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English at Work

Episode 63: Tom’s tantrum

Language to persuade someone to change their mind

Narrator:  Welcome back to the offices of Tip Top Trading where there’s a bit of confusion. Anna…

Anna:  Yes?

Narrator:  I think Tom’s got the wrong end of the stick.

Anna:  But I didn’t give him a stick.

Narrator:  No, no. I think there’s been a misunderstanding. When you said your answer was ‘yes’ he thought you meant ‘yes, I’ll marry you’!

Anna:  Oh no! I meant yes to the promotion. Gosh I’ve got to sort this out. (To Tom) Tom, Tom, hold on please.

Tom:  We can’t hang about Anna. Let’s fix a date, invite everyone – even Paul.

Anna:  No, no, we can’t.

Tom:  You’re right, not Paul – he just talks about biscuits. 

Anna:  No. I mean ‘no’, we can’t get married. I meant yes to the promotion. I can’t marry you.

Tom:  (Sounding hurt) What? So when you said ‘yes’ you meant ‘no’?

Anna:  Yes.

Tom:  (Getting angry) I see. Right, that’s it. Anna, I’ve made it very clear what I think about you and you… you… just throw it back in my face. I’ve had enough… enough of you… enough of this company. I quit!

Narrator:  Anna. I think he’s upset. He’s having a tantrum.

Anna:  A tantrum – is that serious?

Narrator:  Not really. Maybe you need to calm him down and make him change his mind. Tell him ‘not to be too hasty’, ‘don’t rush into a decision’ and say ‘we can work this out’ – you can can’t you? 

Anna:  I think I can. (To Tom) Tom, please, don’t be too hasty. Let’s talk about this. We can work something out, just don't rush into making a decision –(begging) please. You’re my best – my only - sales executive.

Tom:  Sorry Anna – I’m a free spirit. I must go where the wind takes me. You’ve had your chance, now it’s mine. I’m off.

DOOR SLAMS SHUT

Narrator:  Wow, I’ve never seen Tom be such a… man. Will this be the last time we 

ever see him? 

Here are some of the phrases Anna used to try and get Tom not to leave: 

Don’t be too hasty

Don't rush into making a decision

We can work this out

DOOR OPENS

Tom:  …erm, sorry, I just forgot to take my special mug. Bye.

DOOR SHUTS

Listening Challenge: What word does Tom use to say he is leaving the company?

Answer: Quit.