Unit 3 – Telephoning

Unit 3
Unit 3 – Telephoning
Kick-off: Talking to people on the phone
(page 47)
Introduction: Aims of this unit
First of all, non-native English students have to overcome their inhibition of using the phone in English in order to be successful in the international world of media. In addition to that, they have to learn about international telephone etiquette so that they
behave in a professional way when talking on the phone. Part of that is the correct use of pronunciation and audible non-verbal language. Finally, there are different phases in a phone call accompanied by an indefinite number of phrases which every
student should know and be able to practice in order to ‘survive’ phone calls in English.
Practice: Spontaneous call
In order to find out what your students already know about telephoning in English and the respective language and phrases,
test them by role-playing a ficticious phone call. Have ringing sounds playing and ask the students “Could someone answer
the phone, please?”. As soon as someone answers, try to get a second volunteer by asking “Who’s calling?”. In case the
resulting improvised call is too general, ask others to imagine they are at work and repeat the exercise with other pairs.
Practice: Do you find telephoning in English difficult?
Discuss your experience or possible problems in class.
● Changing suddenly from German to English
● Not seeing your telephone partner – gestures and facial expressions
● Your telephone partner’s bad English / strong accent
● Native English speakers talking fast and using words unknown to you
● Leaving a message on somebody’s answering machine
Topic 1: Who, why, when and then?
(page 48)
Task 1
Tapescript
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
Good morning. Jigsaw plc. What can I do for you?
Hello. This is Mareike Schmitz from IHK Köln. I would like to speak to John Edwards in the marketing department, please.
I am sorry, but he is not in at the moment. Do you want him to call you back?
Yes, please. My number is +49 221 4563661.
Thank you. I will ask him to call you as soon as he gets in. Goodbye.
Thank you. Goodbye.
Information given by caller (B):
● greeting
● name
● name of company
● reason for calling
● telephone number
Task 2
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Telephoning
Call 1
Call 2
Where does she call?
Media International
London Chamber of Commerce
Whom does she want to speak to?
Richard Saunders
customer service department
What does she want?
Talk about the meeting planned for the
following day.
Talk about a problem with their
brochure about working in Great Britain.
What will happen next?
She will try again later.
She willl be put through to Celia Hanson.
Tapescripts
Call 1:
A:
B:
A:
B:
A:
B:
Media International. Peter Small speaking.
Good afternoon. This is Mareike Schmitz. I need to talk to Richard Saunders about the meeting planned for tomorrow.
I am afraid Richard is in a meeting at the moment. Can I take a message?
No, thank you. I will try again later.
Okay. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Call 2:
B: Hello, this is Mareike Schmitz speaking. I am calling from Cologne in Germany. Am I connected with the customer
service department of the London Chamber of Commerce?
A: Yes, you are. How can I help you?
B: I am calling about a problem with your brochure about working in Great Britain.
A: You will need to talk to Celia Hanson about that. I will put you through.
B: Thank you very much.
A: You are welcome. Goodbye.
Task 3
1. Good morning. Jigsaw plc. What can I do for you?
2. Hello, this is Mareike Schmitz speaking.
3. I am calling from Cologne in Germany.
4. How can I help you?
5. I would like to speak to John Edwards in the marketing department, please.
6. I am afraid Richard is in a meeting at the moment. Can I take a message?
7. No, thank you. I will try again later.
8. You are welcome.
9. You will need to talk to Celia Hanson about that. I will put you through.
10. Okay. Goodbye.
Task 4
Schülerindividuelle Dialoge
Task 5
1. Good afternoon. Virgin Entertainment Inc.
2. Good afternoon. Could I speak to James Little, please?
3. I’m afraid he’s not in the office this afternoon. Can I give him a message?
4. Yes, please. Can you tell him Jane English rang? I’ll try again later.
5. Ms. English. OK. Which company are you calling from?
6. Sponsorpartners Ltd.
7. And could you give me your number, please?
8. Yes, it’s 05463-7224465.
9. 05463-7224465. Fine. I’ll make sure he gets the message.
10. Thank you very much.
11. You’re welcome. Goodbye.
12. Goodbye.
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Unit 3
Task 6
1. the second of January; also: January the second (UK), January second (US)
2. eleven point four per cent
3. one billion euros
4. s underscore m-u-e-l-l-e-r at w-d-r hyphen k-o-e-l-n dot d-e
5. capital DELTA-ECHO-UNIFORM-TANGO-SIERRA-CHARLIE-HOTEL-ECHO capital PAPA-OSCAR-SIERRA-TANGO
6. open bracket double o/zero four nine close bracket double two double three one o/zero nine eight six o/zero
7. eleven square metres
8. five eighths
9. four point six million dollars
10. half (past) nine (am)
Task 7
A
B
C
Telephone Message
Telephone Message
Telephone Message
Call from:
Call from:
Call from:
Tracy Miller
Peter James
Jane English
Message:
Message:
Message:
Asks to be called back at Channel 4:
0044 5446 860 8893
He will be away from BBC Worldservice 2nd to 22nd January. His
replacement will not be available
until 7th January.
The business lunch of CUP will take
place at Jill’s Restaurant in London
on Tuesday at 11:30am.
Tapescripts
A
R:
T:
R:
T:
R:
T:
R:
T:
R:
T:
Marketing Communication, Hamburg. Good morning.
Good morning. This is Tracy Miller from Channel 4, London, speaking. I would like to speak to Christine Heinz.
Hold on. I’ll just check whether she is in. I’m sorry, but she is in a meeting right now. Do you want to leave a message?
Yes. Could you please ask her to call me back at 0044 5446 860 8893.
Ok, and the name was?
Tracy Miller from Channel 4.
OK, I’ve got that and I’ll let her know as soon as she gets out of the meeting.
Thank you very much.
You’re welcome. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
B
P:
R:
P:
R:
P:
R:
P:
R:
P:
Good morning. This is Peter James speaking. I’m calling from BBC Worldservice.
Good morning. You’ve called Marketing Communication Hamburg. What can I do for you?
I’m returning Christine Heinz’ call.
She’s in a meeting, I’m afraid. And it will still take some time. If it is urgent, I can get a message to her at the meeting
or would you like to speak to someone else?
Thank you very much but could you let her know, please, that I will be away from the office from 2nd to 22nd January
and that my replacement won’t be available until 7th January.
Alright, could you just give me your name again, please?
Peter James from BBC Worldservice.
Sorry, I didn’t catch that? James as in GALA?
No, James as in JULIET.
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Telephoning
R: Thank you. I’ll let her know.
P: Thank you. Goodbye.
C
R: Marketing Communication, Hamburg. Good morning.
J: Good morning. This is Jane English speaking. I’m calling about the business lunch with Christine Heinz in London on
Tuesday.
R: Her line is busy, I’m afraid. Would you like to hold or can I help you perhaps?
J: Thank you very much but I would like to leave a message then. Could you please tell her that the business lunch of
Cambridge University Press has been postponed and will now take place at Jill’s Restaurant in London on Tuesday at
11:30 am?
R: OK, could I just make sure that I’ve got that right?
J: Of course.
R: Did you say that the lunch will now take place at Jill’s Restaurant with Jill as in JUDY?
J: Yes, that’s correct.
R: And the time was 11:30 am or 12:30 pm?
J: 11:30 am.
R: OK, and did you say Tuesday or Thursday?
J: Tuesday.
R: OK, I’ve got that and I’ll pass it on immediately.
J: Thank you very much. Goodbye.
R: You’re welcome. Goodbye.
Practice
If you feel that your students still need some practice on the basic level, ask them to spell out today’s date, their name
and their company’s name and address by practicing telephoning to other people in class.
Practice
If you feel that your students need to practice more try the following task:
1. Divide the students into groups of four and allocate each of them a letter (A, B, C, D).
2. Ask them to think of situations which are likely to occur in their daily routine.
3. Explain to them the following procedure:
● A calls B, wanting to talk to C.
● C is out but A leaves a message.
● B tells C the message.
(“Nora Roos rang from Brodeur Communications in Munich. She said she would call again.
Her number is 0049 89 2356991.”)
● C has not understood it properly and asks to have the name spelled out and the number repeated again.
4. C then calls D, asking to speak to A. As A is out, C leaves a message.
5. D tells A the message.
6. A then tries to call back C. C is out and so A leaves another message. She/He asks to be called back.
Task 8
Mögliche Lösung/Tapescript
O: Granada Television, London. Good afternoon. How can I help you?
M: Good afternoon. This is Meike Schmidt speaking. I’m calling from Germany and I would like to speak to Jenny Smith
in the marketing department.
O: Sorry, what was your name again?
M: Meike Schmidt from Germany. I’m working for the agency who is responsible for the German marketing for your latest
documentary.
O: I see. She is not available at the moment I’m afraid, as she is on holiday until next Monday. May I take a message?
M: Yes, please. Could you ask her to call me back at 0049 221 4098166 when she returns, please?
O: Of course. And Meike Schmidt is spelled capital MIKE-ECHO-INDIA-KILO-ECHO capital SIERRA-CHARLIE-HOTELMIKE-INDIA-DELTA?
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Unit 3
M: No, it’s DELTA-TANGO at the end.
O: Oh, I’m sorry. And could I just read the number back to you to make sure that I have got it right? It’s double o, four,
nine, double two, one, four, zero, nine, eight, one, double six.
M: That’s correct. Thank you very much and Goodbye.
O: You’re welcome. Goodbye.
Task 9
1. Copy each phrase onto a separate slip of paper or transparency or prepare a handout with all of them.
2. Ask the students to decide when and why each phrase is used in a telephone conversation.
3. Ask them to use at least six of them in a role-played telephone conversation. Size of the class allowing, turn it into a game
with pairs scoring points each time they succeed in incorporating a phrase into a conversation in a realistic way.
If you feel that your students need more practice, you can also slightly change this exercise and pay special attention to customer care by using the following phrases:
Below you’ll find several telephone phrases that can be employed in customer care or when there are certain problems.
The following exercise can be used to give the students more practice in using particular telephone formulae related to
problems that might occur in a telephone conversation.
a) Hello? Marketing department.
b) Linda Smith here.
c) Speaking.
d) Could you hold the line, please?
e) Just a moment, please.
f) I’ll just put you through.
g) I’ll check if I can find her.
h) I think she may have already left.
i) It’s a very bad line. Do you think you could call again?
j) I’m afraid I can’t connect you. You need to dial another number. Do you have a pen?
k) I’ll give you her extension.
l) I’m afraid we got cut off.
m) The line is busy at the moment.
n) I’m not getting an answer at the moment.
o) I’m afraid she’s not at her desk at the moment.
p) I’m afraid he’s in a meeting.
q) I’m afraid he’s away on business.
r) Would you like to try again later?
s) Would you like to leave a message?
t) Can I give her a message?
u) Sorry, I can’t help.
v) It’s my pleasure.
Task 9 (alternative)
You can also provide a transcript of a telephone conversation from which some of these phrases have been deleted. The missing ones are completed by the students.
Task 9 (alternative)
Provide a transcript of a telephone conversation from which some of these phrases have been deleted but do not indicate
where the gaps are. The students then have to decide how the conversation could be improved in terms of customer care.
Task 10
Schülerindividuelle Lösungen
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Telephoning
Topic 2: Behaving professionally on the phone – Telephone etiquette
(page 56)
Task 1
Tapescript
Andrea Caspari: Good morning, Andrea Caspari speaking of Shandwick Communications. How can I help you?
John Wells:
Good morning. My name is John Wells and I’d like to talk to someone about the mailing you have distributed via mail concerning the press clipping service you offer.
Andrea Caspari: I’m afraid, I don’t know about that.
John Wells:
Oh, is there probably someone else I can speak to?
Andrea Caspari: Hmm. Some of them are at lunch and some in a meeting. Neither of them will be back before 2 o’clock.
John Wells:
Look, this is rather urgent. We need to change our clipping service as soon as possible and your offer
looks very attractive.
Andrea Caspari: What did you say? It’s a bit noisy here and I couldn’t understand properly.
John Wells:
I said that this is a rather urgent matter. We need to change our clipping service as soon as possible
and your offer looks very attractive.
Andrea Caspari: I see. Maybe I can take your name and number and look for a person who knows about this and can
return your call tomorrow. I just need to look for a pen. Hang on a second.
John Wells:
Thanks, but we’re in a bit of a hurry here as we have a client who needs his press cuttings immediately.
Andrea Caspari: So what is it you are asking for? Maybe the best way is to send us a fax or email. Is there anything else
I could help you with?
John Wells:
To be honest, I don’t think so. Goodbye.
Andrea Caspari: Bye.
Unable to understand properly
Noise in the background
Late answer
Bad phone
communicator
Rudeness
Being passed on to uninformed colleagues
No pen and paper to hand
Not listening properly, not paying attention
Lack of interest
Not knowing or behaving according to
conventional telephone phrases and rules
Task 2
A satisfied client or business partner should
● be referred to by name
● receive a quick answer to his call
● be kept informed
● be addressed in a positive attitude and a friendly, helpful manner
● get the agreed results at the agreed time
● …
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Unit 3
Task 3
1. Write down possible beginnings for a conversation.
2. Think about how you can move on from the greeting and initial friendly chat to the main message or reason for a call and
write down suitable phrases.
3. You receive a call from a colleague or client you know very well. Role-play a possible telephone conversation by using your
notes for bonding chats and the following move-over to the business part of the conversation.
Phrases to expect here are:
Ad 1.) Oh hello, how are things going at your end?
Good to hear you again.
How are you?
Ad 2.) I’m afraid I’m having a bit of a problem with the …
Is there any chance you could …
You see …
Let’s just go over … again.
I need to get back to you on that.
Other examples can be drawn from the skill file “small talk”. (page 148)
Task 4
Tapescript
Linda Hunt:
BBC Worldservice, televison section, Linda Hunt speaking.
Max Hentschel: Good morning, Max Hentschel here from New Media Communication in Cologne in Germany. I wanted to
ask about recordings, videotapes and DVDs of some of your productions. We are an event agency and
are interested in integrating them into a show of one of our clients.
Linda Hunt:
Hm, I am afraid, it is a very bad line. Could you please try again?
Max Hentschel: Oh, of course. (dials again)
Good morning, this is Max Hentschel again from New Media Communication in Cologne in Germany. I
wanted to ask about recordings, videotapes and DVDs of some of your productions. We are an event
agency and are interested in integrating them into a show of one of our clients.
Linda Hunt:
Oh, that’s interesting. Could you tell me in greater detail how you would go about it? I’m interested to
know more about it as we have special copyright regulations in Britain which also extend to the German
market. We might have to consider some special contract depending on the productions we agree on.
Max Hentschel: I’m sorry, could you just speak a little more slowly, please?
Linda Hunt:
Of course, no problem. Depending on the kind of production we might not be able to send it to you as
there are certain regulations concerning the copyright. We might have to set up a special contract.
Max Hentschel: I see. Could you just tell me how long it would take anyway if I needed a certain copy?
Linda Hunt:
That depends on your preferred way of dealing with it. If you want to show a copy of a series in a public
space such as “The Office”, for example, we can send it to you via express so that it would be at your
disposal something like 12 hours later.
Max Hentschel: Oh, that’s interesting. So it’s really only one day?
Linda Hunt:
Yes. By the way, what is it exactly you are interested in?
Max Hentschel: It is actually exactly what you just mentioned: I am interested in a couple of parts of “The Office” as we
are currently preparing an international event for a producer of office furniture and that would fit in nicely.
Linda Hunt:
That’s funny.
Max Hentschel: Yes, I stayed in London on a private trip for a couple of days recently and saw it on TV. I really liked it and
now we have to develop and organize this event. Therefore, the series came to my mind immediately.
Linda Hunt:
Yes, that sounds really good. Actually, I’m terribly sorry, but I have to be on my way to an appointment in
five minutes’ time. Could I call you back later?
Max Hentschel: Of course, no problem. My number is Germany, 221 for Cologne and 4598342.
Linda Hunt:
OK, let me just read that back to you: Germany, 221 for Cologne and then 4598342.
Max Hentschel: OK, fine. So we talk again later this afternoon.
Linda Hunt:
Thank you very much. Goodbye.
Max Hentschel: Goodbye.
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Telephoning
Possible answers
Expressing politeness
● by using the past tense instead of the present tense as it is less direct
● by using could and would instead of can and will to make questions or statements less direct
● by using phrases such as “I’m sorry” or “I’m afraid” (see above page 58)
● by using “actually” to change the subject or “I’m sorry” instead of negating something
● by echoing what the other person said
● by asking for clarification
● by reading information back to the other person
● by employing active listening strategies (backchannelling to show attention and interest)
In addition, suitable phrases can be found in the phrases section under “problems”. (page 61)
Topic 3: How to deal with an answering machine – leaving and recording messages
(page 59)
Task 1
1.
Tapescript
Thank you for calling BBC Media UK. The office is closed at the moment but you can leave a message after the beep
and we will call you back as soon as possible. You can get hold of us in person at our regular office hours between 9 am
and 5pm Monday to Friday. (beep)
2. ● Name of the company
● Availability
● Action
● Additional information
● Nice close
3. Schülerindividuelle Lösungen
4. Schülerindividuelle Lösungen
Possible answers
In order to allow students to check their response to the recorded message, find the example below to put on the OHP.
Company messages – Tapescripts
Thank you for calling British Airways. You have called outside our office hours, which are from 8am to 6pm, Monday to
Friday. Please try again during these hours or leave a message after the tone and we will call you back. Thank you.
(beep)
This is ABC Public Relations. Unfortunately no one is available to take your call at the moment. If you would like to leave
your name and number, we will call you back as soon as possible. Please speak after the tone. Thank you for calling.
(beep)
Extension message
Hello, this is Peter Morten. I am sorry, I am not in the office at the moment, but please leave a message after the beep
together with your name and number and I will call you back as soon as possible. Thank you for calling. Goodbye.
(beep)
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Unit 3
5. Possible answer
This is Tim Miller from Media Network UK. It’s Monday, 27th April and I urgently need to talk to John Smith about today’s
edition of “History of Films”. It would be very kind if he called back. My number is London 730624. I’ll be in the office
tomorrow from 8am till 6pm.
What do you want to express?
How do you say it?
● Give your name and company.
● Hello, this is … from …
● Name the person you are leaving the message for.
● I am calling for …
● Explain the message.
● I am calling about …
● Say what action is to be taken (if necessary).
● Maybe you could get back to me in order to …
● Leave your contact details (email, telephone number).
● My email adress is … / You can reach me on …
● Ring off.
● Goodbye
Task 2
Tapescript
Hello, this is John Brown from BBC Media UK. I am returning your call with the information you asked for regarding the
recording or borrowing and showing of our series in front of an audience in your company in Germany. It is no problem to
provide you with a copy of any part of the series you desire. It usually takes three days to deliver after broadcasting.
Unfortunately we have no information about the rights of showing the material in a public space in other countries. In
Britain the British film council in London could provide you with further information regarding this issue.
Übersetzung: Schülerindividuelle Lösung
Topic 4: “Can you hear me?” – Communicating via mobile phone
(page 60)
Task 1
Tapescript
Simon Wolf:
Jenny Brown:
Simon Wolf:
Jenny Brown:
Simon Wolf:
Jenny Brown:
Simon Wolf:
Jenny Brown:
Simon Wolf:
Jenny Brown:
Hello, Simon Wolf speaking.
Hello, this is Jenny Brown from British Airways, marketing department. How are you, Simon?
Hi Jenny. I’m fine, thanks.
Where are you Simon? It’s a very bad line and there’s so much noise in the background.
I’m actually still at the location site and I have transferred my number to the mobile.
Have you got a couple of minutes?
Sorry, it’s not really convenient right now and my battery’s low – we might get cut off any minute,
I’m afraid. Can I call you later when I get back to the office?
Yes, fine, I’ll be in all day. I’ll talk to you later then.
Thanks a lot. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
2. Roleplay: Schülerindividuelle Lösung
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Telephoning
Topic 5: “I’m terribly sorry about that.” – How to deal with complaints
(page 61)
Task 1
Tapescript
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Felix Binse:
Celia Snow:
Good morning. Will & Cleveland publishers, Felix Binse speaking. How can I help you?
Good morning. This is Celia Snow. I’d like to speak to Mr. Schmitz about the books I have ordered, please.
I’m afraid, he’s not in at the moment. Can I help? I’m his deputy.
Right, I’m Celia Snow and I have ordered several language books from you as I could not get hold of them
here in London. My bookseller did some research and found out that you still have the editions available I am
looking for and even in English. The problem is that I have been waiting for them for a month now and they
should have been here two weeks ago already.
Oh, right. Well, I’m afraid I don’t know anything about that. Are you sure that it should only have taken two
weeks?
Of course I’m sure. I have received a written confirmation by your employer telling me that it would take two
weeks and that’s why I finally ordered them with you in the first place.
Mmh, they’re all at lunch and won’t be back until 1.30 and Mr. Schmitz is on holiday and won’t be back until
next week. Could you probably call again on his return?
I see. Look, this is rather urgent. I need to give a series of lectures and I need the books for my preparation.
I am leaving for the first lecture at the end of this week and I don’t feel very well prepared unless I have had
a look at those books.
I am not sure what I can do for you. Maybe I can note down your case and find out the person who dealt
with it in the first place. He would get back to you tomorrow then.
Thanks, but that’s not good enough. I am in a bit of a hurry here as I have to finish preparing my lecture.
I expect you to sort out the problem today and to get the books sent over to me at your expense so that
I can be sure to have them here by the day after tomorrow at the latest. It cannot be that difficult to send
a couple of books to London via express.
I don’t have authority for that.
Then get someone who does.
I’ll call tomorrow morning at the latest.
No – this afternoon! And if you cannot get hold of me that way there is my email-adress [email protected].
Right. Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Somebody dealing with a complaint should
● let the customer explain the complaint and context
● apologize and empathize
Make sure that the customer’s problem as well as the inconvenience caused is understood.
● act immediately to solve the problem
Immediately do what you can to start the process of putting things right. If you cannot deal with it straight away, give a
clear time frame and get agreement on it.
● accept personal responsibility
Take responsibility when things go wrong. In the case of a complaint you represent the company.
● be personal
Mention people’s names at the beginning and the end of a call and listen for opportunities to make small talk.
● be positive when expressing oneself
Let them know what you can do, not what you cannot do. Turn bad news into positive ones.
● be perceptive
– Try to find out exactly what your customer wants.
– Listen carefully to what he is saying.
– Repeat key words to show that you have understood.
– Summarize frequently to make sure that you are on the same wave length as your customer.
● admit the mistake
– Do not try to defend yourself even if you are right.
– If a customer feels that something has gone wrong then it has, and something has to be done about it on the part of the
company.
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Unit 3
● offer compensation
This shows that you value a customer and that you are interested in a long-term relationship.
● thank the customer
Many customers suffer without saying a word: be grateful for a feedback because then you can work on a good relationship.
3. Schülerindividuelle Lösung
4. Schülerindividuelle Lösung
Possible example to present on a transparency:
Felix Binse
Celia Snow
Delivery Problem
Hello Ms Snow,
After having talked to my colleague Peter Schmitz and having done some
research, I can give you the following information: I’m afraid but there has
been a slight problem with our delivery company in the Netherlands. They
have the books in stock but unfortunately it seems that we have supplied
them with the wrong order number in the computer system. Therefore,
there appears to be a delay in the delivery.
I’m terribly sorry about that and I’ll personally make sure that the problem
gets sorted out straight away. The delivery company is going to deal with it
immediately so that you should have the books by tomorrow morning.
I’m awfully sorry for the inconvenience caused and hope that you find
something suitable in our program for the added voucher.
Best regards,
Felix Binse
Account manager
Will & Cleveland publishers
5. Schülerindividuelle Lösung
6. Description of the problem
● I’m afraid …
● Unfortunately …
● To seem / to appear
● A small / slight problem
● A bit of a problem
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Telephoning
Roll it
(page 63)
Task 1
Understanding a filming application
Answer the following questions about the City of Westminster’s filming application:
a) Can you explain the different types of operations listed?
Feature film: genre film for TV or cinema
Television:
documentaries, series, etc.
Outside broadcast/recording: e.g. filming in the street
Commercial: advertising film
Music video: video promoting a band’s or musician’s song
Photo shoot: still photography, e.g. of models wearing designer clothes
Radio:
voice/sound recordings for radio broadcasts
Period film:
history film
b) Can you explain the words ‘dolly’, ‘crane’ and ‘cherrypicker’?
dolly:
manual camera vehicle or camera on tracks
crane:
machine with a long arm that can be swung round, used for lifting and moving a camera.
cherrypicker: special crane mounted on a vehicle [Bockkran]
c) What is meant by interior/exterior start and finish times?
Start and finish times refer to the time of shooting, e.g. start at 8am, finish at 6pm.
An interior shot is taken inside a building, an exterior shot is taken outside (e.g. in the street).
Task 2
Schülerindividuelles Rollenspiel
Task 3
Tapescript:
Marc: Hi, Marc speaking.
Ann: Hi, this is Ann Taylor, location manager for Tropical Heat in Jamaica. Can you help me with some information concerning the shooting schedule?
Marc: Sure, what is it that you’d like to know?
Ann: Good, I need to know the date of your next shot in Trinidad because I have to plan the rental of the technical equipment.
Marc: Let me have a look at my schedule …, here it is … Trinidad is next on 3rd November for five days.
Ann: Right, that’s fine. One more question: how much budget is there for lighting equipment? That’s important to know
if I want to plan the technical equipment.
Marc: Uuh, I’m sorry, I don’t know that. You’d have to talk to Jan Meyer, our production manager, for that.
Ann: Okay, I’ll try it on his mobile. But just in case I don’t catch him, would you be so kind as to tell him I rang and call
me back as soon as possible, please?
Marc: No problem, I think I’ll see him this afternoon.
Ann: Thanks, goodbye then.
Marc: Goodbye.
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© Copyright 2006: Bildungsverlag EINS GmbH
Unit 3
Task 4
Tapescript:
Stephanie Willows: Good morning, Stephanie at XXL Records speaking.
Rob Owen:
Hi Stephanie, this is Rob Owen from Smashin’ Glass. I’m calling about the demo CD we sent you two
weeks ago.
S.W.:
Hang on a minute, I’ll have to look up your file. Smashin’ Glass … Okay, I’ve found it. I’m afraid,
I haven’t had the time to listen to it yet.
R.O.:
Oh, that’s a pity. When do you think you will be able to tell me something about it?
S.W.:
Probably next week. Would you like to try again on Monday?
R.O.:
[laughing] I don’t have much of a choice, do I?
S.W.:
Hm, guess so. You know, there are so many newcomer bands, I just don’t know where to start. But
I promise, I’ll speed up.
R.O.:
Alright then. Talk to you next week. Bye.
S.W.:
Bye Rob.
a) What does Rob Owen ask for?
Rob wants to know whether his band’s demo CD has been checked by XXL Records yet.
b) Why can’t Stephanie Willows give him an answer yet?
Because she hasn’t had the time to listen to the CD yet.
c) What do you think will happen next?
It might well be possible that Stephanie listens to a couple of tracks, but if there are lots of new bands wanting to win a
recording contract, chances are slim that Smashin’ Glass will be successful. They would really have to stand out from the
other bands.
d) If you work in the music business, is this situation familiar to you? If so, explain it to the other students (Schülerindividuelle
Antwort).
Task 5
Find the English equivalents of the following German telephone phrases:
Film/TV:
1. Ach, wie gut, dass ich Sie erreiche. Ich muss Sie dringend wegen der Drehgenehmigung im Hyde Park sprechen.
Oh, good to get hold of you. I urgently need to talk to you about the filming permit for Hyde Park.
2. Könnten Sie mich bitte mit der Requisiteurin verbinden?
Could you please put me through to the prop master?
3. Bitte kümmern Sie sich darum, dass der Drehplan morgen vorliegt.
Please see to it that the shooting schedule is ready/available tomorrow.
4. Kann ich Sie zurückrufen? Ich muss erst in der Dispo nachschauen.
Can I call you back? I first need to check the call sheet.
Musik/Radio:
5. Wir hätten gerne die Rechte, um Robbie Williams’ Angel auf einem Sampler zu veröffentlichen. An wen kann ich mich
deswegen wenden?
We would like to acquire the rights for publishing R.W.’s Angel on a sampler. Who is in charge of that, please?
6. Wir planen gerade die England-Tournee für Robbie Williams. Könnten Sie mir bitte ein Verzeichnis aller Musikstadien und
Konzertsäle in Großbritannien schicken?
We are currently planning the England tour for Robbie Williams. Could you please send me a list of all music stadiums and
concert halls in GB?
7. Wir können Ihnen derzeit nur einen Bandübernahmevertrag anbieten. Wenn sich die CD gut verkauft, können wir bei dem
nächsten Album darüber nachdenken, einen Künstlervertrag abzuschließen.
At the moment, all we can offer is a record contract. If the CD sells well, we might consider signing an artist contract for the
next album.
8. Wir sind ein neuer Radiosender in Hamburg. Könnten Sie uns bitte in ihrem Verteiler für Robbie Williams-CDs mit aufnehmen?
We are a new radio station in Hamburg. Could you include us in your distribution list for Robbie Williams-CDs?
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© Copyright 2006: Bildungsverlag EINS GmbH
Telephoning
Publish it
(page 68)
●
●
●
●
●
I’m terribly sorry about the delay of the letter and I would like to apologize for the inconvenience you’ve had.
I’m afraid there is a slight problem due to the holiday season as many of our colleagues are away at the moment.
I’ll make sure that the problem gets sorted out immediately.
You should have a copy of the letter immediately by fax or e-mail, whatever you like best.
Thank you for your understanding, and please accept my apologies.
Ad it
(page 69)
Task 1
Schülerindividuelles Rollenspiel
Task 2
Schülerindividuelles Rollenspiel
Task 3
Find the English equivalents of the following German telephone phrases:
1. I’m calling about your briefing. We have a couple of questions about it.
2. Could you please mail us pictures and texts for the press release?
3. What format should they have?
4. I just mailed you the draught – would you be so nice as to look through it regarding (type)setting and colours?
5. If you want anything to be changed, we can still make corrections.
Plan it
(page 70)
Task 1–4
Schülerindividuelle Lösungen
Task 5
Find the English equivalents of the following German telephone phrases.
1. When will you be at the book fair in Frankfurt? We could then talk about the authors’ readings we are organizing in Germany.
2. Hello, this is Christina Mint of Webbershandwick in Bonn. How can I help you?
3. I’m sorry, I didn’t catch the name of the location. Could you just spell it for me?
4. You would like to book a booth for the next CeBIT? One moment please, I will connect you with our trainee Peter Schmidt
in the event department.
5. I’m sorry but I don’t get an answer at the moment. Would you like to talk to somebody else about the catering?
6. I would like to leave a message for Sarah: for the party we would need golden balloons, not yellow ones.
7. Are you still there? I’m on my way to the fair ground at the moment. Is the booth to be 4.5 meters or 5.4 metres long?
8. There’s a slight problem: we will not be able to deliver the event concept on time.
9. Could you just speak up a bit, please? I’m standing in the concert hall and my battery is low. We might get cut off, I’m
afraid.
10. Can I call you back? I would have to check the number of tickets in the PC first.
Zusätzliches Material zu Unit 2 und 3 findet sich auf Seite 48 und 49.
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© Copyright 2006: Bildungsverlag EINS GmbH