Page 21 - English for Executive Administrative Assistant

Pay attention to the dialogue below and fill in the blank with the language function you learned
(expression of hesitation, confirmation, changing the subject, idioms of hesitation, redirecting subject,
avoiding subject to talk)

Ms. Anna : How are you, Mr. Gilbert?
Mr. Gilbert : Excellent, thank you. What about you?

Ms. Anna : Wonderful. Thank you. I heard that you have just come back from Canada for your holiday.
How was the holiday Mr.?

Mr. Gilbert : Well, it’s been wonderful. I really enjoyed my winter vacation there until I checked my
email. ………………………. (1), I was wondering why did you contact me through email during
my holiday. That was unusual. (expression of changing topic)
Ms. Anna : That’s what I am going to talk about today Mr. Thank you very much for spending your
time during your day off.

Mr. Gilbert : My Pleasure, Ms. Anna. What is today’s meeting agenda? We don’t have any problem
with the company, right?

Ms. Anna : Unfortunately, we’re having several problems with our clients in Holland.
Mr. Gilbert : Our client in Holland? Do you mean Mr. Van Gogh and Ms. Trinity?
……………………………………………………. (2) They usually pay on time. I don’t understand.
(expression of hesitation)

Ms. Anna : Yes, you are right, they are excellent clients. Unfortunately, they are not pleased with the
merchandise we are sending them.

Mr. Gilbert : ………………………. (3)? How can that be? We always provide first-class products (expression
of confirmation)

Ms. Anna : I know; however, they aren’t happy. They say they are meeting with a new manufacturer
next week

Mr. Gilbert` : Nonsense, and what are we doing to change things?

Ms. Anna : Well that’s the reason for our meeting today. I’d like to make a few suggestions.
Mr. Gilbert : I’m listening

Ms. Anna : Why don’t we change suppliers?

Mr. Gilbert : Is that a problem?

Ms. Anna : Let’s take a look at some of the suppliers in the area. I’m sure we can find a better one. I
have surveyed some of the areas around here and I have found some of the suppliers we
need. And by the way, there are many good items in the neighborhood. Believe it or not,
we also have some good cafes to hang out in the neighborhood around us.

Mr. Gilbert : OK. ……………………….… (4)? (expression of redirecting the topic)

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English for Executive Administrative Assistant