BBC 6 minute English-Business English: Asking for a pay rise
Transcript of the podcast
NB: This is not a word-for-word transcript
Feifei: Welcome to another episode of 6 Minute English with me Feifei
Neil: And me Neil
Feifei: We’re talking about pay and what people earn today and Neil have you brought a salary fact to get us started
Neil: I have! The United Nations International Labour Organisation or the ILO has been looking at earnings around the world, and they’ve worked out the average person’s monthly salary. So, how much do you think it is
Feifei: How much does the average person earn? What, in dollars
Neil: Yep, US dollars. Per month. Feifei: Hmm… I’d say, hmmm, about $5,000 a month
Neil: $5,000 a month, are you sure
Feifei: Yes, am I right
Neil: Well, Feifei you’re absolutely wrong, I’m pleased to say. According to the ILO, the average worker earns $1,480 a month
Feifei: Wow, I was a bit generous there
Neil: Yes, very out of character
Feifei: Hmmm, that is a lot less than I was expecting… there’ll be a lot of people asking for pay rises then
Neil: I suppose there will! Are you going to be one of them
Feifei: You know me Neil
Neil: Yes I do. Do you feel a role-play coming on
Feifei: Do you know what – I think I do
Neil: Can I be the boss
Feifei: No, I think it’s actually my turn to be the boss
Neil: Every time, every time… so, you are the boss
Feifei: I am the boss! I don’t remember being the boss. Anyway let’s get on with the role-play: I’m the boss and you’re asking me for a pay rise. Ready
Neil: Ready
Role-play
Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat
Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you
Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise
Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that
Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think I should be rewarded
Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of
Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask
Feifei: 5%… Hmm… Well, let me think about it and get back to you
Neil: OK, thank you
Feifei: Ooooh, you’re very persuasive Neil
Neil: Haha! It’s all in the technique
Feifei: Let’s ask Business Betty to tell us more. Are you there Betty
Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty
Neil: Ah Betty, wonderful to see you. Looking fantastic as ever, you’ve been on holiday
BB: Thank you Neil. Yeah, lovely, Costa Brava, very nice
Neil: With a destination like that, I am sure you earn a lot more than $1,480 a month, don’t you
BB: Neil, Neil, Neil, you should really know that in British culture, it’s terribly impolite to ask people how much they earn
Neil: Sorry Betty, yes, you’re quite right. I shouldn’t ask you that. But can I ask you to tell us how to ask for a pay rise
BB: You most certainly can Neil. There are a few things to remember when you’re asking for a pay rise. First, make sure it’s a good time to ask
Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat
BB: Next, use verbs like ‘think’, ‘feel’ and ‘believe’. And use adverbs like ‘really’ for added emphasis
Neil: I think I should have a pay rise. I really believe that I’ve grown in the job
BB: Give reasons why you should get a pay rise
Neil: I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility lately. My last project was very successful
BB: Be clear about what you want
Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask
BB: And always, always be polite
Neil: OK, thank you, please. Thank you, please, please
BB: So to sum up: if you’re asking for a pay rise, make sure it’s a good time, use phrases like ‘I really think’, give your reasons, say what you want and be polite! Anything else I can do for you
Neil: No Betty. You’ve done more than enough already, thanks Betty
BB: Then I’ll be on my way. Goodbye
Neil / FF: Bye
Neil: Full of good advice our Betty
Neil: Let’s do the role-play again shall we
Feifei: Shall we
Role-play
Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat
Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you
Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise
Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that
Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think that should be rewarded
Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of
Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask
Feifei: 5%… Hmm… Well I’ll think about it and get back to you
Neil: OK, thank you
Neil: Only 5%, that’s not much to ask, is it? Maybe I should have gone for 10%
Feifei: Neil, we’ve finished the role-play
Neil: 15%? Final offer
Feifei: It’s done. No, I can’t give you a pay rise Neil, I am not your boss really. I’ll buy you a drink after work instead. Is that OK
Neil: Champagne
Feifei: No, a drink – a pint of beer. Right, I think that brings us to the end of today’s programme. Neil
Neil: Yes that’s all. Good luck to you at home if you’re asking for a pay rise anytime soon and join us again for more 6 Minute English
Neil / FF: Bye