English at work – Episode 4 : Doing lunch

Transcript of the podcast

Narrator: Last week, Anna got the job of sales executive at Tip Top Trading, thanks to her quick-thinking in an office crisis. Today it’s her first day in the office. How are you feeling now, Anna

.Anna: Excited, but a bit worried. I really want to make a good first impression

:Narrator: Well, you’re going to need some phrases to introduce yourself politely, such as .Hello, I don’t think we’ve met .You must be – and say the person’s name .I’ve just joined the team .Nice to meet you ?Have you worked here long ?Why don’t you start by saying hello to Tom Darcy, the Senior Account Manager

Tom: (On the phone) Yah, yah, no, yah, yah, OK, yah. I’ll seal the deal, yah, no worries. OK, see ya mate, bye! (Hangs up)

.Anna: Hello, I don’t think we’ve met

.Tom: No

.Anna: You must be Tom. I’m Anna. I’ve just joined the team

.Tom: Uh huh

?Anna: Nice to meet you. Have you worked here long

Tom: Sorry, I’m quite busy right now – I’ve got a big deal just coming through. But let’s get together sometime. Um… can you do lunch tomorrow

Anna: You want me to do lunch? Well, I’m not very

(Telephone rings)

Tom: Sorry, important client. Lunch tomorrow at 12.30 then? (On the phone) Tom speaking. Yah! Frankie! So what’s the latest, are we on

.Anna: Well, OK then

Narrator: Great Anna! You used some nice phrases to introduce yourself. It’s a shame Tom thinks he’s too important to do the same

!Anna: I’m sure he’s just busy. But I’m a bit worried about tomorrow

(The next day)

!Anna: (Struggling into the office carrying cooking implements) Good morning Paul

?Paul: Good morning Anna, are you OK

?Anna: Fine, the kitchen’s through there, isn’t it

.Paul: Er, yes

(Kitchen noises as Anna starts preparing lunch)

!Denise: Anna

!Anna: Oh hi, Denise

?Denise: What are you doing

.Anna: Cooking lunch for Tom

?Denise: You what

.Anna: Tom asked me to have lunch ready for 12.30

?Denise: Did he indeed

.Tom: Er, Anna

!Anna: Hi Tom

?Tom: What are you doing

.Anna: Spring rolls, followed by crispy duck in black bean sauce

?Tom: No, I mean, why are you cooking

.Anna: Well, if I don’t start now, it won’t be ready for you by 12.30

Tom: Oh, you misunderstood me, Anna. When I said “Can you do lunch?” it didn’t mean “Can you make lunch?” It meant “Are you available to come to lunch with me?” In a cafe or something

!Anna: Oh

?Paul: Mmm… something smells good, but what’s going on here

!Denise: Anna thinks it’s her job to cook for people

!Anna: No, no, I misunderstood

.Tom: Anna just got a bit confused

.Paul: Well, never mind, it looks tasty

.Anna: There’s enough for everyone if you want some

!Paul: I think that’s a splendid idea, we can have an office picnic

!Anna: Yes

.Paul: Mmm, that sauce looks delicious

.Anna: Yes, it’s my favourite

Narrator: Well, once again everything has worked out well for Anna! Before we go, a reminder of the phrases she used

.Hello, I don’t think we’ve met .You must be Tom .I’ve just joined the team .Nice to meet you ?Have you worked here long

Narrator: Just remember – if somebody says “Would you like to do lunch?” they’re not usually expecting you to cook for them! Goodbye