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BEP 174 – Meetings: Considering a Proposal 2

Business English, English for Meetings, Negotiating, Persuasion /

This is the second in a two-part Business English Pod series about an internal meeting to consider a proposal.

As we saw in the last episode, this type of meeting can be similar to a negotiation. People with different opinions sit around the table and try to convince each other that their idea is the best. So in this situation, you need to be very persuasive and provide good reasons for your recommendations.

In this lesson, we’ll look at how to express doubt, admit risk, confirm support, and speculate about possible future situations or scenarios. We’ll also cover language that you can use to highlight any concessions you might have won in a previous negotiation.

In today’s dialog, we’ll rejoin Steve and his managers as they discuss a proposal for language training. Steve is recommending a blended training model that would combine classroom sessions with online training.

Listening Questions

1. Which advantage of online training does Steve focus on?
2. What is the main concern of the two female managers?
3. If the blended approach doesn’t work, what do they have the option of doing?

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BEP 173 – Meetings: Considering a Proposal 1

Business English, English for Meetings, Negotiating, Persuasion /

This is the first of a two-part Business English Pod series on an internal meeting to consider a proposal. This lesson follows on from our recent three-part series on meeting with an external vendor (BEP 170 – 172).

Meeting to discuss a proposal is like an internal negotiation. The people at the table may have different opinions about the best option or course of action. These people need to support their ideas with strong reasons and try to convince others of their position. In the end, only one option or proposal will be chosen, so it’s important to come prepared.

In this lesson, we’ll focus on defining options and outlining both advantages and disadvantages of a proposal. We’ll also see how we can show that we’ve fully examined a potential vendor’s background and how we can support our ideas with solid reasons.

In today’s dialog, we’ll listen to Steve meeting with his HR and Line managers. Steve has found an external vendor, called Lexis, to conduct language training. Steve is trying to convince the managers to choose the blended delivery model proposed by Lexis.

Listening Questions

1. What are the advantages and disadvantages of online training?
2. How does the male manager seem to feel about online training?
3. What does Steve say about Lexis Training Solution’s reputation?

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BEP 359 - Video Conferences 1: Video Conference Meetings

BEP 359 - Video Conferences 1: Video Conference Meetings

Learn business English for working in remote teams and video conferences.
BEP 338 - Teleconference English: Participating in Online Meetings

BEP 338 - Teleconference English: Participating in Online Meetings

Learn Business English for participating in teleconferences and conference calls in English.
BEP 300 - External Meetings in English (Part 1)

BEP 300 - External Meetings in English (Part 1)

Learn Business English for external meetings and discussions.
BEP 253 - English for Meetings: Decision-Making Meetings (1)

BEP 253 - English for Meetings: Decision-Making Meetings (1)

Learn Business English for making decisions in English meetings.
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BEP 153 – Management English: Motivating your Team (1)

Business English, Communication, ESL Podcast, Management English /

Management English - Motivating your Team 1

This is the the first of a two-part Business English Pod series on motivating your team.

Motivation is an important force in business. Much of what gets accomplished is driven by a team’s motivation. When employees feel energized about a project, they’re more likely to contribute ideas and work hard toward success. But if they’re not motivated, their commitment – and the chances of success – diminish.

Sometimes, motivation is difficult to achieve. Circumstances such as a poor economy or downsizing can devastate employee morale, or optimism. Employees may feel defeated, uncertain about their future, and not at all excited about the work ahead.

In this lesson, we’ll look at some ways to motivate your team. We’ll discuss how to acknowledge obstacles that may hold a team back. We’ll cover ways to convey enthusiasm and make people feel valued. And we’ll talk about how team members can contribute to the discussion and brainstorm.

Today we’ll listen to Joe, a manager at a resort, try to motivate his sales team. The department has been downsized considerably and morale is low. Still, they have important work to do.

Listening Questions:

1. Why does Joe say that the team looks different now?
2. What idea does Carl suggest?
3. What is Nick’s idea?

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BEP 150 – Working in Multicultural Teams (Part 2)

Advanced, Business English, Communication, Culture, ESL Podcast /

This is the the second of a two-part Business English Pod series on working in multicultural teams.

These days, working with people from different cultures is quite common. You might be meeting with colleagues in another country or on another continent. Business practices vary all over the world. Some cultures are more formal than others. Some have distinct customs regarding greetings, gender roles, and food. So it’s helpful to know as much as possible about other business cultures before you meet your team.

But even if you’ve done your research carefully, problems can still arise, especially in face-to-face meetings. There can be miscommunications, points that need clarification, and different ideas of what’s acceptable in a business environment.

Today, we’ll look at issues like slang and idioms, concepts of time, forms of address, and misunderstandings due to culture. We’ll also discuss opening interactions and explaining different business customs.

In the last episode, we met Cao Ming a U.S.-based manager at a multinational company. Originally from China, Ming has worked in New York for many years and is now headed to Brazil where he’ll lead a research team. He did some background reading and discussed Brazilian culture with a colleague before he left. Now, he’s heading his first meeting with his new Brazilian team.

Listening Questions

1. What are two idioms Ming needs to explain?
2. What suggestion does Carla make at the beginning of the meeting?
3. Why does Felipe mispronounce Ming’s name?

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BEP 144 – Meetings: English for Teleconferences (2)

Business English, English for Meetings, Intermediate English, Teleconference English /

English for Teleconference Meetings 1

This is the second of a two-part Business English lesson on English for teleconferences.

Teleconferences allow people from different locations to have a meeting over the telephone. While convenient, teleconferences do have some issues to keep in mind, such as keeping track of who’s talking. Sometimes two people talk at the same time or talk too quickly. Because participants can’t see each other, it’s helpful to use “signposts” or short statements that prepare others for what’s about to be said. Other issues such as laying out an agenda and managing the time also come into play.

In the last episode, we heard a conversation between Craig and Elsa, two employees at StarCom, an electronics manufacturer. Craig has his first teleconference coming up and Elsa gave him an informal tutorial, teaching him about the equipment and some of the protocols for a teleconference.

Today, Craig is participating in the teleconference. The host of the teleconference is Tony, a manager in Chicago. Also participating are Diana, a colleague in London, and JP, who works in Marketing at the Dallas location. They’re discussing the upcoming holiday season, new product lines, and advertising.

Listening Questions

1) How does JP help Craig with the agenda?
2) According to Diana, why were the printer test results disappointing?
3) Why doesn’t Diana think the problem will be resolved quickly?

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BEP 143 – Meetings: English for Teleconferences (1)

Business English, English for Meetings, Intermediate English, Teleconference English /

English for Teleconference Meetings 1

This is the first in a two-part Business English Pod series on teleconferences – meetings that take place over the phone.

Nowadays, we have virtual teams interacting across the globe in virtual meetings without having to leave the office. Teleconferences offer a host of advantages, including minimal travel and meetings costs.

However, teleconferences do have their challenges, especially since participants cannot see each other. It’s helpful for people to introduce themselves, use their names and their colleague’s names when speaking, minimize background noise, and speak slowly and clearly. In these two episodes, we’ll learn vocabulary associated with teleconferences. We’ll also learn ways to professionally and tactfully handle any issues that come up.

Today, we’ll listen to Craig and Elsa. Craig is a new hire at StarCom, a computer and printer manufacturer. He’s fresh from university and needs to learn how to do a teleconference, so he asks for help from Elsa, who works in HR.

Listening Questions

1) What types of equipment are needed for a teleconference?
2) What is the purpose of a passcode?
3) What are three problems Elsa mentions that can often occur during a teleconference?

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Business English Podcast Lessons

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