After Denise's sacking, Anna and Tom are worried that they might be next in the firing line! But things are looking up – Paul asks Anna to explain her plastic aubergine idea to the development team. Will she be able to convey her ideas to them clearly?
Language to use for conveying your ideas to others
This episode focuses on the language that you might use to try and explain your ideas to someone who is new to your project.
Phrases from the programme:
- I have a specific idea in mind.
- I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on how to improve my idea.
- I'd like to use your design skills to produce a fantastic product.
- I need to sign off your designs before they go into production.
Listening Challenge
How long does Anna want her prototype plastic aubergine to be?
The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below:
Transcript
Narrator
Hello again and welcome to English at Work. It's another day at Tip Top Trading and hopefully a happier one, following Denise's bad news about her job. I wonder if Tom and Anna are about to get the same bad news?
Paul
It's really awful having to let a member of your staff go but that's the situation we're in, I'm afraid.
Tom
And now you're going to let us go aren't you? Honestly Paul, I've given my life to this company and, quite frankly, I'm disappointed… no, I'm angry at your decision. See your biscuits? Well…
Anna
Tom!
Tom
That's what I think of Tip Top Trading…
Paul
What?! Hold on Tom. I think you're a bit confused. I'm not sacking you too. I need to talk to you about plastic vegetables… you know, the aubergine idea?
Tom
Oh… I see. You're not sacking us? Sorry Paul… I'll buy you some more biscuits. So what was it that you had to say?
Paul
Plastic vegetables. Yours and Anna's idea for a plastic aubergine. I like it. It's good. So, I need you to develop a prototype we can use to show our potential clients.
Anna
Well that's great. So where do we get the prototype made?
Paul
Upstairs, on the 4th floor. We have a great development team who can magic up some amazing designs.
Anna
They're magicians?
Tom
No Anna. They're just developers who make things out of plastic.
Paul
Thank you Tom. Look, why not go and have a chat to them now and get the ball rolling.
Anna
But we're not making balls.
Tom
Come on Anna… I'll explain. See you Paul.
Narrator
'To get the ball rolling' – he means to get the project moving along. Developers can design and make models of your products which you can show and develop. But you need to give them clear and specific instructions. Let's see how Anna gets on.
Tom
So this is the development team. Oh hi George, you up for footie on Sunday? Great. Have you met Anna before?
Anna
Hello.
Tom
We've come to talk vegetables.
George
Try the greengrocers!
Tom
Ha ha, very funny! No, we need a plastic aubergine making, mate. It's our new big idea.
George
Easy. We can just remould the design for the Imperial Lemon.
Narrator
Can they Anna? Is that what you wanted? To get what you want, you need to explain exactly your requirements.
Anna
But what shall I say?
Narrator
Tell them exactly what you were thinking by saying 'I have a specific idea in mind' and 'I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on how to improve my ideas' and, 'I'd like to use your design skills to produce a fantastic product'.
Anna
I see. OK, time for me to take control. George… this is quite a special project for us… isn't it Tom?
Tom
Oh yeah, right, absolutely.
Anna
So we want to get it right and I already have a specific idea in mind.
George
Great, sure, tell me more.
Anna
Well, based on a real aubergine, I was hoping it could be 20 centimetres in length, using grade 1 plastic resin, with a black-purple colour and a 30 degree curve on that side. Does that make sense?
George
Erm yeah. Quite clear.
Anna
Obviously you are a designer, so I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on how to improve our idea.
George
Well, it looks very impressive already. Gosh, Tom, where did you get her from?
Anna
He didn't get me from anywhere. Now, I'd like to use your design skills to develop a fantastic product that I can show everyone. OK?
George
Err… yes. I'll get onto it straight away.
Narrator
Excellent Anna. Sometimes it's important to take control and say what you really want but in a positive and encouraging way. These are the phrases that Anna used:
I have a specific idea in mind.
I'm interested in hearing your thoughts on how to improve my ideas.
I'd like to use your design skills to produce a fantastic product.
Narrator
There's one more phrase to use to make sure things go to plan if someone is making something for you. That is 'I need to sign off your designs before they go into production', that means approve the plans before anything I made. Off you go Anna…
Anna
…so when will you have the designs ready then?
George
Hopefully by tomorrow morning. Is that OK?
Anna
That will be great but I will need to sign off your designs before they go into production – that way, there won't be any mistakes – will there?
George
Crikey Tom, she’s a bit bossy.
Tom
No! She's a pussy cat really… a bit of a softy.
Anna
Now come on Tom. Fetch my things, we need to go and sort out a leaving present for Denise.
Tom
Oh yeah right, of course, see you George.
Narrator
Hmm, I think Tom's the pussy cat! Let's hope the designs come out well. But even more important is Denise's last day at work tomorrow – how is everyone going to cope? Find out next time on English at Work. Bye.
Listening challenge - answer
How long does Anna want her prototype plastic aubergine to be?
20 centimetres.
Try Next
English at Work ล่าสุด
Last call for Tom
Episode 170927 / 27 Sep 2017
Just as Tom leaves to start a new life in Australia, Anna realises her true feelings. Will she be able to catch him before he's gone for good?
Something's missing
Episode 170920 / 20 Sep 2017
Tom's walked out after Anna rejected his marriage proposal. Will things at Tip Top Trading ever be the same again?
Tom's tantrum
Episode 170913 / 13 Sep 2017
Anna said 'yes', but was she accepting Mr Socrates' job offer or agreeing to marry Tom?
Anna's decision
Episode 170906 / 06 Sep 2017
It's decision time for Anna! Will she accept the offer to become the new boss at Tip Top Trading?
Decision time
Episode 170830 / 30 Aug 2017
Paul's been sacked from Tip Top Trading. Mr Socrates is about to make Anna an offer she can't refuse – will she accept it?
Stepping aside
Episode 170823 / 23 Aug 2017
With the new plastic aubergine finally launched, things should be looking up at Tip Top Trading. But someone's about to lose their job! Who will it be?
The show must go on
Episode 170816 / 16 Aug 2017
Tip Top Trading finally launch the plastic aubergine. But will the presentation of their new product go according to plan?
Pulling out the stops
Episode 170809 / 09 Aug 2017
The team are getting ready to launch their new product and there's lots to do. Will they get things done on time?
A room with a view
Episode 170802 / 02 Aug 2017
Anna's got to organise the launch of Tip Top Trading's newest product. Can she find a venue at such short notice?
Pushed to the limits
Episode 170726 / 26 Jul 2017
Denise is back at Tip Top Trading, but not everything is going smoothly! Will Anna be able to get everyone organised?
To show you the ropes
Episode 170719 / 19 Jul 2017
Denise is back – and she's going to take on more responsibility. Will Anna be able to help her settle in and show her the ropes in her new role?
Eating humble pie
Episode 170712 / 12 Jul 2017
Tip Top Trading is in chaos! The place is a mess and important messages are being lost. Paul may have to eat humble pie to make things better!
Help! We need somebody
Episode 170705 / 05 Jul 2017
Chaos at Tip Top Trading! Denise has left and things are getting busy! How will the team cope being one member down?
So long Denise!
Episode 170628 / 28 Jun 2017
It's Denise's last day at Tip Top Trading and she's worried about the future. Hopefully Anna can give her some good careers advice!
Taking shape
Episode 170621 / 21 Jun 2017
Anna's consulting the development team about her plastic aubergines. Will they understand the project?
Reality bites
Episode 170614 / 14 Jun 2017
Triumphant Tip Top Trading are back from the awards ceremony, but it's not all good news!
Award-winning!
Episode 170607 / 07 Jun 2017
It's award time at the International Plastics Convention! Will Anna and the Tip Top Trading team win the prize?
Face-to-face
Episode 170531 / 31 May 2017
The International Plastics Convention is here and the Tip Top Trading team are looking to promote their business. Will Anna be able to network effectively?
Talking sense
Episode 170524 / 24 May 2017
Anna's in charge following Paul's biscuit-related accident, but things are about to take a turn for the worse. How will she and Tom deal with a mysterious note they find in the office?
Acting up
Episode 170517 / 17 May 2017
Paul's gone missing after he went to a biscuit convention. Anna and the others at Tip Top Trading have been left on their own – who will step up and take charge?
The plastic aubergine
Episode 170510 / 10 May 2017
It's time for Anna to pitch her idea for a new plastic vegetable product to her boss Paul. Will she be able to capture his attention and get her idea off the ground?
Computer crisis
Episode 170503 / 03 May 2017
Crisis at Tip Top Trading! Something's happened to the computers and everyone's work has disappeared! Anna needs tech support but can she say the right things to get them to help?
Doing your homework
Episode 170426 / 26 Apr 2017
Anna is developing her idea for a new plastic vegetable. But has she considered all the information before she pitches the idea to her boss Paul? She's going to have to do some proper research before she can!
The dinner date
Episode 170419 / 19 Apr 2017
Anna and Tom are finally on their dinner date! Tom has romance on his mind but Anna is thinking about something else entirely – putting together a perfect business proposal!
Doing it by the book
Episode 170412 / 12 Apr 2017
Tom's had an accident! Can Anna find the right language to use to sort out health and safety problems at work? Find out!
The Appraisal
Episode 170405 / 05 Apr 2017
It's time for Anna's appraisal - a chance to review how things are going and to set some challenges for the year ahead. But will Anna like what Paul has to say?
A step too far
Episode 170329 / 29 Mar 2017
New recruit Rachel has been making life difficult for Anna and she's been making some bad business decisions. It's time for discipline and someone to give her a warning!
Oranges and lemons
Episode 170322 / 22 Mar 2017
Tense times at Tip Top Trading! Anna is having trouble working with new employee Rachel, who's making some big mistakes. What can Anna do before Rachel goes too far?
Rachel the rabbit!
Episode 170315 / 15 Mar 2017
Anna's struggling to work with Rachel, the new member of staff at Tip Top Trading. She's becoming more and more difficult and Anna will have to deal with it soon!
The power struggle
Episode 170308 / 08 Mar 2017
Anna's back from her French trip, so things should be going well at Tip Top Trading. But there's a new person coming in to work – will she and Anna get on with each other?
Lost in France
Episode 170301 / 01 Mar 2017
Anna and Tom have managed to complete a lucrative deal selling their Imperial Lemons. But not everything is going so well – their flight back to London has been cancelled! What will they do?
The business trip
Episode 170222 / 22 Feb 2017
Anna and Tom are still in France trying clinch the deal with the French trader.Will they get him to sign the deal?
The deal is off!
Episode 170215 / 15 Feb 2017
Anna and Tom are off to France to finalise a business deal. Will Anna manage to book the flight with Denise's help?
The deal is off!
Episode 170208 / 08 Feb 2017
Can Anna renegotiate a deal with Tip Top Trading's customers in France?
Sign on the dotted line
Episode 170201 / 01 Feb 2017
Last time we left Anna and Tom locked in the stationery cupboard – will they escape and will Anna be able to secure a deal with a French company?
Two heads are better than one
Episode 170125 / 25 Jan 2017
One of the companies Anna cold-called has got in touch! Will she get her negotiating hat on and get them to make an order?
Putting the feelers out
Episode 170118 / 18 Jan 2017
Anna's making some cold calls to find new clients for Tip Top Trading. But will they warm to her approach?
Home truths
Episode 170111 / 11 Jan 2017
After announcing a new strategy, Mr Socrates joins the team at the pub. But after a few beers he says some things he shouldn't!
Getting down to business
Episode 170104 / 04 Jan 2017
Big boss Mr Socrates is visiting the Tip Top Trading offices and he's got some bad news! What is he going to say?
You cannot be serious!
Episode 161228 / 28 Dec 2016
The big boss is visiting from America, and he's quite fussy about his hotel room. Looks like Anna has to do some complaining!
The big cheese
Episode 161221 / 21 Dec 2016
The boss is in town! Can Anna use the right language to book him a hotel room?
No smoke without fire
Episode 161214 / 14 Dec 2016
Emergency! There's a fire at Tip Top Trading! Will Anna be able to use the right phrases in this tricky situation?
Risky business
Episode 161207 / 07 Dec 2016
Anna's been accused of smoking! Paul decides it's time to give his team a health and safety update!
The smoker
Episode 161130 / 30 Nov 2016
Anna's down in the warehouse talking to Mr Ingle about stock, but she finds him doing something dangerous! How can she ask him to stop doing it?
Don't panic!
Episode 161123 / 23 Nov 2016
Ann's been chosen to head up the company's stock management. But she needs help! Who will come to the rescue?
The Team Meeting
Episode 161116 / 16 Nov 2016
The team are having a meeting, but the boss is late! Will Anna be able to take charge and set the agenda correctly?
The open window
Episode 161109 / 09 Nov 2016
An open window leads to a mix-up in the office. Will Anna be able to explain this misunderstanding?
The email
Episode 161102 / 02 Nov 2016
Anna's having some problems with writing an email. Luckily, Tom has some words of wisdom.
Lemon-sized luxury boxes
Episode 161026 / 26 Oct 2016
Mr Lime calls again to order some boxes for his Imperial Lemons. How will Anna handle the order?
Slimy Limey!
Episode 161019 / 19 Oct 2016
Following Mr Lime's proposition, Anna needs to say no. How is she going to refuse his offer politely?
Seb Lime
Episode 161012 / 12 Oct 2016
Anna's been told to improve her telephone manner. What tips will Denise give her?
Telephone tell-tale
Episode 161005 / 05 Oct 2016
Anna's making her pitch to Mr Lime, but it's going wrong! How will she cope?
The Imperial Lemon
Episode 160928 / 28 Sep 2016
Anna's making her pitch to Mr Lime, but it's going wrong! How will she cope?
The big day
Episode 160921 / 21 Sep 2016
Presentation time! It's a big day for Anna as she presents Tip Top Trading's new product
Overtime
Episode 160914 / 14 Sep 2016
Anna's been burning the candle at both ends. But will her efforts pay off?
The brainstorm
Episode 160907 / 07 Sep 2016
The team get together to share ideas about the launch of a new product, but they can't agree!
The warehouse
Episode 160831 / 31 Aug 2016
Tip Top Trading's big boss has ordered a re-check of every order this month. How will Anna get on checking information with the warehouse staff?
Room 301
Episode 160824 / 24 Aug 2016
Tom and Anna have a meeting with their boss Paul, but who's getting praised and who's in trouble?
Mr Lime's grapefruits
Episode 160817 / 17 Aug 2016
Anna's got some apologising to do. Will she be able to deal with Mr Lime's grapefruit mix-up?
Double-booked
Episode 160810 / 10 Aug 2016
Tom is in a panic and needs help! Luckily Anna steps in and offers to help with his meeting crisis!
The Queen of Sheba
Episode 160803 / 03 Aug 2016
Denise explains why she's in such a state of panic - and Paul is not pleased. Will Anna be able to help resolve the crisis?
Doing lunch
Episode 160727 / 27 Jul 2016
Anna is determined to be friendly with her new colleagues and to make a good impression. Unfortunately, a slight misunderstanding leads her to make an embarrassing mistake.
The Crisis
Episode 160720 / 20 Jul 2016
Denise explains why she's in such a state of panic and Paul is not pleased. Will Anna be able to help resolve the crisis?
The Interruption
Episode 160713 / 13 Jul 2016
Anna's job interview continues. But with all the pressure and stress, she has frozen mid-sentence, unable to find the right word in English for what she wants to say.
The Interview
Episode 160706 / 06 Jul 2016
Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruit sector, and Anna desperately wants to be a part of it. Her job interview for a position in sales is going to be a challenge. How will she cope?
An Introduction
Episode 160701 / 01 Jul 2016
Meet Anna, Paul, Denise and Tom. English at Work focuses on English communication in the office. Join Neil in this special introductory programme as he finds out about the characters who work in the offices of Tip Top Trading.
