In this Business English Pod lesson we're going to look at discussing problems over the phone. For example today, we'll focus on chasing up anoutstanding invoice, or a bill that hasn't been paid on time. 在今天的原汁原味商務(wù)英語(yǔ)播客中我們將談?wù)摰氖鞘謾C(jī)問(wèn)題。比如今天,我們將圍繞追討未及時(shí)償還的發(fā)票和賬款。
In business, it's not unusual to have a customerwho's late with a payment. Sometimes an invoice just hasn't been received; other times the customer mightnot have the funds to cover the bill. Eventually, you need to call, discuss the problem, and try and work out a solution. 在商務(wù)交易中,客戶沒(méi)有及時(shí)付款的現(xiàn)象很常見(jiàn)。有時(shí)可能是發(fā)票沒(méi)有及時(shí)收到,有時(shí)可能是客戶沒(méi)有現(xiàn)金償還。最終,你需要給他們打電話,跟他們說(shuō)這件事,然后試著解決這個(gè)問(wèn)題。
In today's podcast, we'll practice phrases for introducing the problem, clearly stating the details in a polite but firm manner, making an offer and proposing a solution. 在今天的播客中,我們將來(lái)練習(xí)解決這個(gè)問(wèn)題的短語(yǔ),清楚地用禮貌和肯定的方式來(lái)處理這樣的問(wèn)題,提出一個(gè)解決問(wèn)題的辦法。
The dialog features Marcy, who works for Computer Solutions. Marcy's company provided software and training for Jack Fountain's department at ATI Communications. Months have passed since Marcy submitted her first invoice, but no payment has been made. Now she's calling to find out why. First, she speaks with Donna in the Accounts Payable department. 對(duì)話的主角馬爾西的職責(zé)是解決電腦的故障。馬爾西的公司為ATI通信公司杰克源泉部門提供軟件和培訓(xùn)。自從馬爾西開(kāi)出第一份發(fā)票至今沒(méi)有收到付款。她現(xiàn)在需要打電話給客戶問(wèn)明原因。首先,她要那個(gè)公司的負(fù)責(zé)付款的部門負(fù)責(zé)人唐娜交談。
Listening Questions:
1. Where does Jack think Marcy's invoice might be?
2. What are the payment terms that Jack agreed to?
3. What solution does Jack suggest?