Дистанційне навчання 10-A (21, 28.11.2020)
Lesson
Saturday, the twenty-first of November
Theme: Business trip abroad. Information about the arrival/departure of the plane, train, bus. Transport delays. Luggage compartments.
How to get ready for a trip?
1. Pack appropriately
Organize your luggage and put everything in its designated place. Bring important documents like your passport, ID, and other booking details. Have a soft copy of those files on your phone in case of emergencies. Make sure that gadgets like your mobile phone and laptop are fully charged. Bring clothing and shoes that are versatile.
2. Map out your day
Before leaving the country, plan ahead. Create maps for all your appointments. Download an offline map app on your phone to get a general idea of directions when you have no internet access.
3. Represent your company well
Remember that when you meet prospects or clients, whether inside and outside your home country, you are representing your company. How you dress and what you say give the people you meet a first-hand impression of what your company is like.
4. Talk to your bank and keep your receipts
Inform your bank in advance about your destination and the dates you will be there to make sure that your credit and debit cards are working. Keep your receipts for company records or reimbursements when you get back.
5. Eat and sleep right
Pack in advance and get as much sleep as you can before the trip. Eating properly and getting at least a minimum amount of sleep make you function better throughout the entire day and for the duration of the trip.
GOING ON A BUSINESS TRIP
John Thompson is an international sales representative for a large multinational corporation with its headquarters in Liverpool. He often has to travel overseas to visit factories and meet with foreign clients. Next week, he will be visiting an Auto Show in Beijing for three days before going on to Shangai to see his clients.
His secretary, Tracy Fisher, usually handles his travel arrangements. She calls the travel agency to make the reservation. She has to consider factors such as the check-in time, departure and arrival times, and visa requirements (if any).
Once Mr. Thompson has his tickets and travel documents in order, Tracy calls the travel agency again to confirm his reservation. Tracy is also responsible for making his hotel reservations. Since Mr. Thompson often has to meet guests at his hotel, he wants her to make sure that a large suite will be ready for him when he arrives at his destination.
When he goes abroad for business, his company pays for his flights. Thompson usually travels in business class. When he has enough frequent flyer miles, he can upgrade to first class. He is such an experienced traveler that when there is turbulence, he usually sleeps right through it. His only complaint is that he often suffers from jet lag, especially on long trips.
He usually arrives at the airport two hours before his flight is scheduled to depart. There, he checks in and receives his boarding pass. He is also informed of his gate and seat number. If he has enough time, he may visit the duty-free shops in the airport. This time he arrived early at the airport and so he is doing some shopping for his relatives.
When he arrives at his destination, he makes sure his passport, visa, and arrival card are in order so he can quickly go through customs and immigration. He has the following advice for business travelers:
“Always pack lightly. I usually take one check-in and one carry-on baggage. As a business traveler, you will constantly be on the move, so bring the essentials and leave the rest at home.”
“Don’t carry a lot of cash. You should take most of your money in cards. They can be used almost anywhere.”
“Try to get plenty of rest before and after your flight. If you are travelling from New York to Beijing, you don’t want to suffer from jet lag.”
“Last but not least, remember the old saying —‘When in Rome, do as the Romans do.’ Try to learn as much as possible about the country you are travelling to and follow the local customs.”
Task 3. Decide if the following statements are true (T), false (F) or not in the text (N).
1. The company has factories in Liverpool.
2. Tracy helps Mr Thompson organize his trips abroad.
3. Mr Thompson travels both by sea and by plane.
4. Mr Thompson travels only by business class.
5. Mr Thompson wears a suit on his business trips abroad. 6. Mr Thompson arrives a few hours before his flight.
7. Usually he doesn’t have large luggage.
8. When he travels, Mr Thompson has problems with sleep.
9. Before travelling abroad Mr Thompson reads information about foreign countries.
Business etiquette abroad
— It’s possible to arrive at the business meeting a few minutes later after the scheduled time.
— It’s a good idea to exchange business cards at the beginning.
— A male can shake hands with a female business partner.
— Discuss business only before meal.
— Avoid physical contact while discussing business (e.g. pat him/her on the shoulder).
— Giving presents at business meetings is forbidden.
— Avoid alcohol and smoking.
— Don’t say ‘no’ even if you disagree with your partner.
— Always say ‘thank you’ for a lunch/dinner organized by your business partners.
Task 3. Complete the sentences with the words from the box. suites ° jet lag ° arrangements ° destination ° scheduled ° FFP ° headquarters ° overseas ° reward ° host
1. Mr Grant is a busy person, so his assistant takes care of his travel ….
2. At the customs the passengers are often asked about their … and how long they are going to stay.
3. Whenever I travel from London to New York I suffer from … .
4. Nowadays many airlines have introduced … that aim to create a sense of loyalty among their clients and … them with free airfare, upgrades and many more.
5. Our hotel … are designed for business travelers who appreciate additional space and may use it to … small meetings or entertain clients.
6. The conference was originally … for October 12, but it had to be canceled.
7. Every morning all offices of our corporation get new instructions from … in London.
8. After I graduated from university I went … and worked as a journalist in Canada and the USA.
Task 4. Pack your suitcase.
Task 5. Read the text about hotels. Choose from (A–H) the one which best fits each space (1–6). Use all choices.
A. which are the best and most expensive.
B. types of hotel accommodation.
C. usually employ about one staff member.
D. fail to show up without cancelling your reservation.
E. the housekeeping staff.
F. overnight lodging for business people.
G. includes breakfast, lunch and dinner.
H. in good working order.
AT THE HOTEL
Whenever people travel on business they need to stay at hotel. Hotels provide (1) … . Its basic service is providing a room to sleep in. But most hotels also have at least one restaurant or a caf. Many hotels also offer room and services for meetings, and some have shops and even offer entertainment.
Big and respectable hotels (2) … for every two rooms. The hotel staff works around the clock to make the guests comfortable. (3) … cleans each room daily. Bellhops carry luggage and packages to the guests’ rooms. The engineering department keeps the hotel’s electricity, plumbing, heat and air conditioning (4) … . Some hotel restaurants provide room service, by which guests can have food and beverages brought to their rooms.
However pleasant and polite receptionists may seem, most hotels have very strict policies. When you book a room you usually have to make a deposit. But if you cancel your reservation you lose it and if you (5) … the hotel charges one night’s room rate on your card. Also you have to check out by 12 pm, otherwise you’ll be charged extra money.
Hotels are usually graded with stars from one-star to five-star, (6) … . You can also stay in a Bed & Breakfast (B&B) (also called Guest Houses) where you pay for a bedroom, possibly an ensuite (a room with private bathroom) and breakfast. (7) … are as follows:
• a single room: for one person with a single bed;
• a double room: for two people with one double bed;
• a twin room: for two people with two single beds;
• half board: includes breakfast and dinner;
• full board: (8) … ;
• B&B: just the room and breakfast.
Task 6. Read the text and find out how culture influences business etiquette.
CULTURE MATTERS …
Every culture is different, and has different styles of etiquette. Every day deals are lost because cultural misunderstandings. These misunderstandings do not have to be huge to have a negative effect on your business – a poor first impression could leave your prospective partner with a bad feeling. Knowing the right etiquette can help you avoid this and save you a great deal of time and money. Mr Thompson shares what he has learned from his experience:
Greeting. Handshakes are the typical form of physical greeting in most countries. But they are longer in the Middle East than in Western countries. It is recommended that you wait for the other person to withdraw his/her hand before you do. If you are a man greeting an Arab businesswoman, wait for her to initiate a hand shake as some conservative women may choose to not shake hands with men.
Time and Space. Being punctual is one of the easiest ways to make a good impression without a lot of effort. In some cultures, it is not expected that people will be on time. For example in Latin America it is acceptable to be a little late. But if your colleague or customer is late for a meeting, it is best to take a relaxed view. People from different cultures also have different ideas about personal space. Standing close or touching another person during the conversation is considered appropriate. In Mexico, it is OK to give a friendly pat on the back, but in China you should never touch the other person.
Business cards. Nowadays people rarely use business cards in the U.S and in Europe because you can do more things with a smartphone. But in many countries you won’t be taken seriously if you don’t have a business card to give someone when you greet. The business card exchange is extremely important in Japan – almost ceremonial. Always give business cards with two hands and remember to admire and examine the card when you receive it. The more time you spend looking at it indicates the more respect you have for the person.
Meals. Very often international business is negotiated and discussed at social events, like business lunches and dinners. Never eat with your hands, even if it is a sandwich or a pizza. Use a napkin or other utensils. In the US business may be conducted over breakfast, lunch or dinner. In Germany business matters are usually discussed before or after the meal; never during. The Chinese do not discuss business at any meal. In Japan you should never service yourself to pour a drink. Your host, or someone else at the table, will fill your glass for you. In Australia, alcohol is discouraged at business lunches. Drinking moderately at business meals is acceptable in Germany; in Russia, you are expected to drink to establish closer relationships. In most European countries and in the US it is considered polite to thank your host for a meal. But never do this in India – it is considered a form of payment and, therefore, insulting.
Gifts. Depending on where you’re going, gifts in business may be expected in some countries, and could be considered a bribe in others. Always wrap your gifts for Japanese partners. The value of a gift is less important than thoughtfulsness with which it was prepared. In China you have to give and receive gifts with both hands. Besides, it’s considered rude to open a gift in front of the person who gave it. On the contrary in Africa, gifts are opened immediately upon receipt. Many US companies discourage or limit gift giving as it may be seen as a bribe. Mostly it is polite to give small gifts when meeting someone, but avoid giving very expensive gifts. Otherwise this can make your partner might feel uncomfortable.
Agreeing and disagreeing. When offering a deal to your business partner you are expecting a ‘yes’ response. But be ready for the unexpected. For example, the Japanese typically respond with ‘yes’ as you talk to them even if they disagree with you. They say it just to acknowledge that they understand what you are saying. It is similar to Indian culture where saying ‘no’ is impolite. So instead of saying ‘no’, respond with ‘possibly’, ‘I’ll try’, ‘we’ll see’. And remember that Bulgarians nod if they disagree with you and shake their heads to say ‘yes’.
Task 7. Decide if the following statements are true (T), false (F) to check how you have understood the text. Comment on your opinion.
1. In Brazil it is acceptable to be a bit late for the meeting.
2. Women don’t do business in Saudi Arabia.
3. Business cards are losing popularity all over the world.
4. Give business cards with both hands in China.
5. In Germany business matters are usually discussed during the meal. 6. It’s not appropriate to eat pizza or sandwich with your hands.
7. In Japan you can help yourself if you want a drink.
8. In the US gifts may be regarded as a bribe.
9. In China your business partners open gifts as they receive them.
10. If Japanese says ‘I’ll try’ or ‘possibly’ it is likely to mean ‘no’.
Your home task for the next lesson is
Work in pairs, write a dialogue. Imagine that you are going on a business trip. Describe how you are going on a trip, what necessary things you will take with you. Also, you can write a dialogue, which may take place at the airport, with a business partner etc.
Dream up!
