A newbie
Watch the video and get some inspiration
Here is a dialogue between an employee and a new comer
Joan
You’re new here. I haven’t seen you before.
Helen
Yes, it’s my first day on the job.
I have just been hired, in fact I was hired only last week.
Joan
Would you like me to show you around the premises?
This office over there is the sales manager’s.
Down the corridor, on the left, is the HR office.
You’d better check in there right away.
On the right is the coffee machine if you feel like something to drink.
That’s where you glean a lot of information about what’s going on in the firm.
As you can see, most of us work in an open space.
You’ll get a cubicle next to mine.
You’ll have a computer, but if you want to print out, we share the same printer and fax machine. There’s a cupboard over there for supplies: pens, pencils, staplers, paper, post-its, scissors and other stationery.
The toilets are at the end of the corridor on the right.
Task 1
Read over the conversation and make a drawing of the layout of the offices.
Meeting the managing director
Joan
May I introduce you to Ms Helen Jones, your PA?
Bob
How do you do Ms Jones.
Joan
How do you do Mr Smythe.
Bob
We shall be working very closely together. Here are some of the things you will be doing for me. You will be in charge of data management and filing. You will be arranging travel, visas and accommodation for me. You will be screening phone calls, enquiries and requests.
You will be meeting and greeting visitors, and showing them around the firm. You will be organizing and maintaining diaries and making appointments. You will be dealing with incoming email, faxes and post. You will be taking dictation and writing the minutes of meetings.
Furthermore, you will be carrying out background research. I will expect you to carry out specific projects and research. You will be briefing papers, reports and presentations. And of course, you’ll be organizing meetings.
Very important, you will make sure I am well prepared for meetings. You will be liaising with clients, suppliers and other members of the personnel.
You will be responsible for accounts and budgets.
Any questions?
Task 2
Ask Mr Smythe 10 questions concerning your work load.
Among colleagues
Bill
What’s on the grapevine? Anything new?
Fred
I was unable to attend the meeting on Friday.
Do you think you could fill me in on what went on and what was said?
Bill
The minutes of the meeting have been put online. You can read that for yourself.
Barbara
I won’t be able to make it to the meeting this afternoon. Would you please apologize for me?
Would you mind sitting in for me tomorrow? I have an urgent meeting.
One of the children is ill with the flu. I’ll have to stay at home and look after him.
Agnes
The primary teachers are on strike again. I have to take one day of recup off to look after the kids.
Bill
What’s wrong with Frank Windass? He’s always complaining. I think he’s permanently pissed off with life.
Barbara
His wife ran off with another woman!
Fred
What are you doing this weekend?
Bill
I’m playing golf with some friends. I’ll have the family for lunch on Sunday.
Barbara
Can we arrange the holidays for this summer? I’d like to get away in August if you don’t mind taking June.
Helen
Ok by me.
Fred
Have you seen any good movies recently?
Joan
One or two but nothing outstanding.
Have you been to the theater lately?
Bill
I saw Hamlet a few weeks ago. To be or not to be…
Fred
Do you belong to a gym club? I need to lose some weight.
Bill
I can suggest my fitness center if you want to get back into shape. I work out there three evenings a week.
Barbara
Lucky you. You don’t have any children to take care of, do you?
Fred
Where did you go last summer?
Joan
We had a lousy fortnight in Brittany. It rained all the time.
Barbara
We had a great time in Greece.
Did you know Joe Blogs is getting married? Would you like to contribute for a wedding present? Everyone’s chipping in a couple of pounds.
Joan
Did you hear about poor old Mr White? He’s just lost his wife.
The funeral is on Monday.
Oh! Here he comes
Barbara
I’m sorry for your loss, Mr White.
Task 3
Make a list of the typical subjects of conversation employees have at the office.