Patterns Dialogue I

Secretary: Mr. Wright’s office. Miss Brown’s speaking.

Caller: Mr. Wright there, please?

Secretary: Sorry, but he’s not available just now. May I help you? … or Is there anyone else you’d care to speak to?

Caller: No — when could I reach him?

Secretary: I expect to hear from him in about an hour. … or — He’s at a meeting which will probably last until lunch time. … or He has someone with him just now, I’m not sure how soon he’ll be free. … or — May I tell him who called?

Caller: Well, I’ll call again this afternoon.

Don’t say «He’ busy» … or: «He’s tied up». It is impolite.

Dialogue II

Caller: Would you have him call Philip Ross, please?

Secretary: Will you give me the number please, in case Mr. Wright hasn’t it handy?

Caller: It’s 3-8-4-1-4-3-8.

Secretary: Thank you. I’ll ask him to call as soon as he’s free.

TASK

Make your own dialogue according to the patterns:

Caller: This is Philip Ross. Do you know if he’s had any word on the computers deal yet?

Secretary: No, I don’t — but I know he’d want to speak to you about it. He’s at a meeting , but it ought to break up soon…

ROLE PLAY

1. You are a secretary. Your boss has gone to another room. His friend is calling him.

2. You are at the restaurant with a businesswoman. You have to introduce her to your partner.

DISCUSSION

1. Discuss what you have learned from the text about the following:

1. the manners of the manager,

2. the manners of the secretary,

3. the manners of the businessman at a restaurant,

4. the everyday etiquette in everyday social life.

2. Think and answer the questions:

1. What hints can you give for the businessman as a new employee?

2. What are the forms of address?

3. What are the hints for the receptionist?

4. What are the duties of the secretary?

Grammar Revew: Modal and auxiliary verbs. May.

Most modal verbs behave quite irregularly in the past and the future. Study the chart below to learn how "may" behaves in different contexts.

Modal Use	Positive Forms 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future	Negative Forms 1. = Present 2. = Past 3. = Future	You can also use:
may possibility	1. Jack may be upset. I can't really tell if he is annoyed or tired. 2. Jack may have been upset. I couldn't really tell if he was annoyed or tired. 3. Jack may get upset if you don't tell him the truth.	1. Jack may not be upset. Perhaps he is tired. 2. Jack may not have been upset. Perhaps he was tired. 3. Jack may not get upset, even if you tell him the truth	might
may give permission	1. You may leave the table now that you're finished with your dinner. 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO" You were allowed to leave the table after you finished your dinner. 3. You may leave the table when you finish your dinner.	1. You may not leave the table. You're not finished with your dinner yet. 2. SHIFT TO "BE ALLOWED TO" You were not allowed to leave the table because you hadn't finished your dinner. 3. You may not leave the table until you are finished with your dinner.	can
may request permission	May I borrow your eraser? May I make a phone call? Requests usually refer to the near future.	NO NEGATIVE FORMS	can, might

Ex. 1. Translate into English.

1. Можливо, буде дощ. 2. Вони можуть спізнитися на автобус. 3. Можливо, він загубив ключ. 4. Скільки мені, по-вашому, років? 5. Можна нам увійти? 6. Можна їм піти? 7. Будь-ласка, передайте мені цукор. 8. Ми зараз можемо піти, так? 9. Він може зробити це сьогодні. 10. Вона могла зателефонувати мені учора. 11. Вони зможуть грати в футбол (їм дозволять). 12. Ми змогли відвідати його в лікарні. 13. Ми можемо піти туди сьогодні, так? 14. Я міг піти туди учора, так?

Topic 9: A BUSINESS PLAN