Business English - Lesson 1 - Business English Course | Business English Conversation

Summary

This episode of Business English Pod explores how to give and ask for opinions in both formal and informal settings. Using a business meeting at Digi Soft and a casual breakroom conversation, the script illustrates the differences in language usage. In the formal meeting, employees express their opinions politely and cautiously, while in the breakroom, language becomes more direct and informal. The episode highlights key phrases for both settings, demonstrating how tone and context influence the way opinions are shared in professional environments.

Takeaways

• 😀 Giving and asking for opinions is a crucial part of meetings and discussions in business settings.
• 😀 The script contrasts formal and informal ways of asking for opinions in a workplace context.
• 😀 In a formal setting, asking for opinions is done politely with phrases like 'What would you like to add?' or 'What's your reaction to that?'
• 😀 In informal settings, asking for opinions is more casual, as seen in the use of 'What do you think, guys?' and 'How about you?'
• 😀 The language used to express opinions varies depending on the level of formality; for example, 'I tend to feel' or 'It seems to me' are more cautious and formal.
• 😀 The phrase 'I wonder if I could say something' is used in formal settings when someone needs to disagree or add a point carefully.
• 😀 Informal discussions can be more direct and playful, such as when Bruce and George joke about football games.
• 😀 To soften disagreement in formal settings, phrases like 'From my point of view' or 'I have the impression that' can be used.
• 😀 In casual conversations, slang and humor are often used, like in the phrase 'rub it in' to tease someone about a painful topic.
• 😀 Working overtime and missing out on personal activities, like watching football games, is humorously addressed in the informal setting as a consequence of meeting deadlines.
• 😀 The conversation in the break room illustrates how colleagues can bond over casual topics while also discussing their professional concerns indirectly.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the Business English Pod episode?

The main focus of the episode is on ways to give and ask for opinions in both formal and informal settings, particularly in business contexts such as meetings and discussions.

In the formal meeting at Digi Soft, what is Sheila discussing with her team?

Sheila is discussing the deadline for the launch of a new software product with her team, specifically asking for their opinions on when the product can be released.

How does Sheila ask for opinions in the formal meeting?

Sheila asks for opinions by addressing her team members by name with a rising intonation, signaling the request for their feedback. She also uses phrases like 'What's your reaction to that?' and 'Go ahead, George, what would you like to add?'

What does Walt's phrase 'I tend to feel that we should probably be able to start testing the product in April' convey?

Walt's phrase expresses a careful and somewhat formal tone, as he is uncertain whether the others will agree. It indicates that Walt is suggesting a tentative plan but is cautious about fully committing to it.

How does George express his disagreement about the May deadline?

George expresses his disagreement by using careful language, saying, 'I wonder if I could say something' and 'It seems to me that May is much too early.' This shows his hesitation and the need to present his opinion politely, especially since he disagrees with the others.

What informal language is used in the breakroom conversation?

In the breakroom conversation, informal language includes terms like 'guys' and phrases like 'What do you think?' and 'Actually, that was one of the greatest games I've ever seen.' This creates a relaxed and informal atmosphere among the colleagues.

What does the expression 'to rub something in' mean in the informal conversation?

'To rub something in' means to remind someone, intentionally or jokingly, about something painful or uncomfortable. In this case, Walt is teasing Bruce, a Liverpool fan, about Chelsea winning the game.

How does George ask for opinions informally in the breakroom?

George asks for opinions informally by directly saying, 'How about you?' which is a straightforward way to engage others in the conversation without formalities.

What does George's use of the word 'actually' in the informal conversation indicate?

George's use of the word 'actually' introduces a direct or informal way to state an opinion. It suggests that he is about to share something surprising or new, in this case, his view on the game.

What is the significance of the phrase 'we're all going to be working overtime burning the midnight oil' in the informal conversation?

This phrase emphasizes the heavy workload the team will face if they try to meet the May deadline. It suggests that the team will be working late into the night, sacrificing personal time, like watching football games, to finish the project.