英文口說技巧應用1

我常建議在口說中適時使用片語 但同學常反映使用困難 在學時背過的狄克森片語早就忘光了 中英文的使用習慣在片語上有很大的落差 中文出口成章很容易被認為賣弄 耍高調 英文口說用片語反倒是比較平易近人的做法 來看一下這個會議討論 藍色的部分就是使用片語和單字的差異

Tony: Hello Jack. Sorry for being so late. Have you been waiting long?

Jack: Not too long. About half an hour.

Tony: Oh I am so sorry about that. I was just walking out of the door when I was called in [stopped] by my boss who wanted to introduce me to a long-standing client of the firm’s.

Jack: No problem at all. It gave me a chance to catch up with (surround) my emails. What would you like? An espresso, cappuccino or latte?

Tony: I think I’ll have a cappuccino.

Jack: That’ll be one cappuccino and an espresso macchiato for me, thanks.

Jack: So, how’s it going?

Tony: Oh you know, same old, same old….

Jack: How do you mean?

Tony: Well, you know we’re working on this new rail project? Well, we’ve been putting in (give) hours and hours of work and we don’t seem to be getting anywhere.

Jack: In what way, you’re not getting anywhere?

Tony: The other side are insisting on double pay at the weekends for their employees and they simply won’t give up (abandon) their demands.

Jack: And that’s something that’s unacceptable for your clients?

Tony: Oh yes, they will not give in (surrender) to bully tactics. Anyway, I don’t want to talk about it. Let’s change the subject. By the way, did you pick up (receive) the message I left you about the Deighton case?

Jack: Yes, I did. I’m sorry I meant to get back to (reply) you.

Tony: Well, what do you think? Do you think we could work something out (agree)?

Jack: In terms of what exactly?

Tony: Well, in terms of whether your firm would be prepared to step in (take their place) should we need?

Jack: I can’t see that it would be a problem but I’ll need to run this by (tell) my managing partner.

Tony: If you could do that sooner rather than later, I’d appreciate it.

Jack: I’ll see what I can do.

Tony: Great. Now you set this meeting up (arranged) so what can I do for you?

Jack: Well, I was wondering if you could put in a good word for [credit ] me at the next AGM?

Tony: Of course, I could. After all, what are good friends for if we can’t stick up for (support) each other.

Jack: Oh, thanks so much. I really didn’t know who I could turn to (get help).

Tony: You can always count on (depend on) me.

Jack: You’re not only a great client, you’re a real friend.