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Verbal communication is important in the workplace. One time it is important is during meetings. Below is an
imaginary meeting between Justin and Blanca, store clerks, and their supervisor, Linda. As you read, think about
when the three people are communicating effectively, and at which points they could improve.

LINDA: Hi, Justin and Blanca. Thanks for meeting with me.

JUSTIN: Hello, Linda.
BLANCA: Hi, Linda.

LINDA: The reason I wanted to meet is because I wanted to tell you about a sale that we're having on pottery.
Starting on Monday, some of our pottery will be half-price for one week. The pottery that's on sale includes the
bowls and the cups. The plates and small vases are not on sale. Do you have any questions?

JUSTIN: Umm…well…I'm not sure….
LINDA: You're not sure about what?

JUSTIN: Can you explain that again?
LINDA: Do you want me to explain the whole thing?

JUSTIN: I'm just sort of confused about the details of this sale. For example, you said it starts on Monday.
Today is Monday. Does that mean that the sale starts today?
LINDA: Oh, good question. The sale actually starts next Monday. That's one week from today.

BLANCA: It lasts until two weeks from today?
LINDA: Are you asking when the sale ends? Then yes, it lasts from next Monday until the following Monday.
That's the last day of the sale.

BLANCA: You also said that small vases are not going to be on sale. What about large vases?
LINDA: Do we have a lot of large vases in our store?

JUSTIN: That depends on what you mean by "large." We have three vases in the store that are the largest.
They're on display near the front door.

LINDA: Thanks for that information. In that case, none of the vases will be on sale. Do either of you have any
other questions?
BLANCA: Thank you. I think I understand now.

JUSTIN: I do, too.
LINDA: Great, thanks. If anything else is unclear, please ask me about it. This way we can make sure there are
no pricing errors.

BLANCA: Thanks, Linda. We'll see you tomorrow.
JUSTIN: Thank you, Linda. Goodbye.

Dictionary

assignment (noun) work or a job that someone is given to do
personality (noun) many things that come together to make a person

respectful (adjective) showing that someone is important

respond (verb) to answer

supervisor (noun) a person who is in charge