The Crisis
Denise explains why she's in such a state
of panic and Paul is not pleased. Will
Anna be able to help resolve the crisis?
Language for making suggestions
This episode explores language for
making suggestions.
Phrases from the programme:
• Can I make a suggestion?
• Why don't you try...?
• Have you tried asking your colleagues?
• Maybe I could do a big office search for
you...?
• How about looking through your
rubbish bin...?
• I have an idea!
Listening Challenge
Why was the memory stick wet?
The answer is at the bottom of the
transcript below:
Transcript
Narrator
Here we are again at Tip Top Trading,
where Anna's interview for a sales job
has been suddenly interrupted. Office
assistant Denise has entered the room,
looking very worried. What's wrong? And
will Anna have any suggestions that
might help?
Denise
I don't know what to do!
Paul
So what's the matter Denise?
Denise
You know the PowerPoint presentation?
Paul
The one we've been preparing for the last
two months?
Denise
Yes.
Paul
The one that's very, very important and
that we need this afternoon?
Denise
That one.
Paul
Aha.
Denise
We've lost everything!
Paul
No!
Denise
I had it on a USB stick, to transfer it, but
the stick has vanished!
Narrator
Right Anna, now is your chance to help
them find solutions to the problem.
You'll need phrases like:
• Can I make a suggestion?
• Why don't you...?
• Have you tried...?
• Maybe we could...?
• How about...?
• I have an idea!
Paul
But don't you have it saved on your
computer?
Denise
No, it was taking up a lot of space, so I
deleted it.
Paul
So you have lost the only copy we have.
Denise
Yes.
Narrator
What idiots! I've never seen such a
disorganised office. Go on, you'd
better help them, Anna.
Anna
Can I make a suggestion?
Paul
Yes, please do!
Anna
Why don't you try looking in your recycle
bin? It might still be there.
Denise
I did. It isn't.
Anna
Have you tried asking your colleagues if
they've seen the memory stick?
Denise
I did. They haven't.
Anna
How about looking through your rubbish
bin to see if you threw it away
by mistake?
Denise
(getting shirty) I don't do silly things like
that!
Paul
All very sensible suggestions Anna, thank
you.
Anna
Maybe I could do a big office search for
you...? I'm good at finding things.
Denise
There are confidential documents in this
office – non-staff are not allowed to see
them.
Paul
Now, now Denise. Why don't you drink up
that nice tea?
Anna
I have an idea! Did you ever email the
presentation to anyone?
Paul
Golly gosh, you did Denise! You emailed
it to me to proof-read. It'll be in my inbox
somewhere. Good thinking Anna!
Denise
I was just about to suggest that myself.
Paul
Problem solved. Thank you Anna!
Anna
Pleasure.
Narrator
Well done Anna!
Paul
Right, now please leave us Denise. Anna
and I will continue our interview. Would
you like a biscuit Anna?
Anna
Thank you. Oh, what's that?
Paul
Oh golly gosh, the USB stick! It was
mixed in with the plate of biscuits
that Denise brought in.
Anna
It's wet
Paul
Yes, I think maybe I stirred my tea with it
at one point. Oh well. Now, where were
we...? My goodness, it's 11 o'clock! I
have a meeting right now! I'm afraid
I'm going to have to go. But I've made my
mind up about you anyway. I suppose
you'd like to know if you've got the job?
Anna
Yes please!
Narrator
Ah - Stop right there! I'm sure everybody
would like to know if Anna's got the job –
but everybody's going to have to wait
until we've heard her helpful phrases
once again:
• Can I make a suggestion?
• Why don't you try looking in your
recycle bin?
• Have you tried asking your colleagues
if they've seen the memory stick?
• How about...?
• Maybe I could do a big office search for
you...?
• How about looking through your
rubbish bin...?
• I have an idea!
Paul
Anna, we need someone who can think
on her feet and who is a first-rate people
person. Someone who sees solutions,
not problems... someone like you! So if
you want the job, it's yours!
Narrator
Ah, now think carefully Anna – do you
really want to work for these people?
They seem a bit... disorganised.
Anna
I would definitely like the job! Thank you!
Narrator
So be it. Join us again next week for
Anna's first day as a sales executive at
Tip Top Trading.
Listening Challenge - Answer
Why was the memory stick wet?
Because it had been in Paul’s tea.
