Briefing the manager - 35 - English at Work helps you tell your boss important news

Anna and Tom are in a bit of a predicament. Following a successful business meeting they've returned to the airport to discover their flight has been cancelled. What are they going to do next? Anna needs to brief Paul about the delay.

For more English at Work: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/...

TRANSCRIPT

Narrator
Welcome back to English at Work, where Anna and Tom are in a bit of a predicament. Following a successful business meeting, they've returned to the airport to discover their flight has been cancelled. What are they going to do next?

Tom
Right, they've rebooked us on to the next flight, which is at 7 o'clock tomorrow morning.

Anna
Tomorrow morning?! What are we going to do until then?

Tom
It's OK Anna, calm down. I've sorted out a hotel… quite a nice one actually.

Anna
But what about our new contract? I've got to sort it out!

Tom
Anna, take a deep breath… it'll be ok. Let's go and get a drink and we'll work things out.

Narrator
Anna, maybe Tom's right for once. Go and enjoy some French hospitality. You've done really well today but perhaps you should keep your boss Paul, in the picture.

Anna
In the picture? I didn't take any photos.

Narrator
No Anna! I mean keep him informed. It's always a good idea to keep the boss updated on what's going on – he is the boss after all.

Anna
OK. I will.

Tom
Yeah, this one looks quite cosy. I'll order us a beer shall I?

Anna
I'd prefer an orange juice please.

Tom
Oh really? OK then. Err, Garcon. Je m'appelle un beer et citron juice thing. Au revoir!

Anna
What?! No Tom! Pardon, Je voudrais une grande biere et du juice d'orange s'il vous plait.

Waiter
Oui Madame.

Tom
I think she likes you! Well, everyone likes you Anna. I like you because…

Anna
I like you too Tom but don't you think I should call Paul and update him on what's going on… keep him in the picture?

Tom
I dunno. Let's just enjoy this moment shall we? And besides, he'll be at his biscuit appreciation class by now.

Anna
No. I would be happier just to call him. Could I borrow your mobile phone please? My battery has run out.

Tom
Yeah sure. You'll find his number under Attila the Hun.

Anna
Attila the Hun?

Tom
Just my little joke!

Anna
Cheeky! But hold on… what am I going to say to him?

Narrator
Well, don't call him Attila the Hun! Think before you call him: It's good news – you've closed the deal and the contract is signed. We need to proceed with the order as quickly as possible. And say, I'm committed to getting the order delivered on time. But if you need help, ask for it.

Anna
OK I will. It's ringing…

Paul
Hello?

Anna
Hi Paul. It's Anna. I've got some good news!

Paul
Hold on. Sorry, I'm just munching some new crumbly cream biscuits. Now, what's the good news? Is it about the contract?

Anna
Yes! I've closed the deal with Fruit Traders International and the contract is signed.

Paul
Excellent news.

Anna
To keep them happy, we need to proceed with the order as quickly as possible.

Paul
Of course, of course. So what are you planning to do?

Anna
Well, obviously, I'm committed to getting the order delivered on time but I might need some help. I wonder if Tom could…

Paul
Yes, Tom can help you. Denise tells me you have a… special chemistry! Actually, where is Tom now? Is he home yet?

Anna
He's not. Actually Paul, Tom and I are going to stay in a hotel tonight… Hello? Hello? Oh, I've lost the signal, he's gone.

Tom
Never mind Anna. I think he got the message. Another drink?

Narrator
Let's hope Paul has got the right message about Anna and Tom! Anyway, she's briefed the boss and kept him in the picture. Here's a reminder of some of the phrases she used:

It's good news – I've closed the deal and the contract is signed.
We need to proceed with the order as quickly as possible.
I'm committed to getting the order delivered on time… but I will need some help.

Narrator
A good day's work for Anna but now it's time for bed.

Tom
Right, well, it's time for bed. We've got an early start tomorrow.

Anna
So, where are we staying?

Tom
A lovely little boutique hotel, just round the corner. I've booked a room with a view.

Anna
A room? One room?!

Tom
Err yeah. That's all they had, actually… honest!

Narrator
Hmm. This could be interesting. Let's hope things remain professional. Until next time. Bye!