Posted by & filed under Oral Class in Singapore.

Conversition:
A  Thanks for coming everybody. OK, lets get down to business(a). As you know, we’re here to talk about the relocation to the China and I’d like to hear what you have to say. Now, the plan is to make the final move in January, but that’s a busy month for us. So, what do you think(e)?
B  Can I just stop you there for a moment(b), Elke? This relocation idea – I mean, it’s ridiculous. I don’t think anyone here actually wants to go and live in China.
A With respect, you don’t quite seem to understand(f), Erich. The decision has already been taken.
B  Sorry, I don’t quite see what you mean.(o). I thought we were here to discuss this.
A  No, perhaps I didn’t make myself clear(d). We are relocating to Shanghai in November. That’s been decided……
B  So why are we having this meeting?
A  If I could just finish what I was saying(h). What we are discussing today is how to implement the decision. This affects our Thailand office too, you know. There’s a lot to talk about. Now…
C  Can I just come in here?(n)
A  Yes, what is it Axel?
C  Well, I can see why we should have a branch in the China, instead of , Tokyo. We do most of our business there. But we’re a Japan company. Head office should be here in Japan, surely.
A  I’m afraid that’s completely out of the question(j). The decision to relocate makes good logistic and economic sense. We’re still a fairly small business. Having branches in different countries is just not an option.
B  I totally disagree(c). Our market is Asia and Tokyo is at the heart of Asia.
A  Yes, but 70% of our market is in the China. Look, perhaps we can come back to this later(k). I can see some of you are not happy about it, and I agree with you up to a point(g), but I am not in a position to change company policy. OK, let’s move on(i). How are we going to handle administration during the relocation? Does anyone have any suggestions?(m) How about using the Taiwan office while we move from Tokyo to Shanghai? Kjell?
D  Well, to be honest, Elke, we feel very much the same as our Tokyo colleagues here. We think the decision to close down the Tokyo and Thailand offices is a mistake.
A  I see…
C  Look, maybe we should take a short break(l), Elke. I think one or two of us would like to have a word with you – in private if that’s OK.
A  Right. Well, sorry everybody. We’ll have to break off here, I’m afraid(q). Axel, Kjell, Erich, Ill see you in my office…

Which expressions in conversion are used to:
1. open a meeting
a Ok, let’s get down to business.
2. ask for an opinion
e What do you think?
3. interrupt
b Can I just stop you there for a moment?
n Can I just come in here?
4. prevent interruption
h If I could just finish what I was saying.
5. get some fresh air
l Maybe we should take a short break.
6 speed thing up
i OK, let’s move on.
7. ask for clarification
o Sorry, I don’t quite see what you mean.
8. disagree
c I totally disagree.(too strong).
9. half-agree
g I agree with you up to a point.
10. explain
d Perhaps I didn’t make myself clear.
f Whth respect, you don’t quite seem understand.
11. delay
k Perhaps we can come back to this later.
12. ask for ideas
m Does anyone have any suggestions?
13. reject a proposal
j I’m afraid that’s completely out of the question.
14. close a meeting
q We’ll have to break off here, I’m afraid.

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