00 - An Introduction

1. Narrator

Hi, I'm Neil. Thanks for joining me on English at Work - a new series of programs set in an office, packed with top tips to help you learn useful business language you can use at work. In the next few minutes, you can join me on an introductory tour of one of London's biggest imitation plastic fruit manufacturers, called Tip Top Trading. We're going to hear from some of the employees who work hard to keep the business running smoothly. So come on! Let's step into the office and eavesdrop on Tip Top Trading's potential newest hire. I say potential because she's still being interviewed for the Sales Executive position...

2. Anna

First, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience: I've spent several years working in sales, and I get along with people easily. Well, I mean, except for the ones I don't like, of course! Second, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London, and I want to be part of that.

3. Paul

That's absolutely right. Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector.

4. Narrator

Well said, Anna! If she gets that job, I'm sure she'll be an asset to the company. The decision is in the hands of Manager Paul, who we just heard. He's a nice guy, really, a little disorganized, but when things go wrong, he's got to take charge... kind of like this...

5. Paul

Yesterday was not a great day. Two clients came in with serious complaints. Mrs. Kumquat received a delivery of imitation bananas that were purple - not very convincing - and Mr. Lime ordered grapefruits but got pineapples. Tom!

6. Tom

Yeah, listen...

7. Paul

Were you responsible for these errors?

8. Tom

Well... yes, but-

9. Paul

Look, mistakes happen. But it seems Mrs. Kumquat left our office even angrier than when she came in, and she says she will never use Tip Top Trading again!

10. Tom

I tried my best.

11. Narrator

Ah yes, Tom! One of the company's top Sales Executives - he's good... ...but his interpersonal skills need work. Listen to this!

12. Tom

My computer crashed. I've lost my phone. And there's a big, BIG problem with my schedule. I have two meetings scheduled at the same time with two extremely important clients. I can't do both at once!

13. Narrator

Now, every office needs a good office assistant - and Tip Top Trading is no exception. They have Denise, who's there to assist, organize, and sometimes make coffee...

14. Denise

Oh sorry, excuse me, here's your coffee, Paul.

15. Paul

Thanks, Denise.

16. Narrator

But wow! She likes to talk...

17. Denise

Really! "Denise, do this! Denise, do that!" I'm telling you, Sharon, I've almost had enough! I get treated like I'm some kind of servant!

18. Narrator

That's Denise! I think we'll just leave the office now and let them get on with their work. So that's Tip Top Trading. There are plenty of other people we'll meet along the way - so come on - why don't you join me for English at Work from bbclearningenglish.com. See ya!