Market Leader Extra Intermediate Business Skills Audio Script
The document contains a script for business meetings, telephoning, small talk, presentations, and negotiations, focusing on improving hotel performance and discussing relocation services. It features dialogues among various characters addressing issues such as declining guest numbers, business strategies, and cultural training for employees relocating to Japan. Additionally, it highlights challenges in the manufacturing sector and negotiations over product quality and pricing.
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Market Leader Extra Intermediate Business Skills Audio Script
The document contains a script for business meetings, telephoning, small talk, presentations, and negotiations, focusing on improving hotel performance and discussing relocation services. It features dialogues among various characters addressing issues such as declining guest numbers, business strategies, and cultural training for employees relocating to Japan. Additionally, it highlights challenges in the manufacturing sector and negotiations over product quality and pricing.
AW Human Resources Department, PBS Security Systems, PO
Box 275, Bristol BS32 9XZ. MB We manufacture aircraft parts. And what about XBL? What business are you in? 2.2 PRESENTATIONS 3.1 NEGOTIATIONS AC Can you repeat the postcode, please? DK We’re in manufacturing, too. Car parts, in fact, although BSA2.2.9 BSA3.1.12 (RD = RahUl DaRZi, LT = LUca TessaRo) AW BS32 9XZ. we’re looking to move into aircraft parts as well, so we’ll be AC OK, and you are Angela White. direct competitors. This has been a disappointing year, but most of our competitors RD Would you like some more tea, Luca? More chai, please, AW Yes. Sorry, but can I check how you’ve spelt my surname? MB Right. That should be interesting. Oh, Grant, have you met have reported similar difficulties. Unfortunately, net profit has Deepak! AC Yes. W-H-I-T-E. Is that not correct? Dietger Kappel from Germany? fallen from 2.47 million US dollars to 2.39 million, and net LT Thanks. They say it’s good to drink tea when it’s hot. AW No, it’s W-I-G-H-T. GC Hello, Dietger. We met at the conference last year, didn’t revenue is also down. It has decreased by three per cent over the RD Ah yes, I think it was Oscar Wilde who said, ‘Tea is the only AC I’m sorry about that. And your phone number, please? we? same period. Our revenue has fallen from 12.5 to 12.3 million. simple pleasure left to us.’ AW 01179685734. DK Did we? I don’t remember. Rising costs and increased competition have accounted for a large LT Well, as an Italian, I prefer coffee. But you know the AC OK, I’ll call you when the proposal is ready and my GC Oh well, never mind. Nice to see you again. part of the problem this year. saying, ‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do!’ So, as I was secretary will put the information pack in the post this DK Hmm. saying, we’d like to reach a deal with you, Rahul. And I like afternoon. GC I’m glad I’ve met you. I’m flying to Frankfurt at the end of BSA2.2.10 working with you ... AW Excellent. Many thanks for your help. Goodbye. the week to see some suppliers. Any advice you can give me So, as we’ve seen, our net profit is down from 2.47 million in 2014 RD But? AC Goodbye. about doing business in Germany? to 2.39 million this financial year. That’s a fall of around three per LT To be honest, we’re worried about the quality of your DK Well, firstly, we don’t like to spend too much time chatting. cent. Our net revenue is also down this year, from 12.5 million to materials. There are two issues, really: the quality of the We like to get down to business as soon as possible. 12.3 million. There are three main reasons for the changes. silk and the faulty zips. The silk is not up to standard, I’m 2.1 SMALL TALK GC Oh. Right, I’ll remember that. afraid. It tears easily and we’ve had complaints from our The first reason is a change in drinking habits. As you know, store managers. We’ve also had problems with your zips DK Yes, well, excuse me ... BSA2.1.6 (MB = MagDa Beckman, GC = GRant CoRBin), carbonated drinks have represented around 55 per cent of our – the ones we use on our handbags. When the zip breaks, MB A cultural clash, I think. DS = Dao SUn total sales. Overall, the sales volume of carbonated drinks stayed you can’t use the bag ... GC He’s a really serious guy, isn’t he? Doesn’t seem to have a MB Hello, Grant. Great to see you again. flat, but sales in Europe and the United States started to fall in RD I’m sorry to hear that, Luca. Let’s try to solve these sense of humour. GC Hi, Magda. How are you? April last year for the first time since 1996. It seems that people in problems. First, if you need stronger zips for handbags, MB Oh, he does. It’s just that business will always come first. MB Very well, thanks. And you? those regions are making healthier choices. that’s no problem. I’ll show you some samples and you can GC But isn’t chatting informally part of business? GC Fine. I haven’t seen you in ages. Since you visited the MB In most cultures, yes. But some like to do less rather than The second reason is a rise in commodity prices. Juices are our choose the ones that are best for your designs. company in Melbourne, I think. Are you still in Sales? more! second biggest sellers – around 25 per cent of our total sales. LT Fine. MB Yes, I am, but I had a promotion. I’m now Sales Director. GC I see that. Let’s see who else is here ... However, the price of fruit and sugar rose. We increased the price RD Second, can you tell me more about the kind of silk you GC That’s fantastic, well done! And how’s business? of our juice products, but despite those higher prices, profits were need and I’ll find you the right quality fabric. MB We’re not doing too badly, actually. We met all our targets BSA2.1.8 (MB = MagDa Beckman, GP = GoVinD Patil, still lower this year than last year. LT Right, so the silk tears easily – like this – and we can’t use it last year. And you? How’s it going with your company? GC = GRant CoRBin) for our dresses and sleepwear. Our factories have problems GC Well, last year was tough, but things are looking better for On a more positive note, we invested heavily in restructuring when they’re making the garments. MB Ah, Mr Patil, pleased to meet you, at last. Magda Beckman our operations in China and India. The cost of this appears in our RD You know, silk is a complicated material. I can sell you this year. from ... year-end accounts, but we’ll make savings from these changes next better quality silks, Luca, but at a higher price. MB That’s great to hear. GP Yes, Ms Beckman, I know who you are. Very pleased to year. LT That would be difficult for us. DS Excuse me, Ms Beckman? meet you finally, too. We did that video conference last RD Yes, but if you went to one of your Italian suppliers, they MB Oh hello, Doctor Sun. Can I introduce you to Grant OK, let’s look in more detail at this year’s trends. Looking at the month, didn’t we? would charge you 10 times more than we do! Corbin? He’s the project director from the Australian office next slide – can everyone see that? – OK, well, this slide shows MB Yes, we did. How are you? LT So, what do you have in mind, Rahul? in Brisbane. Grant, this is Doctor Sun, Vice President of the the volume of juice that we’ve sold this year and as you can see, GP I’m very well, thank you, Ms Beckman. And you? group. there’s been a four per cent increase in the number of cartons MB Fine, thanks. I think you might be able to help me. Grant BSA3.1.13 (RD = RahUl DaRZi, LT = LUca TessaRo) DS Very pleased to meet you, Mr Corbin. we’ve sold. Corbin from Australia is looking for a new supplier and I GC Pleased to meet you at last, Mr Sun. RD We can sell you our high quality silk at five euros a metre. thought that maybe your company is just what he’s looking MB It’s Doctor Sun, Grant. LT Five euros? But the one we usually buy from you costs 1.50 for. BSA2.2.11 (C = CaRolYn, S1 = SpeakeR 1, S2 = SpeakeR 2) GC My apologies, Doctor Sun. a metre. GP I’m happy to talk to him. Is he here? MB I believe you two have something in common. Doctor C OK, let’s look in more detail at this year’s trends. Looking RD But I understand you need a superior material. Look at this MB Yes, over there. I’ll call him over. Grant, I’d like you to meet Sun’s a big tennis fan. at the next slide – can everyone see that? – OK, well, this sample, Luca. Do you feel it? Compare it to this one that Mr Patil. He might be able to solve your supplier problem. GC Really? Do you play? slide shows the volume of juice that we’ve sold this year and you’re buying from us now. GC Oh, how do you do, Mr Patil? Nice to meet you. DS Yes, every weekend. And you, Mr Corbin? as you can see, there’s been a four per cent increase in the LT Five euros ... that’s much more than we usually pay. I’ll have GP And you, Mr Corbin. GC As often as I can. By the way, I hear you’re visiting the number of cartons we’ve sold. to consult head office. GC Where are you based in India? Australian company next month, is that right? S1 Sorry, Carolyn, I thought you said that the volume of RD Look, if you order more than 500 metres, I’ll give you a GP Mumbai. We’re a long-established family business. The DS Yes, it is. I’m looking forward to it. carbonated drinks was the same last year and juices are up; 20 per cent discount. company was founded over a 100 years ago. GC You’ll be in Australia while the Open Tennis Championship so why has revenue fallen? LT So that’ll be four euros per metre. GC Wow, that’s amazing! is on. Would you like me to arrange tickets for you? C Well, the reason is that more of our sales are coming RD That’s right. Do you see how it’s stronger? Pull it. GP I hear you’re looking for a new supplier. I think we may DS That would be wonderful. Thank you. from other markets, that is, markets outside the USA and LT OK, it feels good, but can you do the same colours? be able to help each other as I’m hoping to expand into GC No problem. Europe, where the prices are lower. We don’t believe that RD The colours are better! There’s a bigger range. These lighter Australia. DS Oh, er, excuse me ... carbonated drinks will ever become as popular again in the colours, pink, grey and blue, will work very well with your GC Ah! Have you ever been there? GC What was all that about? What did I do wrong, Magda? USA as they were. sleepwear. And these darker colours, the green, red and GP Oh yes, I visited with my family last year on holiday. MB You patted him on the back. In Chinese culture, touching S2 Carolyn, you mentioned other markets. Which ones? purple, will go well with the evening dresses. GC Where did you go? someone is not very polite. C Well, we’ve had some good results from our emerging LT I’m not sure. We can’t buy this silk unless we order smaller GP We travelled up and down the Gold Coast. We had a lovely GC Oh dear! I’d better get him the best tickets I can for the markets. Sales of all products are up by 11 per cent in India quantities and adapt the design. Or we just use man-made time. Where are you based, Mr Corbin? tennis next month, then. and 10 per cent in China, and we expect this to continue. materials like our competitors. GC Melbourne. But we’ve got subsidiaries in Brisbane and MB Yes, you had! S1 Could I just ask, isn’t that lower than in previous years? RD We’d be prepared to offer you a good price on man-made Perth. Let me give you my business card. Call me and we C Yes, it is. Uh, we’ve seen higher increases in the past, but fabrics if you increased your order. And you could order can arrange to meet to discuss potential business. BSA2.1.7 (DK = DietgeR Kappel, MB = MagDa Beckman, these markets are much stronger now and this is still very less silk, but better quality silk for your quality products. GP Thank you. And here’s mine, Mr Corbin. Look forward to GC = GRant CoRBin) healthy growth. LT I’ll buy your silk as long as you can guarantee the quality. hearing from you. DK Hello, I’m Dietger Kappel from the XBL GmbH in Germany. GC You too. See you later. Bye for now, Magda. RD No problem. How much do you need? Which company do you work for? LT I need to think about the quantities. I’ll have to talk to the MB Hello, I’m Magda Beckman, from Etlo International, a product manager. Let me make a few phone calls and we’ll Swedish company. talk later. DK I don’t think I know anything about your company.
MARKET LEADER EXTRA: BUSINESS SKILLS AUDIO SCRIPT INTERMEDIATE MARKET LEADER EXTRA: BUSINESS SKILLS AUDIO SCRIPT INTERMEDIATE
RD Take your time. But let me suggest something: my assistant
can measure you and we’ll make you some silk pyjamas in 3.2 E-MAILS R I’m sorry, I’m not in a position to answer that at this stage. As we all know, this is a very sensitive issue. You see, it isn’t E Well, the new products we introduced have received positive reviews from customers. They like them. We were this superior silk. If you wear them tonight, you’ll be able to BSA3.2.15 (R = RichaRD, O = OliVia) confirmed yet, so I can’t say. It’s still highly confidential. expecting that to translate into increased sales by the end test the material yourself. Have I made myself clear? of the year. It hasn’t happened so far, but I’m sure we’ll see LT Sure, provided they’re ready by 7 p.m. this evening! R Olivia, can I have a quick word? L Very! But rumours have already started and it’s affecting results next year. RD Of course! Deepak! Take this gentleman’s measurements O Yes, of course. morale. D We’re very excited about the new range. You chose well and for some pyjamas, please! R I just spoke to Petra, and the board wants some sales data R I understand your concerns and I will get back to you with with the advertising campaign, we could see record sales for the meeting next week. an answer as soon as I can. next year. BSA3.1.14 (RD = RahUl DaRZi, LT = LUca TessaRo) O OK, what data? They have all the figures so far for this year S Ruben, I have another question for you: if we off-shore E I guess the other big task this year was the new delivery from all the countries. our production, will we have to pay import duty on our system. It’s working well now after a few problems at the RD What do you think, Luca? R No, they want to see some rough forecasts for next year. LT Mmm, they feel very cool and comfortable. electrical goods? start. Just for the top five customers and top five products. Main R Sorry, Sandra, I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat the D Uh huh. So what were the main difficulties with that RD You see, that’s Indian silk. Did you speak to your head numbers, basically, and net of discount, not gross. I think office? question, please? project? they have some investment decisions to make and they just S Yeah, sure. Will the company have to pay import duty if we E With the new delivery system? Well, to be honest, the staff LT I spoke to the product manager. We’ll order the same want to check expectations on sales for next year before quantities as before, but 75 per cent man-made fabric – shift manufacturing to Asia? And if so, what is the rate for in the delivery room were against the changes from the they commit. electrical goods? start. I was hoping that they would cooperate more with that’s imitation silk – and 25 per cent of your quality silk O OK, so when do they need the figures? for our luxury sleepwear collection. That represents over R OK, the answer to your first question is yes, we will have this project once it was up and running, but they were very R Yes, that’s the problem. They want them by the end of this to pay duty on imported goods. And, erm, to answer the critical, and that didn’t really help. They just didn’t seem to 1,000 metres each season. So, if we ordered 1,000 metres, week. Really short notice, I know. we’d buy it at 3.50 per metre, not four. second, if I remember correctly, the rate is 3.7 per cent. Yes, understand that competition is tough at the moment and O You know people hate these requests ... that’s right, 3.7. But we will still make huge savings despite our ability to deliver faster than our competitors is a major RD So that’s 3.50 per metre for quantities of over 1,000 metres. R I know. But if the board asks, then the board gets. Can you Yes, I can do that. the import duty. Does that answer your questions? selling point. write an e-mail to heads of sales in each of the countries? S Yes, thanks. D I understand how you feel – faster deliveries are key – but LT Good, we agree on price, quantity and discounts. Tell them not to put too much work into the analysis, but RD And how about terms and conditions? A Ruben, will some of the savings we make on the production our delivery drivers are also one of our main contacts with the numbers need to be realistic. side be dedicated to expanding the marketing and sales clients. We need them to feel part of the team because LT Provided that the silk is sent by air, the consignment will O OK, will do. reach us in time. You can ship the other fabrics as usual. department? they’re out there representing us as a company. How do R And be sensitive with the language in the e-mail. This is R Erm, I know this is important for you, Angelo, but I’m you think you could improve on this issue and work with RD That should be OK. going to cause a bit of a problem because people won’t have LT Let me know if it isn’t. We need the silk to arrive in very afraid that’s not part of my objective for today. Perhaps we them better in future? time. So, try to ask in a nice way. You know what I mean. can talk about your department’s needs another time. E Well, I suppose I could involve them in new decisions at an good condition and we can’t take any risks shipping it. And check if they need any help with this. I think e-mails RD Yes, yes. A But you said one of the objectives was to expand and gain earlier date. They may want to put forward ideas of their are always a bit more reader-friendly if you offer support. access to new markets. That will need a marketing budget. own on how to improve delivery and customer relations. LT The silk has to be sent by air, Rahul. We also need it in time O OK, sure. I’ll be extra polite. for the campaign for our luxury collection. R I see your point, but we need to move on. Are there any D Do you think I could see this in your next meeting with R Thanks, Olivia. other questions about this proposal? No? OK, well, just them? RD I understand. O No problem. LT Good. Well, I think we’ve covered everything. Was there to conclude, I believe outsourcing production is the right E Sure. anything else? decision. In fact, it’s the only option we have if we want to D Now then, what action do you need from the company in RD Just one question: do the usual terms apply? Is it still 90 4.1 PRESENTATIONS be competitive in the future. Thank you. the coming year to help improve your performance? days credit? E I have one member of my team, Jack, who’s not really LT Yes. BSA4.1.16 BSA4.1.18 pulling his weight. I’m afraid his appearance is sloppy and RD But if we send the silk by air, will you give us 60 days credit? So that brings me to the end of my presentation. To sum up, as So, your question is: how many redundancies will there be? Is that his social skills are quite poor. I need the full support from LT 60 days credit? But 90 days are our usual terms. I’ve demonstrated today, there are three very good reasons to right? management to deal with him. I’ve spoken to him about it, RD Luca, we’ve been doing business together for years. And outsource our manufacturing to Asia. but, if anything, he’s got worse. Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you repeat the question, please? now all this hurry, and the additional costs for us ... D OK. Maybe we can get someone from HR in to offer you Firstly, the figures I presented earlier clearly show that the cost That’s a good question. some advice on taking that conversation forward. I’ll speak LT I’ll have to consult my boss. RD Sure, but remember to show him your Indian pyjamas! savings would be huge given the supply of cheaper labour and the I understand your concerns. to them right after this and get back to you. LT I don’t think I’ll wear them to the office! more flexible working conditions in countries like China. I know this is important for you. RD I can guarantee we’ll send the silk by air if you pay us in 60 Secondly, our competitors are outsourcing, so how can we BSA4.2.20 I see your point. days. possibly be competitive without doing the same? 1 We were expecting that to translate into increased sales by Have I made myself clear? LT All right. So, to sum up, you’ll supply us with stronger zips the end of the year. It hasn’t happened so far, but I’m sure for bags, but if we have any more complaints, we’ll have to Thirdly, by shifting production to Asia, it will also help us to Does that answer your questions? we’ll see results next year. renegotiate. expand and gain access to new markets in the region. I’m not in a position to answer that. 2 With the new delivery system? Well, to be honest, the staff RD No problem. If you’re not happy with the new zips, feel free In conclusion, I think you’ll agree that off-shoring production in the delivery room were against the changes from the to return them. start. I was hoping that they would cooperate more with LT And if we buy over 1,000 metres of your quality silks, we’ll makes excellent business sense. Thanks very much. Are there any more questions? 4.2 INTERVIEWS this project once it was up and running, but they were very pay 3.50 per metre. critical, and that didn’t really help. RD Correct. And 75 per cent of your orders will be for man- BSA4.2.19 (D = Dan, E = ERin) 3 I have one member of my team, Jack, who’s not really made fabrics and twenty-five per cent will be quality silk. BSA4.1.17 (R = RUBen, L = LYnne, S = SanDRa, A = Angelo) D Hi, Erin. Come on in, sit down. I appreciate you coming in pulling his weight. I’m afraid his appearance is sloppy and LT And you’ll send the silk consignment by air. R Thanks very much. Are there any more questions? this morning. his social skills are quite poor. RD As long as we have 60 days credit term. L Yes, can I ask you when exactly do you plan to outsource E I can’t believe it’s been a whole year. LT Exactly. If there’s anything else, I’ll e-mail you when I get production? Do you have a date? D Well, you’ve shown good work this year and I know the back to Milan. R That’s a good question, but I don’t have the answer right team really value you. RD It’s good doing business with you. Those Indian pyjamas now. It’s very early days, Lynne. At the moment we’re still E Thank you. really suit you! investigating options. D It’s been a busy year, with a lot of changes. I wanted to start L I see. But what are the implications for our production staff by asking you what you feel are the most important tasks here if, or should I say, when this proposal goes ahead? you’ve performed this year. R So, your question is: how many redundancies will there be? E Well, I think that my main goals for the year were, firstly, to Is that right? strengthen our range of products and secondly, to put the L Yes, that’s right, how many jobs will be lost. new strategic delivery plan into action. D How well do you think you did with those tasks?