Powerful Podcasts for English Fluency | Episode 09

Summary

In this episode of English Pod, hosts Marco and Erica teach essential vocabulary and phrases for requesting additional time in a work setting. The dialogue features Casey, who requires more time to complete a press kit for her company. Key terms include 'deadline,' 'extension,' 'ran into,' and 'delayed.' The lesson offers practical language takeaways and fluency builders, such as 'I've been meaning to,' 'beyond my control,' and 'put this off,' to help learners effectively communicate time constraints and unforeseen issues in professional scenarios.

Takeaways

• 😀 The dialogue focuses on the importance of managing time effectively, particularly in a work context where deadlines are crucial.
• 📅 The term 'deadline' is emphasized as the last possible date to complete a task, which is a key concept in project management and work responsibilities.
• 📈 The script introduces the concept of an 'extension', which is a request for additional time beyond the original deadline to complete a task.
• 📚 A 'press kit' is explained as a collection of materials prepared for media, including photos, logos, and company information, to facilitate reporting.
• 🤔 The dialogue illustrates a scenario where an employee (Casey) encounters multiple issues that delay the completion of a press kit, highlighting the challenges of project management.
• 🗣️ Phrases like 'I've been meaning to' are presented as a way to express intentions to do something that haven't been completed yet, often due to unforeseen circumstances.
• 🚫 The phrase 'beyond my control' is highlighted as a way to communicate that certain obstacles are outside of one's ability to manage or influence.
• ⏰ 'Put this off' is discussed as a phrase used to describe the act of delaying or postponing tasks, which can lead to increased stress and workload.
• 🗣️ The script provides examples of how to use language to ask for more time or explain delays, which is a valuable skill in professional communication.
• 💡 The dialogue concludes with a discussion about the validity of excuses in the workplace, encouraging listeners to reflect on the reasons behind delays and how they are perceived.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the English pod lesson discussed in the transcript?

The main topic of the English pod lesson is learning how to ask for more time in a work context, particularly when working on a project that cannot be completed on time.

What is a press kit as mentioned in the dialogue?

A press kit is a collection of photos, documents, articles, and information about a company given to reporters, newspapers, magazines, etc., for promotional purposes.

Why does Casey need more time to complete the press kit in the dialogue?

Casey needs more time because she encountered several problems, including booking issues with the photographer, a team member being sick for three weeks, and the design team losing all the files, which required her to redo the pictures.

What does the term 'deadline' mean in the context of the dialogue?

In the context of the dialogue, 'deadline' refers to the last possible date to complete a task or project, after which the task is considered late.

What is the difference between 'deadline' and 'extension' as used in the dialogue?

A 'deadline' is the final date by which a task must be completed, while an 'extension' is a request to move the deadline to a later date to allow for more time to complete the task.

What phrase does the dialogue use to describe encountering problems?

The dialogue uses the phrase 'ran into some problems' to describe encountering issues or obstacles that one did not anticipate.

What does the phrase 'beyond my control' imply in the dialogue?

The phrase 'beyond my control' implies that the speaker could not prevent or influence the outcome of a situation, indicating that the delay was not due to their actions or negligence.

What does the dialogue suggest when someone says 'I've been meaning to'?

When someone says 'I've been meaning to' in the dialogue, it suggests that they have intended to do something but have not yet done it, often due to other priorities or unforeseen circumstances.

What does the phrase 'put this off' mean in the context of the dialogue?

In the context of the dialogue, 'put this off' means to postpone or delay starting or completing a task, often to a later time when it might be less convenient or more rushed.

What is the significance of the phrase 'ASAP' used by Casey's boss in the dialogue?

The phrase 'ASAP' stands for 'as soon as possible' and signifies that Casey's boss wants the photos for the press kit completed immediately without any further delay.

How does the dialogue suggest one should respond when asked about delays in their work?

The dialogue suggests that one should be honest about the reasons for the delay, acknowledging the issue without making excuses, and should communicate the steps taken to resolve the problems and complete the task.