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English at Work

Episode 64: Something's missing

Language for getting down to business

Narrator:  Hello again. At the offices of Tip Top Trading things are a bit strange after Tom walked… stormed out in a huff after realising that Anna was never going to marry him. So Anna, I suppose you can get on with being the manager now?

Anna:  Yes, I suppose so. But something’s not right.

Narrator:  Well, you’ve lost a valuable member of your team.

Anna:  I know, and a good friend too. 

Narrator:  Well, you’re the boss now – it’s time to deal with the situation and get down to business. Tell the team you’ll be finding a replacement for Tom and you’re going to make some changes in the office. You could also say you want to turn the business round and make it really successful.

Anna:  OK, thanks. (To the team) Excuse me everyone, could we gather round for a quick meeting please. Oh, it’s just you now Denise.

Right, well, I need to get down to business so I’ll be advertising for a replacement for Tom today – in fact Denise, you might be interested in that? And I want to make some changes in the office. I need to turn this business round and (starting to sound unsure)… make it the world’s leading plastic fruit production company and… I’m… keen to hear… your ideas.

Denise:  Is everything alright?

Anna:  Err… I can’t stop thinking about Tom. He seemed so upset when he left and… it’s not the same without him around. He made me laugh and … I miss his floppy hair. 

Narrator:  Anna, it’s time to swallow your pride! 

Anna:  Swallow what?

Narrator:  Admit you are wrong – be honest with yourself and follow your heart – go and marry Tom! (Aside) Although personally, I don’t know what you see in him. 

Anna:  You’re right! Why didn’t I see it? Tom is the man for me – (urgently) I must call him and find out where he is (dials phone)… oh no, his phone’s 

switched off. Where can I find him? 

Mr Ingle:  Hey Anna. You looking for Tom?

Anna:  Yes Mr Ingle, I am.

Mr Ingle:  I saw him a while ago, in a real rage, getting into a taxi. He told me he’d booked a flight to Australia and was heading for the airport. He said something about being a ‘free spirit’.

Narrator:  Struth! Tom really is going too far – to the other end of the world in fact. 

Does this mean we’ll never hear from Tom again? For now, let’s remind ourselves of some of the phrases Anna used to deal with a difficult 

situation:

I’ll be advertising for a replacement for Tom today

I want to make some changes in the office

I need to turn this business round

I’m keen to hear your ideas

Anna:  …but work can wait. I’ve got to get to the airport quickly before Tom gets on that flight. Taxi! Taxi! 

Narrator:  This is going to be interesting!

Listening Challenge: 

What phrase means to admit you are wrong?

Answer: To swallow your pride.