Business Lunches
Business Lunches
https://student.grablingo.com/materials_units/1960
1) Useful Expressions
- Thank you for meeting me here today.
- It's nice to meet you at long last.
- I appreciate you working me into your schedule.
- I’ve heard so much about you!
- I am looking forward to doing business with you.
- We have mostly communicated through emails.
- Speaking of which,...
- ...will join us shortly.
- Shall we order?
- Let’s get down to business.
2) Dialogue Practice
Mr. Smith invited Mr. Adachi for a business lunch, to introduce their new accountant to him and to discuss their future relationship.
A: Mr. Adachi, thank you for meeting me here today. I really appreciate you working me into your schedule.
B: Nice to meet you in person at long last. I think we have mostly communicated through our secretaries and accountants.
A: True. Speaking of which, I would like to introduce our new accountant that will take care of the things between our companies from now on. However, she seems to be a little bit late. But I'm sure that she will join us shortly.
B: Not that we are in a hurry. By the way, I heard that you have just returned from your vacation, how was it?
A: Yes, it was great, I visited Hawaii for the first time. I really needed some time to relax and clear my mind, so I could come back to work fresh and rested.
B: Yes, we all need some time off to recharge our batteries. Shall we order some drinks while we're waiting?
A: That's a good idea.
A few minutes later, Mr. Smith's accountant, Nina, joins them at the restaurant.
A: Mr. Adachi, I would like to introduce to you our new accountant, Ms. Nina Roberts.
B: It is a pleasure to meet you. I am looking forward to doing business with you.
A: It's great to finally meet you, Mr. Adachi. I’ve heard so much about you! And I'm really sorry for being late, the traffic was terrible.
B: No problem, Ms. Roberts. I'm glad that you could make it.
A: Okay, so, since we are all here now, and we don't have much time left, let's get down to business.
Check your understanding:
1. Why did Mr. Smith and Mr. Adachi meet for a business lunch?
2. What did the two of them talk about while waiting for Nina?
3. Why was Nina late for the meeting?
3) Discussion
1. Have you ever been to a business lunch? How did it go?
2. Do you think lunches provide good opportunities to talk business? Why? Why not?
3. How is having a business lunch different from a standard meeting?
4. Are business lunches a common practice in your country? Why?
