English at Work: Double-booked

Anna: ‘Look forward to hearing from you soon. Kind regards, Anna.’

Denise: (on the phone) ... And Margery said: 'I don't think I've ever seen a
vegetable quite that size before...'

Paul: Where's that hole-punch?!

Narrator: Ah, business as usual in the offices of Tip Top Trading.

Tom: Oh for goodness sake! What a disaster! I can't believe it!

Narrator: But one member of the team seems bothered.

Tom: Arrgh!

Narrator: Anna, this is the moment to show you’re willing to help.

Anna: Yes!

Narrator: Use phrases like 'Is there anything I can do?' 'Let me help!' or, to be more informal, you can say, 'Can I give you a hand?' or 'Give me a shout if you need anything!'

Anna: Right.

Narrator: Go on!

Anna: Are you okay Tom?

Tom: (grumpily) No.

Anna: Is there anything I can do?

Tom: (grumpily) No.

Anna: Oh. What's wrong?

Tom: Everything.

Anna: I see. Can I give you a hand?

Tom: My computer has crashed. I've lost my phone. And there's a big, big problem with my timetable. I’ve got two meetings scheduled at the same time with two extremely important clients. I can't do them both at once!

Anna: Let me help.

Tom: Thanks Anna, but these are big, big clients. They need someone of experience.

Anna: Well, give me a shout if you need anything!

Tom: I can handle this, alright?

Narrator: 'I can handle this'... ungrateful idiot. But you used all the right phrases Anna, well done. Anyway, I bet he'll change his mind.

Denise: Oooh, I know, and the purple ones are so much more powerful...

Tom: Anna? Could you help me?

Narrator: Ha! I told you so!

Tom: They've both arrived at once! Oh god! I'll deal with Mrs Kumquat...

Anna: Okay.

Tom: You talk to Mr Lime, he's from a company called Citrus Ventures. They own hundreds of juice bars.

Denise: Are you sure that's a good idea Tom?

Tom: I don't have much choice, do I?

Denise: Well I could-

Tom: Just keep him occupied Anna, tell him how great he is... no, no, tell him how great I am. Find out what he wants. If it's about the - well, never mind, just be nice.

Anna: Understood.

Tom: Mr Lime! Are you well?

Mr Lime: Yes, but I'm actually rather angry too.

Tom: Ah, well let me introduce you to Anna!

Anna: Mr Lime, it's a pleasure to meet you! Let me help with your coat.

Mr Lime: Oh er... Thank you.

Anna: Can I give you a hand with your scarf too, Mr Lime?

Mr Lime: Oh... Thanks.

Anna: Now, please come this way and you can tell me what's wrong.

Narrator: Well done! Anna used some good phrases to step in and help with this mess. Let's hear them again:

Is there anything I can do?
Let me help.
Can I give you a hand?
Give me a shout if you need anything.

Narrator: But Mr Lime is obviously upset about something. What is it? And how will Anna deal with the problem? Let's hope it doesn't end in disaster!