A A BUSINESS MEETINGS

Discussions
Lesson code: V5JQ-6F83-HEB INTERMEDIATE
British English

1 Warm-up
What typical topics do you discuss with your colleagues at business meetings?

2 Listening
Read the questions and answers below. Then, listen to an extract from a discussion about a company's
financial situation. Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What problem is the company facing?

a. clients are paying late
b. clients are buying from a cheaper competitor
c. employees want higher salaries

2. Which of the measures below does the speaker NOT propose?

a. imposing penalties b. hiring a credit controller c. offering cheaper prices

3. According to the speaker, it's possible that the company's clients will find the proposed measures
...
a. rather strict b. acceptable c. flexible

4. Why does the speaker think that clients will probably accept the proposed measures in the end?
a. they have no choice
b. they have good relationships with the company
c. competitors are more expensive

Now listen to a discussion on the prison system and do the same.

1. What problem is the speaker discussing?

a. too many people are sent to prison b. not enough criminals are sent to prison

2. After they are released, most ex-prisoners ...

a. stop committing crimes b. continue to commit crimes

3. According to the speaker, teenagers should be given ...

a. lighter punishments b. longer sentences c. more entertainment
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 Discussions
A A A A BUSINESS MEETINGS

4. People who commit very serious crimes should ...

a. stay in prison for the maximum period of time b. receive education and training

3 Structuring an argument
Read the two discussions and study how the underlined words and expressions are used to structure
the arguments:

A company's financial problems

As regards our cash flow situation, we are having problems with slow payers. Therefore, I think we
need to deal with this situation urgently. In the first place, we should consider imposing penalties for late
payments. For example, if a client pays 10 days late, they would have to pay a fixed amount of interest on
the due payment. What's more, we should call our clients more often to insist on prompt payment. In fact,
I think we should hire a credit controller responsible for collecting late payments rather than leaving this
task to the accountant. I realise that our clients may find these measures rather strict, but if we explain to
them carefully and tactfully that these steps are very necessary, they should understand. After all, we do
have very good relationships with them, and we have given most of them generous discounts this year.

The prison system

I believe that too many people who break the law are sent to prison these days. On the whole, the system
doesn't work. Although studies show that most ex-prisoners continue to commit crimes after they are
released, more and more people are being imprisoned. The system can be improved in so many ways.
Teenagers, for instance, should be given lighter punishments - at least for less serious offences. In
addition, education and training should be improved. In other words, we should prepare prisoners for life
outside jail. However, regarding very serious crimes, I think that we have no choice but to keep such
criminals in jail for the maximum period of time.

The underlined words and expressions serve different functions. Study the table on the next page.
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A A A A BUSINESS MEETINGS

Introducing a new topic: As regards (our cash flow situation),

regarding (very serious crimes),
Giving or adding a new point: In the first place, What's more In addition,

Describing a general situation: On the whole,

Giving an example: For example, For instance,
Introducing a contrasting idea: However, Although
Modifying a previous statement: In fact,
Simplifying a previous point: In other words,
Supporting a previous point: After all,
Introducing the logical result of a situation: Therefore,

Add the following expressions to the table:

As far as .... is/are concerned, In short, Overall, Firstly, Actually,

despite this, Additionally, As a result, In general,

Now complete the following discussion with suitable words and expressions:

International outsourcing
On the whole , I think that outsourcing is a good thing for companies. For many firms, outsourcing work
2
to cheaper regions of the world is one way of reducing costs. The cost of labour in India, ,
is much lower than in the West, so many western companies have set up call centres there and are able
3
to provide a cheaper service to their customers. , there are plenty of advantages.

4 5
, there are also several drawbacks for companies that outsource. ,
they lack full control over the work since they have to trust other companies to train and manage the
6
staff. , cultural differences mean that customers don't always receive a high standard of
service.

7
the countries where outsourcing projects are based, much needed jobs are provided
8
and the local economy usually benefits. , there is always the risk of exploitation - many
9
workers are paid too little and have to work long hours. , the conditions under which they
work are far from ideal and many suffer from stress.
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 Discussions
A A A A BUSINESS MEETINGS

4 Agreeing and disagreeing

Complete the table with the following expressions:

Absolutely! I absolutely disagree.

I'd go along with that. I'm afraid, I don't really agree.
I'm not sure about that. I totally agree with you.
That might be true, but ... Yes, you're right.
You must be joking! You're right to a certain extent, but ...

STRONG AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT I agree.

PARTIAL AGREEMENT I agree with you up to a point, but ...

DISAGREEMENT

STRONG DISAGREEMENT

In pairs, agree or disagree to the following opinions using expressions from this exercise:

1. Outsourcing is a good thing for companies and economies.

2. Smoking should be banned everywhere.
3. The best way to learn a language is to live in the country where it is spoken.
4. If you want to get a good job, experience and qualifications are very important.
5. You can never trust salesmen.
6. It is easier to speak English on the phone than face-to-face.
7. People who drink and drive should receive lighter punishments.
8. Spam is irritating.
9. If you want to be a successful businessman, you need to be born with certain character traits.
10. You should never mix business with pleasure.
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 Discussions
A A A A BUSINESS MEETINGS

Other structures may also be used to express agreement or disagreement:

A: It's hot in here, isn't it?

B: Yes, it's boiling.

A: I think we need to move to a new office.

B: Don't you think that will be a bit difficult right now?

A: He's very bad at tennis.

B: I know, he's awful.

A: Our project manager needs a break.

B: Do you really think so?

A: If we don't sign this deal, we will lose millions in profit.

B: Isn't that a slight exaggeration?

Which of the underlined responses contains ...

a. a negative question? b. a rhetorical question? c. a synonym?

In pairs, use these structures to agree or disagree with four of the opinions on Page 4.

5 Role play
Work in small groups. Choose a topic from the list below. Have a discussion and respond to opinions
using expressions from this lesson.

1. The efficiency of the public transport system in your town.

2. The most effective way to attract new customers.
3. The best ways for people and governments to deal with the financial crisis.
4. The advantages/disadvantages of using mobile phones on planes.
5. The advantages/disadvantages of budget airlines.
6. The importance of doing business in English.
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