Meet Anna, Paul, Denise and Tom.

English at Work focuses on English communication in the office. Join Neil in this special introductory programme as he finds out about the characters who work in the offices of Tip Top Trading.

Here are the key phrases in this episode:

• A good example that comes to mind...
• I'm particularly proud of...
• Timekeeping is important to me.

Listening Challenge

What kind of company is Tip Top Trading?

The answer is at the bottom of the transcript below:

Transcript

Narrator
Hi, I'm Neil. Thanks for joining me on English at Work - a new series of programmes set in an office, full of top tips to help you learn some useful business language which you could use in the workplace. In the next few minutes you can join me on an introductory tour around one of London's biggest imitation plastic fruit manufacturers, called Tip Top Trading. We're going to hear from some of the employees that work so hard to keep the business running smoothly. So come on then! Let's step into the office and eavesdrop on Tip Top Trading's possible newest recruit. I say 'possible' because she is still being interviewed for the job of Sales Executive…

Anna
Firstly, this job is an ideal match for my skills and experience: I've spent several years working in sales and I get on with people easily. Well, I mean, apart from the ones I don't like of course! Secondly, I know Tip Top Trading is one of the fastest-growing companies in London, and I want to be part of that.

Paul
That's absolutely right. Tip Top Trading is the fastest-growing company in the plastic fruits sector.

Narrator
Well said, Anna! If she gets that job I'm sure she'll be an asset to the company. The decision is in the hands of Manager, Paul, who we heard there. He's a nice guy really, a little disorganised, but when things go wrong he's got to take charge…a bit like this…

Paul
Yesterday was not a great day. Two clients came in with serious complaints. Mrs Kumquat received a delivery of imitation bananas that were purple – not very convincing, and Mr Lime ordered grapefruits, but got pineapples. Tom!

Tom
Yeah, listen...

Paul
Were you responsible for these errors?

Tom
Well... yes, but -

Paul
Look, mistakes happen. But it seems that Mrs Kumquat left our offices even angrier than when she came in and she says she will never use Tip Top Trading again!

Tom
I tried my best.

Paul
Hmmm.

Narrator
Ah yes, Tom! I hadn't warned you about Tom, one of the company's top Sales Executives – he's good….

Tom
[on phone] Tom speaking. Yah! Frankie! So what's the latest, are we on? 

Narrator
…but his interpersonal skills need working on. Listen to this!

Tom
My computer has crashed. I've lost my phone. And there's a big, BIG problem with my timetable. I have two meetings scheduled at the same time with two extremely important clients. I can't do them both at once!

Narrator
See what I mean! Now, every office needs a good office assistant – and Tip Top Trading is no exception. It's got Denise, who's there to assist, organise and sometimes make the tea…

Denise
Oh sorry excuse me, here's your tea Paul.

Paul
Thanks Denise.

Narrator
But goodness! She likes to talk…

Denise
Really! "Denise do this! Denise do that!"\I'm telling you Sharon, I've almost had enough! I get treated like I'm some kind of servant!

Narrator
That's Denise! I think we'll just leave the office now and let them get on with their work. So that's Tip Top Trading. There are plenty of other people we'll meet along the way – so go on – why don't you join me for English at Work from bbclearningenglish.com. See ya!

Listening Challenge - Answer

What kind of company is Tip Top Trading?
Tip Top Trading is a plastic fruit manufacturer.

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Credits 

Series Producer/Writer: Rob Carter - BBC Learning English

Animator: Rosie Miles (http://www.rosiesmiles.com/)

Actors: The team at BBC Learning English