Page 77 - DENG102_COMMUNICATION_SKILLS_II

Communication Skills-II

notes situation: section Head (a) calls in one of the staff (B) to talk over a punctuality problem:
B has been late to work several times this month.
a: Now we’ve known each other for some time now, haven’t we?
B: We certainly have – I seem to think I was the first person you appointed when you became
Section Head back in …
a: Yes, well we won’t start on a sentimental journey if you don’t mind.
B: OK. Only, you brought the subject up.
a: True. Well, I expect you’ve got a pretty good idea why I wanted to have a word with you.
B: I’m glad you said a word and not words because I’d hate to fall out with you ..
a: Look, don’t make it any more difficult for me than you have to because ..
B: That’s what you get paid for.
a: Right I was just trying to break the ice but if you’re just going to mess around and be flippant
I’ll come straight to the point.
B: Good. I’m all ears!
a: It’s been brought to my notice that your punctuality record has been pretty bad recently.
B: You mean I’ve been late getting to work?
a: Yes, in a nutshell. Have you got anything to say about it?
B: Not really. Whoever reported me is absolutely right.
a: That’s not really what I wanted you to say.
B: Well what do you want me to say then?
a: You’re not helping with this at all. As usual, you’re treating the whole business in your usual
light-hearted way.

B: Sure but then I can’t change my personality.
a: I’m trying to help you. Why have you been late so often these last few weeks?
B: The fact is I just can’t be bothered.
a: Bothered about what?
B: Coming to work. It’s as simple as that.
a: You mean you’re not motivated any longer?
B: You can put it like that. I just can’t summon up the energy any longer.
a: Look, I think we need to have a closer look at the job you’re doing and see if we can work
something out.
B: Fine I’d appreciate that.

a: I’ll check in my diary and get back to you. All right?
B: Excellent.
Source: http://www.english-test.net/forum/ftopic5811.html

self assessment
State whether the following statements are true or false:

4. It is very difficult to improve poor dialogue and use good dialogue to accelerate the pace of
a story.

72 lovely Professional university