This lesson will focus on casual language that's appropriate for internal communication or making plans with colleagues.
Making plans smoothly with colleagues is key to having a strong working relationship. However, some non-native English speakers have trouble guiding the interaction. This lesson will help you.
- What's on your schedule tomorrow?
- Your teacher has a busy schedule tomorrow, but try scheduling a meeting with them. Do this as quickly and naturally as possible—don't be too formal.
We are going to start making plans using direct language. This is suitable for internal meetings, leisure activities, and some clients who prefer a less formal style.
A: For some arrangements, you can start by describing what is going to happen. Discuss the nuance of each phrase, and pick an ending that suits it.
- So the next milestone is...
- In the next meeting, we'll...
- We need to...
- I'd like to...
- After the presentation, we're...
a) ...review the deck before the big meeting.
b) ...go over our findings from the research.
c) ...set to be finished on Tuesday.
d) ...going out for curry. Would you care to join us?
e) ...have a quick chat about the interviews that we are conducting.
If there is language that you haven't used before, then make a note and think of other endings.
B: Next, ask about timing. Discuss if or when you have used these phrases before.
- What/How about next Wednesday?
- What time's best/good for you?
- Does 2:00 work?
- Would you be around in the evening?
-
I'm available Tuesday at 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM and any time between 7 and 9 PM. Do any of those work?
- Could you give me a few options for when you are available?
Now practice responding positively. Match these responses with the questions or statements above:
a) 1:30 PM would be best for me.
b) Sure, 2:00 works for me.
c) Could we meet on Tuesday instead?
d) I can do 5:30.
e) I have time on Tuesday at 1 PM or 4 PM.
f) Yes, I'll be around until at least 8 tonight.
Now practice these at a fast pace with your teacher so you can keep up with natural conversations.
C. Internal meetings often depend on when you are able to finish your work.
Discuss the grammar with your teacher.
Q1: Which verb tense do you use with predictions?
Q2: Which verb tenses do you use with "if" or "when" for plans?
Q3: Which verbs are used with "by", which are used with "until", and what's the difference in nuance?
Identify the grammar points in the phrases below:
- I think I'll be working on this until late tonight, so it would be best to meet to discuss it first thing tomorrow.
- If I finish early, I'll be able to meet. But, honestly, I'll probably finish later. I'll let you know when I'm done.
-
I'll probably be finished by 7 PM. We can meet right after that.
-
I think I'll be working until at least 10 PM.
A. You are leading a diverse team on an international project. Do the following:
- Alice is doing some interviews. Meet her afterwards to discuss her findings.
- Tim is preparing the deck for a client presentation. Set up a time this evening to give him feedback.
- The managing partner would like to talk to you after you've finalized the presentation material with Tim. Let her know when you'd be ready to meet.
[Later in the week] - The presentation was a huge success! Tim will write the recap. Make plans to go out for dinner after.
- Alice wasn't able to be at the presentation, but she could be brought up to speed over dinner provided she reads Tim's recap first.
B. You are at international training for your firm in San Diego. The morning session is finishing. You are sitting next to a friendly American colleague from the New York office.
- Using the strategies in previous units, introduce yourself and strike up a conversation.
- It turns out he works with a client in the same industry as your client! Invite him out for coffee.
C. Check your actual schedule for tomorrow and make plans with your teacher for a lesson. Tell your teacher what you'd like to study and decide on a time. Try to make sure they are aware of any other commitments that might affect the meeting time.