March 19th - Business Expressions

1- Apologizing

Elias : I'm sorry Bruna , but I made a mistake when I told you that you could join us to the event. Unfortunately this event is only for adults. Please accept my apologies.

I really didn't meant to make you cry. I"m sorry I didn't realize how important it was to you.

Bruna : That's ok Daddy. I understand. Don't worry about that. No problem.

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Life would be easier if everyone knew how to apologize and how to accept apologies. These coloured expressions are very common in Business. In this lesson we will learn and practice important business structures that we can also use in our day by day.

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Prefacing bad news

Teacher : Dani , could you please read these sentences aloud?

1- I'm sorry (I have) to tell you this, but you are not allowed to be here.

2- I hate to tell you this, but Mr. Lima Cabral has just taken the flight.

3- I don't know how to tell you this, but we won't need your services anymore.

4- I have some bad news. The police is looking for you everywhere.

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* Let's see how to apologize by letter or written document. It is called formal written apologies.

1- We regret to inform you that we can't send you the product tomorrow.

2- Regretfully, we are running out of time this week.

3- Unfortunately, we don't have options.

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2 - Expressing Appreciation

* Thanks.

* Thank you.

* I appreciate it.

* Thanks for the tour.

* Thank you for the nice gift.

* I appreciate your hospitality.

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3 - Asking for Help

1- Could you . . . . (for me) ?

2- Would you please . . . ?

3- Would you mind V+ing . . . .?

4- Could you possibly . . . ?

5- Do you have a minute?

6- Can you spare a few minutes?

7- Could you do me a favor?

8- Could I ask you a favor?

9- Can I ask you to . . . ?

10- I need some help (if you have time).

11- (If you're not busy) I could use your help.

Probably answers

1- Okay, no problem.

2- Sure, I'd be glad to.

3- Sorry, I'm (kind of) busy now.

4- I'm sorry. I don't have time right now.

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4- Forward-Looking Statements

1- What are your plans for the future?

2- What are your projections for the next quarter?

3- What do you expect to achieve (in the near future)?

4- What are your (sales) projections for next six months?

5- What are your goals for the coming year?

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* Structures for answers

* We expect

* We plan to

* We project

* We hope to

* We should

* We will be (V+ing)

* If all goes as planned

* Our projections are

* According to our projections

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5 - Informal introductions

* This is my boss, Mr. Cabral.

* Dani, this is my secretary, Bruna.

* I'd like you to meet my co-worker ....

* Bruna, this is Roberto Justus.

* Have you met Val?

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Probably Answers

* Good to meet you.

* Nice to meet you too.

* My pleasure

* Hi, I'm João Batista.

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Formal Introductions

* I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, Mrs. Lima.

* Allow me to introduce myself/my colleague...

* Let me introduce you to my colleague...

* Mr. Cabral, this is David Porter from Aerospace Inc.

Probably Answers

* How do you do?

* it's a pleasure meeting you.

Important body language to remember: Smile, eye contact, firm handshake.

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