Practice business English with conversation. Perform role play and learn spoken English in fun way.

1. Business English
Conversation Practice
by
Ash Vyas

2. On a Business Trip – A Presentation
Betsy: Hi Brian, this is Betsy. How are you doing?
Brian: I've just returned from the Head Office. The weather is great! Boston is a
great city!
Betsy: Have you met Frank yet?
Brian: No, I haven't seen him yet. We have a meeting at 10 o'clock tomorrow
morning. We are going to meet then.
Betsy: Have you made your presentation yet?
Brian: Yes, I made the presentation yesterday afternoon. I was very nervous, but
everything went well.

3. Betsy: Has management given you any feedback yet?
Brian: Yes, I've already met with the sales director. We met immediately after the
meeting and he was impressed with our work.
Betsy: That's great Brian. Congratulations! Have you visited any museums yet?
Brian: No, I'm afraid I haven't had any time yet. I hope to take a tour around town
tomorrow.
Betsy: Well, I'm happy to hear that everything is going well. I'll talk to you soon.
Brian: Thanks for calling Betsy. Bye.
Betsy: Bye.

4. Discussing Ideas at a Meeting
Chairman: I'd like to open today's meeting. Robert?
Robert: First, I'll quickly go over the main points of the last meeting.
Chairman: We had discussed about our new product and sales points, if no one
has anything to add, let's move on to today's agenda.
Robert: I suggest we each give a little background on the suggestions we
discussed last week.
Chairman: Could you repeat that, please?
Robert: Let's start by going over the research you've done on the suggestions.

5. Chairman: You'll find most of the information outlined in the summary documents
in front of you.
Robert: These figures are interesting. It's clear to me that customer
communications are not working as they should.
Chairman: Yes, our marketing efforts really haven't been effective to date.
Robert: I suggest we break up into groups and discuss how we can improve our
message.
Chairman: Unfortunately, we're almost out of time. I suggest you submit your
ideas on marketing and we can discuss the best next week.
Robert: Before we close, could we quickly discuss the Armstrong situation?

6. Sales Terminology
Julian: I'm new to this job, could you explain some of the terminology?
Jack: That's what I'm here for. Shoot.
Julian: What's the difference between retail and wholesale?
Jack: Wholesale is to distributors. Retail to consumers.
Julian: Distributors? Consumers?
Jack: Distributors are stores that sell our merchandise. Consumers are the people
who buy the products.

7. Julian: Oh, I see. What's a bill of lading?
Jack: The bill of lading lists the merchandise shipped. It's included with every
shipment or delivery.
Julian: I get what pre-paid means. That means the merchandise has been paid for.
But, what's C.O.D.?
Jack: Cash on delivery.
Julian: What does that mean?
Jack: Exactly what it says: cash is paid upon receiving the goods. Of course, it
could be a credit card or a check, as well.

8. Julian: Oh, I understand. What's a delivery fee?
Jack: The delivery fee is an extra charge that the customer pays to have the goods
delivered.
Julian: I think I'm beginning to understand now. Thanks for your help.
Jack: You’re Welcome

9. Improving Brand Image
Susan: George, I was wondering if we could discuss our new marketing strategy
for a moment.
George: Certainly Susan. You know that I'm working with Anne on changing our
image, don't you?
Susan: Yes, I think you'll make an excellent team. How do you feel about the
merchandise we're pushing?
George: In my opinion, the products were offering are fine. However, I think we
should concentrate on expanding our market share in the young adult market.

10. Susan: I totally agree. Who buys more products than twenty something?
George: Exactly. We haven't been very successful in our branding efforts, have we?
Susan: I'm not keen on changing our target audience, but we certainly have to
improve our brand image.
George: If we want to edge out our main competitor, we're going to have to target
customers at a younger age.
Susan: Maybe, but we also have to keep our competitive edge in quality.
George: Why don't we all get together for a discussion?

11. Susan: Can you let me know when your next meeting with Anne is going to be? I'd
like to go over some of our restructuring ideas with both of you.
George: As a matter of fact, we'll be meeting this afternoon. Let's meet at four,
shall we?
Susan: I'm afraid I already have an appointment then. Do you think we could meet
earlier?
George: Well, I'll have to check with Anne.

12. Questions based on Conversation
1. Susan was aware that George is going to be working with Anne.
•true
•false
•doesn't say
2. What does George think Sport Outfitters needs to concentrate on?
•changing merchandise
•expanding market share
•improving quality

13. Questions based on Conversation
1. Susan was aware that George is going to be working with Anne.
•true
•false
•doesn't say
2. What does George think Sport Outfitters needs to concentrate on?
•changing merchandise
•expanding market share
•improving quality

14. 3. What has Sport Outfitters been unsuccessful in doing?
•branding efforts
•developing new merchandise
•opening outlets
4. What is Susan not keen on?
•changing publicity campaigns
•improving branding
•targeting younger customers

15. 3. What has Sport Outfitters been unsuccessful in doing?
•branding efforts
•developing new merchandise
•opening outlets
4. What is Susan not keen on?
•changing publicity campaigns
•improving branding
•targeting younger customers

16. Sources
http://www.yeuanhvan.com/esp-business-english/business-dialogues

17. Any Questions?
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