Easy English - Exercise: Dialogues (II)

Okay. Now let's listen to another bad example of breaking bad news again. Afterwards, there will be a pause for you to say what Jean did wrong. You will then here my opinion. There's a problem with your planned holidays. Stephen. It's not possible for you to be away the week beginning the seventh of August. What? Why is that? We've started planning the break already. Someone has to be here that week to cover the I T. Maintenance. I thought Max was going to do that. He's on holiday then, but you told me he would be free. Yes, I know. But there's being a slight mix up in admin with the holiday roster. Max's book the same weeks is you. It can't be held. But you're responsible for coordinating holidays, aren't you? Um, I suppose so. Anyway, what's done is done. Oh, dear. Why was that the wrong approach by Jean First, Gene was not a tall apologetic for upsetting Stevens holiday plans. In fact, she sounded rather dismissive. Also, she blamed admin for her mistake with the holiday roster. Okay, so let's see if Gene can handle the situation in a better way. Listen to the next dialogue on make a note of what she does better. I'm afraid we have a problem with your August holiday dates. Stephen, I've made a mistake in the scheduling. Max had already booked the dates you asked for. I'm really sorry. What does that mean? I can't have those dates. We've started planning the break already. I know it was a mix up on my part, but we have to have you or Max here to cover the I t maintenance. It would mean shifting your holiday to start on the 14th instead of the seventh with that work for you. Well, we haven't booked anything, luckily, but Mary will not be happy. I can understand that you can blame the problem on me and tell her that you can have first choice for days off over Christmas as a slight compensation. Thanks, Jean. That would help. Sorry again about the mix up. Okay. Why was that a better version this time? Jean was honest about the situation on took responsibility herself for the mix up. Also, she was apologetic. Understood, Stevens problem. Andi as a solution offered some compensation by giving him first choice of days off over Christmas for more tips and useful language phrases for breaking bad news, read Mike Hogan's latest article in Business Spotlight and remember when breaking bad News, You need to be honest and empathetic. You shouldn't blame others on def possible. You should try toe have a solution for the problem.