Page 139 - Perfect Phrases ESL Everyday Business

Directions on the Job

clarity and understanding are sacrificed, you may be responsible for
someone having difficulty at work or may risk performing your work
inadequately. Additionally, you may cause someone to get lost or you,
yourself, may get lost. You may make a terrible recipe for your family
or for guests or ruin someone else’s meal preparation. You may take
too much or too little medication. You may have an expensive TV and
not be able to use all the features. You may buy a DVD player or cam-
era and put off using it because the directions are not clear to you.

Receiving Directions

When receiving directions, remember that Americans are uncomfort-
able with silence, lack of feedback, and, especially, no reaction to
what they have said. A very long pause may make an American think
you didn’t hear, didn’t understand, or are ignoring him or her. When
people speak to you, they expect you to respond or react in some
way. Reacting lets others know that you are listening. Acknowledg-
ing someone, especially when that person is giving directions to you,
is important. An easy way to remember how to pay special attention
to one who is giving you directions is to think about the word react.
What does it mean to react?

R Respond
E Eye contact
A Act—ask questions
C Contribute an idea
T Turn around

What does it mean to respond? As people speak, let them know
you understand with words such as: okay, yes, I see, all right, go on,
good, sure, I hear you, and no problem. If you do not fully understand,
respond by saying, “I don’t understand.” Or ask for clarification:

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