to the meeting but I’m afraid the traffic’s terrible. I’ve been here for 30 minutes and the traffic is at a standstill
BB: And third, say when you think you’ll arrive
Sarah: I think I’ll be about 15 minutes late
BB: And again
Sarah: I think I’ll be about 15 minutes late
BB: And then, stop worrying! When you finally get to your meeting, don’t go rushing straight in. Take a couple of minutes first, to calm down and freshen up, so that you appear professional, not panicky. A quick apology when you arrive – “Sorry I’m late everyone” and then it’s down to business. So, I hope that’s helpful
Neil: Very very helpful
Feifei Yes, thanks Betty
BB: Good, because I have to go now, I’ve got a meeting and I don’t want to be late. Bye
Neil / FF: Bye
Neil: She’s very good
Feifei: Shall we listen to the clip again
Neil: I think we should
Joe: Joe Smith speaking
Sarah: Hi Joe, it’s Sarah. I’m on my way to the meeting but I’m afraid the traffic’s terrible. I’m sorry but I think I’m going to be late
Joe: OK, don’t worry. What time do you think you’ll get there
Sarah: To be honest, it’s hard to say. I’ve been here for 30 minutes and the traffic is at a standstill. I think I’ll be about 15 minutes late
Joe: OK, thanks for letting me know. If you’re going to be any later call me again
Sarah: OK, will do. Sorry again. See you soon
Feifei: So that’s what to do if you’re running late
Neil: Yes, so next time Feifei, can you set off a bit earlier? I don’t want to hang around. Feifei: Yes set off earlier, you Neil
Neil: Well, you don’t want to talk about your personal life, do you? So I won’t mention that thing
Feifei: You were the one that was late for the programme
Neil: Yes, but generally speaking, it’s you, isn’t it? Anyway, make sure you join us for the next episode of 6 Minute English
Feifei: And DON’T be late! Bye