Business English

Part 1 | Telephone English |

     1 May I speak to Mr. Steven, please?     

The face-to-face you need to make and answer calls.

* Hello, this is Janet Lee speaking.

* May I speak to Steven Park in the finance department?

* I am calling about your visit to Seoul.

* I will transfer your call to him. Please stay on the line.

Situation 1: When you answer the phone

* Hello, this is Janet Lee speaking.

- Hi, this is Steven Lee in human resources.

- Hello, this is Johnny Chen from headquarters in Hong Kong.

- Hello, John Evans, Sales Department.

* How can I help you?

- How may I help you?

- What can I do for you?

- What can I help you with today?

* May I ask who's calling, please?

- Who's speaking, please?

- Who's calling, please?

- Which company are you from?

- Sorry, you are...?

* May I ask what this is in regards to?

- May I ask what this is about?

- Can I ask what it's about?

- Could I ask what it's in regards to?

- What is this about?

- To what this pertaining?

Situation 2: When you make a call

* May I speak to Steven Park in the finance department?

- Could I speak to Susan in the marketing department?

- Could I speak with John Evans, please?

- Is Steven there?

- Is Steven in?

* Excuse me, this is the person who was just on the phone.

- I was just on the phone with you.

- I just called a minute ago.

- He referred me to you.

- I'm calling on behalf of Mr. Lim.

* I am calling about your visit to Seoul.

- I am calling about the joint venture we discussed last week.

- I am calling about the recommendation letter you asked for.

- I am calling about your inquiry.

- I am calling about a sales presentation scheduled for Friday.

- It's about the teleconferences schedule.

Situation 3: When you connect the phone

* I will transfer your call to him. Please stay on the line.

- One moment while I transfer your call.

- Please hold while I transfer you.

- Can you please hold while I transfer your cal?

- Please stay on the line and I will transfer you to Mr. Lee's desk.

- I'm putting you through now, please hold.

* I'm sorry, he's not available right now.

- I'm sorry, he's not at his desk right now.

- I'm sorry, he's not in the office right now.

- Sorry, she's away from the office this week.

- I'm sorry, she's in a meeting.

- Sorry, you just missed her.

- I'm sorry, he is in Milan on business.

Example Conversation:

John: Hello, John Evans, Sales Department. How can I help you?

Lisa: Can I speak with a conference team representative, please?

John: May I ask what this is about?

Lisa: I'm calling about a sales presentation scheduled for Friday.

John: I'm putting you through to Tom now, please hold.

Lisa: Thank you.

John: You're always welcome.

     2 Could you tell him I called?     

Leaving a message.

A: May I leave a message for her?
B: May I take the message?
A: Can you tell him that I'll call him back in five minutes?
B: Hold on a minute. What was your name again?

Situation 1: When you say they're not here

* She just stepped out for lunch.
- She is out for lunch.
- He just stepped out for a meeting.
- He is at the meeting now.
- He is away on business.
- She is on a business trip.

* He will be back in an hour.
- He will be back in an hour or so.
- He will be back soon.
- She is out of the office all day today.

Situation 2: Leave a message

* May I leave a message for her?
- Could I leave a message?
- Would you tell him I called?
- Could you please ask him to call me back?

* May I take a message?
- Can I take a message, please?
- Would you like to leave a message?
- I'll make sure she gets the message as soon as she gets here.
- If you'd like to leave a message, I'll make sure he gets it as soon as he's back in the office.

* Can you tell him that I'll call him back in five minutes?
- I will call him back in five minutes.
- I will call her back then.
- If he happens to call you, would you have him phone me?

* It's Dal-su Oh. My first name is spelled D-A-K-S-U. And there is a hyphen between the L and S. And my last name is spelled O-H.
- My name is Gi Na. "G' as in girl, "i," then leave a space, now capital  "N," and lower case "a."
- My e-mail address is "T," "S," lim at Hong Kong Securities dot "C," "O"  dot "K," "R."
- My number is area code nine one eight, five five seven, oh one oh oh. (918-557-0100)

Situation 3: When checking the contents of the message

* Hold on a minute. What's your name again?
- How do you spell your name?
- Could you spell that for me, please?
- Is your name spelled B-A-K?

* Let me just confirm it. That's Jayeong Lee at nine one eight, five five seven, oh one oh oh?
- Okay, that's David Chen with Discount Airlines Incorporated.
- Okay, let me make sure I have all your information correct. You are Sangwoo Kim, and your w-mail address is sangwoo dot kim at "A," "A," "A" life dot com? (sangwoo.kim@AAAlife.com)

* I'm sorry, could you repeat that last sentence for me again?
- I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name.
- Where did you say you were calling from?
- Excuse me, but with whom do you wish to speak?


Example Conversation:


James: Hello. May I speak to Ms. Young-hi Ahn?
Anna: She just stepped out for lunch. She will be back in an hour.
James: May I leave a message for her?
Anna: Sure, you ahead.
James: Can you tell her that I emailed her the quotation?
Anna: Hold on a minute. What was your name again?
James: This is James Watt from Delta Logistics.
Anna: Thanks. I will tell her your message.

     3 I'd like to make an appointment with the manager.     

* Could I set up a meeting with the General Manager?
* What is the most convenient time for you?
* Could you change my appointment to 3 o'clock?
* I'm afraid I can't make it on Monday. Would Tuesday be okay?

Situation 1: Making an appointment

* Could I set up a meeting with the General Manager?
- I'd like to arrange a meeting with the sales staff if possible.
- I need to request a meeting with all personnel as soon as possible.
- Shall we make an appointment to meet?

* As a matter of fact, I was about to get in touch with you about the meeting.
- Actually, I was wondering if you would be free anytime this week.
- As a matter of fact, I wanted to discuss the matter in person with you first.

* What is the most convenient time for you?
- Do you prefer morning or afternoons?
- What's a good time for you?
- Would next week be possible?
- Let's set up a time at your convenience.

* I'm sorry, I'm busy then.
- I can't make it on Monday.
- Next week is no good. I'll be out of the office. How about the following week?
- Can we leave it open, and I'll contact you when I figure out my schedule?

Situation 2: When you confirm an appointment

* I'm calling to reconfirm our meeting schedule.
- I'm calling to check whether there is any change in your schedule.
- I'm calling to remind you of our meeting on September 20th.

* You haven't forgotten about our meeting, have you?
- Let me just confirm that; our meeting is scheduled for December 18th at 1 p.m., right?
- Good, so I'll see you next week on Friday, then.
- Okay, so everything is set for next Monday at 3 o'clock?

Situation 4: When you cancel or change an appointment

* Could you change my appointment to 3 o'clock?
- Can we meet a little earlier? Say at about 2 p.m.
- Can we put it off until this afternoon?
- We're going to have to change our appointment on the 18th.

* I'm afraid I can't make it to Monday. Would Tuesday be okay?
- I'm afraid it will take a bit more time.
- I'm sorry, but I can't visit you in person today.
- I'm sorry, something has come up, I'm going to have to reschedule our meeting.

* Once again, I'm sorry for the inconvenience.
- I'm sorry for having to bother you like this.
- I apologize for any inconvenience created by this schedule change.
- I hope you understand.


Example Conversation:

John: Could I set up a meeting with you?
Lisa: As a matter of fact, I was about to get in touch with you about the meeting.
John: What is the most convenient time for you?
Lisa: Can we leave it open, and I'll contact you when I figure out my schedule?

John: I'm calling to reconfirm our meeting schedule.
Lisa: Let me just confirm that; our meeting is scheduled for December 18th at 1 p.m.
John: Can we meet a little earlier? Say about 11 a.m.
Lisa: I'm sorry, but I am only available after 1 p.m.

     4 I'm sorry. You have the wrong number.     

Patterns that are essential to resolving telephone-related issues

* Is this a good time to call?

* Should I call you back at another time?

* Would you speak up, please?

* Would you please hang up and call me back?

Situation 1: When you dialed the wrong number

* Sorry, wrong number.

- I'm sorry. I seem to have reached the wrong number. Is this 447-5523?

- Sorry but I'm not the person in charged of that.

- There's no such person called Sandra Block.

- I'm sorry, but there are too many Johns. Do you know his last name?

Situation 2: When you ask if you can make a call

* Is this a good time to call?

- When is a good time for you?

- I was wondering if this is the right time to call.

- Am I interrupting anything?

- Should I call you back at another time?

* We're quite busy here.

- I can't really talk right now.

- Please try to keep it short.

- It's hard to explain it over the telephone. I will email the details to you.

* Can I call you back?

- Can I call you right back? I'm on another line.

- Is it okay if I call you back next week?

Situation 3: When it's hard to get on the phone

* It's so hard to get a hold of you.

I tried to get a hold of you yesterday.

What took you so long?

Why was your line busy for such a long time?

Situation 4: When the connection is bad

* Would you speak up, please?

- Hello? Would you speak up a little louder?

- Can you hear me?

- Can you hear me better now?

- Could you slow down a bit?

- Would you repeat that once more, please?

* I can't hear you well.

- I can't hear because of the loud background noise.

- Well, it's still not clear.

- The connection is pretty bad.

- You are coming in all night.

* There's interference on the line.

- There's too much static.

- You are breaking up.

- I hear someone else talking on the same line.

- My phone is not working properly.

* Would you please hang up and call me back?

- Please hang up, and I'll call you back.

- What number can you be reached at in case we are disconnected?

Example Conversation:

Anna: Hello? I am sorry, but I can't hear you well. Would you speak a little louder?

James: I'm sorry, I seem to have reached the wrong number. Is this 447-5523?

Anna: Yes, it is. But there's too much static.

James: Please hang up, and I'll call you back.

James: Hello, Anna. Is this a good time to call?

Anna: I can't really talk right now.

James: Should I call you back in another time?

Anna: Sure. Please call me after 4 p.m.

     5 I think there was an error in the delivery.     

Patterns that are essential to informing you of a complaint over the phone

* Hello, I need to speak with someone that can help me.

* I need to speak to a customer service representative immediately.

* Yes, I think that would solve the problem.

* I'm sorry, but that just won't do.

Situation 1: When raising a question

* Hello, I need to speak with someone that can help me.

- Hello, I'm having a problem that I hope you can help me with.

- Hello, I need to make a formal complaint.

* Hello, I'm calling to report an incomplete delivery I received last week.

- Hi, I'm calling to complain about the unsatisfactory service I had at one of your branches.

- Hi, I'm calling in regards to order number 33821. It seems we didn't receive everything in the order.

- Hi, I'm sorry to bother you, but last month we ordered some supplies and we still haven't received anything.

* I regret to inform you that we still have not received your payment.

- I regret to inform you that there was a mistake in the shipment.

- I'm sorry, but the equipment just doesn't work as advertised.

- I apologize, but the specifications are not what we agreed upon.

Situation 2: When it comes to urgent matters

* I need to speak to a customer service representative immediately.

- I have an urgent matter and need to speak to Mr. Kim right away.

- I'm sorry, but this is an emergency. Get me an engineer this minute.

- We have a serious problem here that requires immediate attention.

Situation 3: When inquiring into a complaint in detail

* Could you tell me what happened?

- What exactly is the problem?

- Let me check your order with your order number.

- I'm very sorry that you are dissatisfied with our services. Can I document an official complaint?

Situation 4: When you're offering a solution

* May I contact Mr. Kim for you directly?

- Can we do some investigating and get back to you?

- I'd like to handle your complaint personally.

- Can I offer a solution?

* I'll tell you that we can send you a brand new printer tomorrow.

- I will fix the document per your suggestions and resend it to you as soon as possible.

- I'll send a team to assess the problem first thing tomorrow morning.

Situation 5: When accepting or rejecting a proposal

* That sounds good.

- Okay, I think we can agree on that.

- Yes, I think that would solve the problem.

* I'm sorry, but that just won't do.

- Sorry, but that will not fix the problem.

- I'm sorry but it can't wait. We need this fixed now.

Example Conversation:

Anna: Hello? I am sorry, but I can't hear you well. Would you speak a little louder?
James: I'm sorry, I seem to have reached the wrong number. Is this 447-5523?
Anna: Yes, it is. But there's too much static.
James: Please hang up, and I'll call you back.

James: Hello, Anna. Is this a good time to call?
Anna: I can't really talk right now.
James: Should I call you back at another time?
Anna: Sure. Please call me after 4 p.m.

Part 2: Conference English

     6 Thank you for attending the meeting.     

Patterns required at start-up of meetings

* Welcome everyone. Please have a seat.

* This is our first general meeting of this year.

* There will be two 2-hour sessions with an hour lunch break after the first session.

* Please feel free to interrupt me if you have any questions.

Situation 1: Welcome Greetings

* Welcome all.

- Welcome everyone. Please have a seat.

- We have five newcomers attending this meeting today. Please welcome them as well.

- Let me start with the warmest greetings to you.

* We appreciate your visit.

- I would like to thank you all for attending this meeting.

- Thank you for attending today's emergency meeting.

- Thank you for taking the time to be here. Let us start by saying hello to each other.

Situation 2: When introducing yourself and start a meeting

* For those of you who never met me, my name is David Kim. I am the CEO of ICU Inc.

- Let me introduce myself before we go any further.

- As most of you here already know me, I'll be briefly introducing myself.

- My name is Kenneth Lee. I'm excited to preside over this meeting today.

- Since this is our first gathering, let us start by introducing ourselves.

* This is our first general meeting of the year.

- Okay, everyone! Let us begin this meeting.

- Let us get the ball rolling and start the meeting,

- I'm sure it will be a good chance to get to know about our company.

Situation 3: Guiding through the schedule and announcements

* You all have the agenda in front of you. I would like you all to look at that carefully right now.

- A copy of the agenda is included in your meeting information package.

- If you open your booklet that is in front of you to the first page, you will be able to see the agenda for the meeting.

* We will be sticking to the agenda strictly, so please be on time.

- Please take not that we will be strictly adhering to the time schedule as seen in front of you.

- There will be no deviation from the time schedule, so please be punctual.

* There will be two 2-hour sessions with an hour lunch break after the first session.

- The agenda is laid out as follows: two 2-hour discussion per speaker and an hour lunch break in between.

- First on the agenda is my introduction, followed by the CEO of Zonex for two hours, then lunch, and then the M&A specialist for another two hours.

* We will be finishing the meeting promptly at 3:30 p.m.

- The meeting will be finished officially at 3:30 p.m.

- We are scheduled to end at exactly 3:30 p.m.

- We are here for the next hour or so.

- Let us spend the first 10 minutes looking at what we have done so far.

* Please fell free to interrupt me if you have any questions.

- Please feel free to ask questions while I explain the procedures.

- Please ask me if you don't understand.

- Both speakers will only allow questions in the last half hour of their talk. So, please keep your questions until such time.

- To begin with, I'd like to call your attention to the luncheon which will be held at the Diamond Room right after this meeting.

     7 Everyone, look at the front screen.     

Patterns that are essential to the process of the meeting

* This meeting is about our new business plans.

* Alright, let's get down to business, shall we?

* Everyone, please take a look at the screen in front of you.

* Let's take turns to comment on each other's ideas.

Situation 1: When introducing a topic

* This meeting is about our new business plans.

- This meeting was called to look at the procedures to be taken during the merger.

- We've called for today's meeting to report our progress in our new project.

- I've called this meeting to discuss the progress on our Dubai project.

* Our main objective is to discuss the merger between Mango and Baba.

- The aim of this meeting is to go over the details of the merger.

- Another purpose of this meeting is to discuss the problems we've encountered.

- As mentioned in the email, the purpose of today's meeting is to introduce our new project.

* Let's share ideas and find ways to boost our sales.

- Instead of our usual weekly agenda, I'd like to discuss something else today.

- We see this meeting as a solution.

- As for our sales, we need new clients.

- We have two key topics to discuss today.

- Okay, you know why we're here today.

Situation 2: When it comes to the subject

* Alright, let's get down to business, shall we?

- Then, let me move onto the main part.

- Without further ado, let me go over the main agenda.

* We talked about our software at our last meeting.

- At our last meeting, we discussed what we should do next quarter in order to decrease production costs.

- I hope everyone can recall what we discussed in our last meeting.

* Everyone, please take a look at the screen in front of you.

- Please refer to page 12 of the handout.

- As provided in the agenda, we have three things to talk about this morning.

* Please let Jake from the R&D team explain the details to us.

- note that we will focus on only part 1 of the issues today.

- The prototypes of the product are available as you can see here.

- The R&D department will later provide the related documents to you.

* Let's take turns to comment on each other's ideas.

- Let's go around and analyze the data.

- Let's talk about what we're lacking.

- As there's not a great deal of time, we are unlikely to be able to cover all these issues today. So let's focus on who the target market should be, and then time permitting, we can progress onto some of the other issues.

Example Conversation:

Emily: We've called for today's meeting to report our progress in our new project.

                Another purpose of this meeting is to discuss the problems we've encountered.

                Please let James from the R&D team explain the details to us.

James: Everyone, please take a look at the screen in front of you.

                At our last meeting, we discussed what we should do next quarter in order to decrease production costs.

                I hope everyone can recall what we discussed in our last meeting.

                Alright, let's get down to business, shall we?

     8 I believe this project will succeed.     

Patterns that are essential for exchanging opinions

* We are ready to start the meeting about the new agenda.

* I believe this project will succeed.

* Does anyone have something to add on this?

* Let's deal with this case later.

Situation 1: Sharing business status

* We are ready to start the meeting about the new agenda.

- Everything is ready for the product launching day.

- We are working day and night to make sure everything goes well.

* I believe this project will succeed.

- We believe this project is an opportunity we don't want to miss.

- I think we should go ahead with the plan.

* I'm aware of the situation at hand.

- I'm quite aware of the Chinese market.

- conscious of our need to put more effort into strengthening our market share.

* As far as the schedule is concerned, I believe we are set.

- Admittedly, there is still room for improvement.

- There are still plenty of opportunities for further development, so all is not lost.

Situation 2: When making a proposal

* Does anyone else have something to say about John's idea?

- Does anyone have something to add on this?

- Does anyone here need clarification on this matter?

* We have to propose negotiations to solve these problems, or else we are going to lose this project.

- We have to come up with a new plan.

- We should recognize this as a good opportunity.

- Sooner or later, we have to deal with the problem.

* Our first attempt failed, so we have to propose a different method.

- Since this is a complex matter, we have to propose more options.

- Although this is not a complete or permanent solution, we should implement this as a temporary solution.

* Let's deal with this case later.

- Why don't we take care of this case later?

- Shall we continue to move on to other important things?

- Now, let's focus on the presentation.

- By the way, we should focus how to share the profits.

* If we do not come up with a new plan, we might lose many employees.

- We need to lower our price lest our competitor (should) dominate the market

Situation 3: When looking at the problem

* We were told they were against the idea of merging their company with ours.

- I was told that we needed to complete the project before the end of the month.

- We were advised to stop the meeting immediately.

- We were taught to predict the market.

* It lacked a lot of detailed planning so as I expected, it didn't work out.

- As I explained earlier, the issue at hand is not the design.

- We can't ignore the fact that our total sales have been falling.

- As far as we know, if we do not get the contract, it will be because of the higher price we quoted.

 Example Conversation:

John: This project is an opportunity we don't want to miss.

Helen: We are working day and night to make sure everything goes well.

John: I was told that we needed to complete the project before the end of the month.

Mike: As far as the schedule is concerned, I believe we are set.

John: Does anyone have something to add on this?

 Helen: Our first attempt failed, so we have to propose a different method.

            It lacked a lot of detail planning, so as I expected, it didn't work out.

Mike: We can't ignore the fact that our sales have been falling.

     9 What do you think about this merger?     

A necessary pattern for discussion

* What is your opinion on this merger deal?

* May I say a word or two?

* I can see your point, but it doesn't solve the problem.

* We will take a vote on it.

Situation 1: When asking for opinion

* What is your opinion on this merger deal?

- Do you have any proposal to make?

- What would you say to my opinion?

- Could you explain more in detail?

- That is a good start. Any more ideas?

- That is an interesting idea. Let's have some more.

* Do you think it's possible to make a profit in this recession?

- Can we continue this project?

- Can't you come up with any optimistic solutions on this matter?

- What market do you believe we should be targeting for this project?

Situation 2: When interrupting or holding back

* May I say a word or two?

- May I interrupt?

- May I please cut in here?

- Could I please make a comment on that?

- I'm sorry to interrupt you, but let me say a word or two.

* I haven't finished what I was saying.

- Could you please let me finish?

- Wait a minute if you don't mind, I'll just finish what I was saying.

Situation 3: When presenting one's opinion

* I think we should strengthen our spirit.

- I think that would be a great market to target.

- I think it's a great idea that the firm is expanding.

- I think that it would be a very productive consumer group to provide our services too.

Situation 4: When you agree or disagree

* You have a point.

- That makes sense.

- I think it's a brilliant idea.

- I have absolutely no objections.

- I understand why you would feel that way.

* I can see your point, but that doesn't solve the problem.

- I see your point on that aspect, but I'm not convinced on this one.

- I understand what you're saying, but I don't agree with it.

- I agree with you on that, but I am not totally sure wether project rescheduling is necessary.

- I am personally against this idea of yours.

Situation 5: Taking a vote

* We will take a vote on it.

- Raise your hands if you are in favor.

- If you object, say "No."

* I think that we will have to leave this point for now and move on to the next item.

- I think we will have to continue this discussion at another meeting.

- I would now like to use the remainder of our time for an open discussion on this issue.

Example Conversation:

John: That is a good start. Any more ideas?

Helen: I think it's a great idea that the firm is expanding.

Mike: Do you think it is possible to make a profit in this recession?

                I can see your point, but it doesn't solve the problem.

Helen: Could I please make a comment on that?

John: I think that we will have to leave this point for now and move on to the next item.

Helen: Could you please let me finish?

     10 I have one more question.     

Patterns required to end

* Thank you for putting your ideas forward.

* Are there any final comments and concerns?

* I have another question if you have time.

* In closing, I would like you to remember the key points.

Situation 1: At the conclusion of the meeting

* Thank you for putting your ideas forward.

- Thank you all very much for offering your ideas and opinions on the issues discussed at this morning's meeting.

- Thank you very much for everyone's points of view on the matters discussed here this morning.

* I hope everyone has a clear idea of what needs to be done over the next two weeks.

- I'm hopeful that all members of this project team will be able to work productively together on this new challenge.

- I think that there is still a lot more to discuss on this issue next time around.

Situation 2: When you have a question and answer session

* Are there any final comments and concerns?

- Do you have any last comments on our decision?

* I have another question if you have time.

-

-

-

-

-

-

* Could you elaborate on the additional costs?

-

-

-

-

Situation 3: At the conclusion of the meeting

* In conclusion, we should expect great things in the next five years.

- From this meeting, we found out that we really think about this complication.

- We came to the conclusion that we need to involve the Technical Assistance Center to consult with us on our security policies.

- We decided that China is saturated market that can no longer be exploited.

* In closing, I would like you to remember the key points.

- After careful consideration, we decided that the matter is not urgent.

- We have reached the agreement on paid vacations.

*At our next meeting, we will discuss marketing strategies.

- The information will be emailed to you to check.

- I'll brief you on the nuts and bolts at lunchtime.

- I'll update you on the details.

* Okay then, we'll wrap this meeting up now.

- Let's wrap things up then.

- then, we'll adjourn the proceedings for now.

- Let's wrap up by giving a big round of applause to our guest speaker.

- Keep me posted on this issue.

- Enough said. Let's finish the meeting.

Part 3: Contract Negotiation English

Michelle: Thank you for putting your ideas forward.

                I think that there is still a lot more to discuss on this issue next time around.

                Are there any final comments or concerns?

Lewis: I have another question, if you have time.

                Could you elaborate on the additional costs?

Michelle: I am sorry, but that information is still confidential.

                I can tell you this. We should expect great things in the next five years.

                Well then, we'll adjourn the proceedings for now.

     11 We look forward to a successful discussion.     

The necessary pattern at the beginning of a negotiation

* I am very glad to welcome all of you to our head office.

* I am looking forward for a very fruitful discussion today.

* Could I start by presenting a rundown of our current status?

* We have been looking for the best company to partner with on this project.

Situation 1: Di maklaru

* Hello, Mr. Kim! Please come in.
- Welcome! You've come a long way. Come in and take a seat.
- Thank you for coming all the way down here.
- I'm Brad Seo, and this is my colleague Sean Lee.
- Please have a seat and help yourself to something to drink.

* On behalf of Areal, I am very glad to welcome all of you to our head office.
On behalf of our Chielf Executive Officer Mr. Kim Jeong-hoon, I will lead this meeting.
On behalf of our team, let me introduce our team members.
On behalf of SBX, I welcome all of you.

Situation 2: Announcing the start of negotiations

* Let's move to today's discussion, and I am looking forward to a very fruitful discussion today.
- We're all looking forward to getting this new joint venture started.
- We have several topics to address, so why don't we get started?

* If you don't mind, could I start by presenting a rundown of our current status?
- If you don't mind, could you present your project schedule first?
- If you don't mind, could we finish this session before 4 p.m.?
- If you don't mind, could my assistant attend this meeting with me?

* We have got a very full agenda, so we'd better get started now.
- We are short of time, so let's get started.
- I think we've had enough small talk. Let's get back to business.
- Alright. Are we all ready to get back to our main issue for today?

Situation 3: Introducing agendas and views

* I'd like to start by saying a few words about today's meeting and what we expect to achieve.
- Let me start by clarifying our point of view.
- Allow me to explain what this meeting is about, and then we will move on to the discussion.

* We have been looking for the best company to partner with on this project.
- So far, your company is the strongest candidate for this joint venture.
- We are looking for a company which has the same vision as ours for this project.
- What we hope to do today is find enough common ground to enter into a business partnership with you.

* As we are all aware, we are here to find some common ground.
- As we all know, we are here today to try and reach an agreement concerning our joint venture agreement.
- As you know, we are here today to brainstorm some alternatives to our agreement.

* Then let's have a look at your pricing proposals.
- Okay then, let's take a look at some alternatives to your offer.
- As you suggested earlier, let's begin with our requirements for a dumping charge.

Example Conversation:

Chris: Hello, Mr. Kim! Please come in. Thank you for coming all the way down here.

Mr. Kim: How are you? This is my colleague, Sean Lee.

Chris: On behalf of Areal, I am very glad to welcome all of you to our head office.

                We're all looking forward to getting this new joint venture started.

Mr. Kim: All right. Let me start by clarifying our point of view.

             We are looking for a company which has the same vision as ours for this project.

Chris: As we are all aware, we are here to find some common ground.

     12 Your consulting costs are rather high.     

The necessary pattern to develop negotiations

* What's the next step?

* We would need you to give us a good price.

* We figure your consulting fees are a little on the high side.

* Well, that may be true in some respect, but look at it from a qualitative point of view.

Situation 1: When guiding the negotiation process

* What's the next step?
- What's next on the agenda?
- What's our next move?
- What's the next point?

* From my perspective, phase two should accomplish three things.
- From my perspective, we shouldn't have signed the deal in the first place.
- Okay, in my opinion, phase one should take no longer than one month.

Situation 2: In setting the price

* What kind of discount could you offer?
- Is there any way we could get a discount?
- Would it be possible to get a discount?
- We would need you to give us a good price.

* Would you agree to a 10 percent discount if we covered all the installation costs?
- A discount is possible if you agree to pay for the shipping costs.
- So, to confirm: we will give you an 8 percent discount, but you pay al; the shipping costs and handle the installation.

Situation 3: In comparison

* We suggest the middle ground between Option A and Option B.
- We propose a level of support between Option A and Option B.
- We would like to propose a combination of Option A and Option B.
- Option A is a little expensive, and Option B holds too many risks.

* With Option B, you pay $1,500 per each ten-hour project.
- With Option A, there is a fixed monthly fee of $4,500 for all technical consulting and customer surveys we conduct for market research.
- Option A is actually more economical as we will work mostly on ling-term projects.
- Option A is what we have decided to go with.

* However, we figure your consulting fees are a little on the high side.
- Well, we figure your service charge is slightly over the industry average.
- Well, we found your prices to be on the high side compared to your main competitor's.

Situation 4: In persuasion and explanation

* Well, that may be true in some respect, but look at it from a qualitative point of view.

- Well, that may be true from that perspective, but look at it from the perspective of the consumer.

* di maklaru