Dress for the Occasion

Just as you should dress appropriately when you go to work or attend a meeting, you should also ‘dress’ your language for the occasion. Read the following examples and descriptions of the appropriate circumstances

(a) I’m busy. (b)You’re wrong. (c) Go away.	No special expressions. Direct speech. Informal Potentially offensive Inappropriate for the UN
(a) I’m afraid I don’t have time now. (b) Isn’t that a bit inaccurate? (c) It might be better if we met later.	1-4 special expressions A bit formal. Can be appropriate for peers and subordinates For informal work discussions
(a) To be honest, it would be rather difficult to meet with you now. Would it be too late if we discussed this later…maybe at 2 in your office? (b) With respect, I’m afraid it might be more accurate to use the numbers from the final report. (rather than from the first draft). (c) In the current circumstances, wouldn’t it be better for me to investigate this further and then meet with you a bit later?	5 or more special expressions Very formal Appropriate for supervisors and for formal meetings.

Practice exercises. Read the situations that follow. Change the inappropriate response to a more appropriate one by using expressions found in Unit 1.

(1) Your colleague: Wouldn’t it be best to submit our proposal as soon as possible?

You: I disagree with you.

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(2) Walking into your bosses office…

You: We’ve got a problem.

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What would you say instead? Language in the office, particularly to visitors, or if you are a visitor yourself, is usually relatively formal, so the following – rather direct – sentences would be inappropriate. But what would you say instead? Using the expressions discussed in class and your own experience, write more appropriate sentences in the spaces below. Be prepared to discuss in class, and to submit answers to your instructor.

PRACTICE 1 To a visitor to your office.

1. What’s your name?

2. Leave your coat here.

3. The person you want to speak to (Mr. Matthews) is out.

4. What did you say your name was?

5. Close the door as you go out.

6. You’ll have to wait. He’s going to be a few minutes late.

7. Do you want some coffee?

8. Sit down (and wait) for a bit.

PRACTICE 2 When you are a visitor.

1. I want to talk to Miss Green.

2. Tell Miss Green I’m in a hurry.

3. I don’t want to be here more than half an hour.

4. Can I smoke in here?

5. You should have told me earlier.

6. Book me a taxi for 16:45.

7. Can I use the phone?

8. Where’s the toilet?