4. Conversation practice

1. Watch Unit 2. Arrivals of the Video Conference.

Unit 2. Arrivals.

Ron Jacobs, Bob Davis.

• Bob: No, here he is.

• Ron: Hello, Bob.

• Bob: Hello, Ron. Good to see you.

• Ron: And you. How are you?

• Bob: I am very well. How was your flight?

• Ron: It was fine. But I’m a little bit tired. It’s ten o’clock in the evening now in Tokyo. My bedtime! Oh, by the way, Murata sends his regards.

• Bob: Thanks. How is he?

• Ron: He’s well. But very busy with the reorganization.

Telephone ringing.

• Bob: Excuse me a minute. Hello, Bob Davis. Ah, Kate. Thanks for calling back. … No, we need three meeting rooms. … Yes, Monday’s fine… Yeah, that’s great… See you then. Ciao. … I love these things. Have you got one?

• Ron: Uh, no, I don’t. I don’t travel very much. …So, you are very busy, then, Bob, as usual!

• Bob: Yes, we have 90 delegates at this year’s sales conference.

• Ron: That’s a lot of people.

• Bob: Yeah. And I have to organize it.

Ron laughs.

* * *

Isabel Pelletier, Ann Richards.

• Ann: Isabelle Pelletier?

• Isabelle: That’s right.

• Ann: Hello. I’m Ann Richards.

• Isabelle: How do you do?

• Ann: How do you do? Welcome to Birmingham. Can I help you with your bags?

• Isabelle: Thanks, … Thank you for your coming to meet me.

• Ann: Oh, you’re welcome. How was your journey?

• Isabelle: There was a short delay at Folkestone, but it was fine.

• Ann: How long is the train journey from Paris?

• Isabelle: Oh, about six hours. But I prefer the train. I can work on it.

• Ann: Is this your first visit to England?

• Isabelle: No, it isn’t. I sometimes visit friends in London. But it’s my first time here on business. … You work with Bob Davis, don’t you?

• Ann: Yes I do.

• Isabelle: I suppose, you are very busy, then, organizing the conference.

• Ann: Yes. It’s a lot of work. But it’s going very well, I think! … Come on, this way.

* * *

Taxi driver, Mr. Conway.

• Driver: That’s seventeen pounds ninety, please.

• Daniel: There you go. Keep the change.

• Driver: Thank you very much.

* * *

Receptionist, Daniel Conway.

• Receptionist: Good morning, sir.

• Daniel: Good morning. I have a reservation in the name of Conway.

• Receptionist: Ah, Mr. Conway. You’re with the Transglobal Party.

• Daniel: That’s right.

• Receptionist: Could you fill in the registration card, please, Mr. Conway?

• Daniel: Sure.

• Receptionist: Would you like a newspaper in the morning?

• Daniel: Yes, I’d like the “Financial Times”, please. Oh, and could I have a wake-up call for seven o’clock?

• Receptionist: Certainly. You are in room 124. That’s in the other building on the first floor. Would you like someone to help you with your bags?

• Daniel: No, thanks. I can manage.

• Receptionist: Enjoy your stay.

• Daniel: Thank you.

* * *

Daniel Conway, Bob Davis, Ann Richards.

• Bob: Hello, Dan. How are you?

• Daniel: Good, thanks, Bob. And you?

• Bob: Not so bad. You know Ann Richards, don’t you?

• Daniel: Yes, we met at last year’s sales conference. It’s good to see you again, Ann.

• Ann: And you, Daniel.

• Bob: Ann is the deputy sales manager for the UK now.

• Daniel: Congratulations.

• Ann: Thanks.

• Daniel: So, how are things going?

• Bob: Don’t ask. (telephone ringing) … Excuse me.

Daniel Conway, Ann Richards.

• Ann: How was your flight, Daniel?

• Daniel: It wasn’t too good, actually. The plane was two hours late.

• Ann: Oh, dear. I’m sorry to hear that.

• Daniel: Never mind. I’m here now!

• Ann: Well, I guess you’d like to unpack and have a rest before lunch.

• Daniel: Yes, I would, thanks.

• Ann: Well, I’ll see you later.

• Daniel: See you later.

2. Act out the conversations in class.