Business English lesson 10 : Attending a meeting
Reading
Beginner level / CECR : A2/B1
1st Part
Video
2nd Part
Understanding
3rd Part
Vocabulary
4th Part
Writing
5th Part
Reading
6th Part
Game
Read the following text
Chris: Now you all know why I’ve called this meeting. Uh… Sales figures for our region are down and we need to address this as soon as we can. So, I’d like to start by asking Maya to explain the figures, OK Maya?
Maya: Thanks Chris. Well, I’ve prepared some handouts to show you how the figures are looking, if we look at sales year to date. So, in order to meet our budget this year, we will, in my opinion, have to start some cost-saving measures.
Chris: Okay, thanks Maya. Look! Cost-cutting is something that we need to think about, but we also need to stop the downturn in sales and regain market share. So, Stephen, can I bring you in here? Any comments?
Stephen: Well, it’s hard to know what the problem is. Our products are competitive
Chris: So, they’re not getting better offers from the competition.
Stephen: I don’t think so.
Chris: Okay, thanks Stephen, that was all useful information. So, Deirdre, can we turn to you now? Do you have any ideas why this downturn is happening?
Deirdre: Well, it’s true we can observe a decrease in sales in our region, there’s also been an increase in customers cancelling new contracts within 14 days.
Chris: Do you know why? Do the customers say why they don’t like our offers? I personally feel that this is vital information, I mean…
Deirdre: if I can finish what I was saying, procedures from first contact to after sales care. I mean, perhaps, it would be a good idea to start with that and see if the sales figures improve.
Chris: Thanks Deirdre. What do you two think of that?
Maya: Can I make another suggestion? I think we need to see the whole picture from the customer’s point of view. A customer survey, perhaps…. Actually, I was thinking about hiring an external researcher, get a neutral view on our position in the market and customers views on us.
Chris: Oh, I like that idea. I think it could be very useful information. Do you agree in principle, though, that we need to understand the cause of the problem.
Deirdre: Yes, I suppose so.
Chris: Good. Stephen, could you look for a market research company we could work with on this?
Stephen: Sure.
Chris: Great. Well, let’s move on to
1️⃣ Learn the vocabulary:
2️⃣ Read, listen and repeat the following sentences:
→ Traduction : Nous devons y remédier dès que possible.
It is true we can observe a decrease in sales.→ Traduction : Il est vrai que nous pouvons observer une baisse des ventes.
I’d like to suggest we review our customer accounts.→ Traduction : J’aimerais suggérer que nous examinions nos comptes clients.
Can I make another suggestion?→ Traduction : Puis-je faire une autre suggestion ?
We need to see the whole picture from the customer views on us.→ Traduction : Nous devons avoir une vue d’ensemble de l’opinion des clients à notre égard.