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Acting up

Welcome back to English at Work. Last time we heard Anna pitching her new plastic aubergine idea to Paul, in a lift. He was on his way to a biscuit-lovers’ convention and didn’t have much time. She gave the perfect elevator pitch but it’s down to Paul to give her idea the go ahead – the problem is, he seems to have gone missing.

Tom Denise, isn’t Paul supposed to be here today?

Denise Yes. He went to that biscuit-lovers’ convention yesterday but he said he’d be back today.

Tom Maybe he’s eloped with a pack of custard creams, eh?!

Denise Very funny Tom. I’ll give him a call now …oh, that might be him now. Hello, Tip Top Trading… oh hello Paul, everything OK? …oh no! …oh no!

Tom What Denise?

Denise He choked on a biscuit at the convention and he’s in hospital. (To Paul) Yes Paul, that was Tom… you want to speak to Anna? I’ll just get her… get better soon Paul. (To Anna) Anna, Anna, it’s Paul on the phone, he wants to speak to you – sounds important.

Anna Me? Oh right, can you transfer the call please? Hello Paul, are you OK?

Paul Not really. Damn Garibaldi biscuit got wedged in my throat, ended up banging my head on a table trying to get it out.

Anna Oh dear, so you’re not coming to work today?

Paul I’m afraid not, I need to rest for a few days so I was wondering, in fact I’m asking you, could you act up?

Anna I’ve told you before Paul, I can’t act… or even sing.

Paul No, no Anna. Act up, I mean do my job for a bit – be the boss – just for a day or two.

Anna Me?! Be the boss?!

Tom/Denise What?!

Paul It’s quite easy really. Just check my diary and you’ll see what needs doing. And if you have any problems just… erm… just ask Denise. Thanks Anna.

Narrator That’s great Anna. You’ve got all the skills to do Paul’s job – maybe even more! But you need to take charge and show who’s boss!

Anna Oh right. But what should I say?

Narrator Well, don’t be too bossy, but you could say: “If anyone has any issues about their work please come and speak to me”, or, “I would like to have a meeting to discuss our work”, or, “If there’s anything you want to ask, my door is always open”. That makes you sound like a very approachable boss! Good luck.

Anna Thanks. Right everyone, as you know Paul has put me in charge for a while.

Tom I’m not being funny Anna, but why you? I mean, I’ve been here the longest.

Anna Tom, if you have any issues about your work, please come and speak to me.

Tom Oh right… I will then.

Denise Erm… Anna… congratulations on your promotion. I just wondered, now you’re in charge, could I do a little less admin and a bit more selling?

Anna Let’s see Denise. I’d like to have a meeting soon to discuss all our work, so we can talk about it then. OK?

Denise Oh yes, thanks Anna.

Anna Right then. It’s business as usual and if there’s anything you want to ask, my door is always open. Right, back to work… and Tom, could I have a word in my office now please?

Narrator Excellent work Anna. You’re sounding like the boss already – just don’t start eating biscuits! Being in charge means being firm but fair and keeping your cool. Here’s a reminder of some of the phrases Anna used:

If anyone has any issues about their work please come and speak to me.

I would like to have a meeting to discuss our work.

If there is anything you want to ask, my door is always open.

Anna Take a seat Tom. Could you please close the door?

Tom I thought “your door was always open”?

Anna Not this time. I need to speak to you about this message in Paul’s diary.

Tom Oh, right, I see. You need my help? What does it say?

Anna It’s for two days’ time and it says, Socrates, IPC, final.

Tom Oh no, that doesn’t sound good.

Narrator Oh dear, what could that mean? Could there be trouble ahead? Join us again soon to find out. Bye.