3. Dealing with COMMUNICATION
BREAKDOWN, pg. 11
Asking for repetition
Sorry, could you repeat that?
I didn’t (quite) catch that.
Could you speak up, please?
Could you say that again, please?
Solving a problem
Sorry, it’s a bad line. Can I call you back?
Summarising the call
Let me go over what we’ve agreed.
Let me just summarise...
Asking for clarification
Would/Could you spell that, please?
Can I read that back to you?
What do you mean by...?
What does ... mean?
Sorry, I’m not with you.
Sorry, I don’t follow you.
Could you give me some more details,
please?
Could you let me have more information?
Could you explain that in more detail?
Could you clarify that?
Could you be more specific, please?
4. Role play, pg. 11
A: Marketing Manager (pg. 151)
You are a Marketing Manager of an
exclusive leatherware company.
-phoning overseas agent
-discussing plans for advertising
-presenting your advertising ideas
-agreeing on the contribution for the
cost of the advertising
B: Overseas agent (pg. 150)
You are an overseas agent of an
exclusive leatherware company.
-Marketing Manager is phoning you
-discussing plans for advertising
-listening to the Manager’s ideas and
presenting yours
-agreeing on the contribution for the
cost of the advertising
5. Writing task: e-mail, pg. 139
Style (semi-formal/formal):
• Efficient provision and exchange of information
Opening phrases:
• Dear Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms + surname
• Dear Sir(s)/Madam(s)
• Dear + name
Contents:
• A follow-up e-mail (to the role play) detailing the advertising plans and cost
USEFUL PHRASES:
• I am writing to...
• As we agreed...
• Next/Then/In addition/Additionally...
• To summarise,.../To sum up,...
Closing phrases:
• Yours sincerely (BrE)/Sincerely (AmE)
• Yours faithfully (BrE)/Sincerely yours (AmE)
• Best wishes/regards
+ Your name and position
