ビジネス英語ディクテーション

ただ聞こえてきたままにタイプしてアップしてるだけの地味なブログです。

2012年01月

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford.
 
If you don't feel comfortable using "we", as this implies a group is to blame.
You could say:
"I am very sorry that your order was incorrectly processed."
 
You could simply say, "We will send replacements as soon as we can."
 
In the future or in future, which is often used in Britain, is fine.
You might also say:
"We will check  our shipments more carefully from now on."
 
Again, I am really sorry for the inconvenience.
 
You could turn this around and say,
I hope we will soon restore your faith in our products.
 
You might split this into a statement of options and then a request for a choice.
 
Well, my recommendation is simply to be sincere. I'm very sorry.
When writing mail, you can use upper case letters for so in "I'm SO sorry!"
You can add a few o's and write, "I am SOOO sorry."
But that only really works for something that is actually not very important.
It doesn't look serious enough for a serious apology.
 
 
Oh, look at the time.
I'm sorry, everyone. It's time for us to go.
 
See you next time.

中一の男子が、準1級。 … 残念ながら撃沈でした。
 
中三の女子と、髙二の女子が、二級を受けました。 
 
    …中三の女子の方はまだ見ていないのですが、
    髙二の女子はどうやら一次試験は合格のようです。
 
 と、いうことでボクも問題に挑戦。
 
[2級]  さすがに選択肢を含め、すべて知っている言葉だし簡単でした。
 
[準1級] 小六の響子ちゃんの対策のために過去問をやっていたので、
      かなり楽勝でした。知らない言葉もほとんどありませんでした。
 
[1級]   うーん。問題にまじめに取り組むのは12年ぶり!
      正直、取り組みたくはないのですが、
      小六の響子ちゃんが中学生になったら挑戦するので、
      やらざるを得ないのです。トホホ。
 
      ディクテーションの成果かもしれないですが、リスニングは簡単でした。
    
      長文に知らない単語が何個かありましたがこれも何とかクリア。
      落ち着いて読めばいいんですけどね。
      prosopagnosia なんて語も、 
      face blindness (顔を認識できない)って説明があるので。
     
      最初の問題の四択が、何となく答えはわかるものの、
      選択肢の言葉がほんとうにややこしいと思いました。
     
      でも、Stradivarius Violins とか The Battle of Dien Bien Phu とか
      読んでて面白かったです。
 
      Antonio Stradivari 本人が自分がどうして傑作バイオリンを作れたかが
      わかってなかったとか、面白かったです。
 
      それと、独立を手にしたはずの国が分断され、
      巨大国の思惑に翻弄されて、
      ベトナム戦争へと突き進むとことか、いろいろ考えさせられました。

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford. 
 
I often move a date to the beginning of a sentence.
That creates a time context for the rest of the information.
On January 23, we purchased a dozen of the Coffee Maker II
through your online outlet.
 
"I'm afraid" is a good way to slightly soften a critical comment.
 
Here you could ask a straight question. And follow up with another instruction.
What should I do about the defective merchandize? Please advise.
 
Well, one point here is that the person you are communicating
with may not be directly responsible for the problem.
In any case, the other person will probably be eager to find the solution.
So use that energy.
The aim is to save time and reach a solution.
So personally I would just try to move things forward in that direction
as quickly as possible.
 
Well, I suppose movies and TV shows encourage an image of English
is a language in which straight talking is normal and desired.
But in a business world, well, you have to think carefully about legal action,
for example.
It is vital to keep thinking about politeness and social distance.
And of course, Japanese itself can be used for very direct communication.
The Japanese language is perfectly adaptable to that purpose.
 
And one final instruction from me: Please always regard my suggestions
simply as alternatives.
 
They are just examples.
I'm afraid there is no one-size-fits-all model of email writing.
 
 
See you next time.

 
 
Monday, January 23, 2012
Hi, listeners! Welcome to 5 minute English.
I'm David Neale.
It's time to focus on your English.
And I'm Vicki Glass.
Thanks for tuning in.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready?
Here we go.
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
I'm going shopping for a while.
I'll be back this afternoon.
Expect me back around 4:30.
 
Oops! I slipped on something.
Watch that spot on the ground.
There's something slimy there.
 
Who left the closet light on?
We're trying to save electricity.
Please remember to turn the lights off.
 
Here's a message for you today.
I know it's hard. But keep at it.
大変でしょうが、頑張りましょう。
 
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
Could you turn that radio down?
I'm sure it's wonderful music.
But I can't hear myself think.
 
The doorbell just rang.
Do we have guests coming over tonight?
I don't remember inviting anyone.
 
Ouch! My tooth hurts.
It's very sensitive to cold lately.
I should have it looked at.
 
This is no time to make an excuse.
Just do it.
言い訳をしている場合ではありません。
やればいいんです。
 
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
Let's get into character
Scene 10
You explain to your friends why you hate to take a plane.
 
How many times do I have to tell you?
You can't get me on a plane.
I hate flying.
Just thinking about it makes me nervous.
There's something about being cooped up in a cabin.
It's hard to describe the feeling.
But here's what happens.
I start shaking.
My palms get clammy.
I break out in a cold sweat.
That's why I go by rail.
 
Your efforts will eventually be rewarded.
あなたの努力は最後には報われるのです。
 
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Let's role play.
One. Now listen.
 
A: Have a seat, Mary. Let's talk.
B: Talk about what?
A: I don't know. Let's just talk.
B: Sorry. I'm a little busy right now.
 
A: Why didn't you call me, Tom?
B: Was I supposed to call?
A: Yes. I sent you an email about it.
B: Sorry. I don't check my email very often.
 
A: What do you think about this sculpture here?
B: I think it's an eyesore.
A: Me too. Why is it here?
B: Beats me. Somebody must like it.
 
If you have time, start practicing.
時間があるなら練習を始めましょう。
 
Friday, January 27, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
How long have you been living here?
All my life.
I was born in this town.
Oh, so you are a real native.
My family goes back 3 generations here.
 Q: What does the conversation take place? - In the man's hometown.
 
This looks like an old textbook.
But go ahead and open it.
I hollowed out a secret compartment.
I did that when I was a kid.
The idea came from a spy movie.
 Q: What does the man imply? - He's had the book since he was young.
 
Megan's painting has changed over the years.
Early on, she tried to draw everything in every picture.
But now she's become more subtle.
Each picture has a more focused message.
This one is focused on sorrow and hope.
 Q: What do we know about Megan? - She has been painting for years.
 
 
You can get better unless you give up halfway.
途中で諦めなければ上達します。
 
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
First of all, I'd like to thank you all for inviting me to speak.
As you may know, I rarely make public appearances.
So please pardon if my presentation isn't very smooth.
But I feel that what I have to say is of the utmost importance.
This issue is something that we all have a big stake in.
I'm talking about the issue of whether we should continue to send parts to our factories by ship, or use trucking services instead.
A ship can carry more parts at one time.
But using truck delivery is much faster.
 Q1: What does the man say about himself? - He doesn't speak in public often.
 Q2: What does the man mention? - Factories
 Q3: How does the man describe trucking? -  A lot faster
 
Put what you said into action.
口にしたことは実行しましょう。
 
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Let's listen and write.
One. Now listen.
 
If I'm not imposing, can I talk now?
I'm still not clear on one point.
That tie is not to my taste.
They took to each other instantly.
My legs need some stretching.
 
It depends on you how much you'll improve.
どれくらい上達するかはあなた次第です

 
 
岩本 Susan: Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語
 
杉田敏: Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
I: Hello and welcome to the show. This is Susan Iwamoto.
Let's put our communication skills to work.
こんにちは。そして番組にようこそ。スーザン・岩本です。コミュニケーションの技術を応用しましょう。
 
Best Partnership (6)
 
Talk the Talk
 
S: In our current vignette, the Great Lakes' team honors a local public
relations firm, Merger & Mars with the best partnership award.
Marc Berger, a principal at the firm shared some of his insights
on business strategy and employee satisfaction.
 
I: It certainly sounds as though Berger & Mars is a great place to work.
Marc mentioned the importance of employee morale to the success
of a business.
Employees need to feel invested in their work, and see their jobs
as something more than daily drudgery.
 
S: Melinda Kinkaid mentioned the connection between employee
engagement, customer satisfaction and financial performance,
business can reap great rewards from a balance of these factors.
 
I: That's for sure.
It's something I thought about often in relations to my own career.
I am extremely fortunate to work with a talented
and dedicated team of international management consultants.
We're a tight team and have a friendly collegial working environment.
Ease with each other enables smooth team work and a high level
of client satisfaction as a result. 
Our senior managers value our contributions and are flexible
enough to accommodate us when we take time off to pursue
professional development opportunities or even just to travel
and it heightens team morale.
 
S: It sounds as though you have an ideal working environment.
Not everyone is as lucky.
 
I: That's true.
I've been in stressful working situations in the past.
And I'm grateful to have such a pleasant environment now.
As Paul Pearson noted, employees who feel trapped or exploited
in their jobs aren't likely to go the extra mile for the organization
when necessary.
I heard about one such case recently.
An acquaintance of mine started work last year for an organization
that offers a high level of job security for its employees. 
This would appear to be a positive thing.
But my friend was run into its downside.
Some of the people on her team have worked for the organization for
years and do only the minimal amount of work necessary to keep her jobs.
She feels as though she was running into a brick wall every time
she proposes a new initiative at work.
 
S: Paul complimented Marc on the successful volunteer program
at Berger & Mars.
They see the benefits of giving back to the community
and supporting their employees' need for fulfillment outside of work.
 
I: Yes.
I like what Marc had to say about some of their specific programs.
He noted that some of their employees visit local schools
to share their expertise.
This has the added benefit of strengthening their communication skills,
especially in public speaking.
They can contribute to the community while benefiting
in an intangible yet valuable way.
It's killing two birds with one stone.
It's wonderful to volunteer for altruistic reasons, of course.
When the results of volunteering add value to the employees' work
or to the business, in general.
More companies may be more likely to jump on the bandwagon.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Thanks for joining us.

 
 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Best Partnership (5)
 
Berger describes B&M's mentoring program for students in which company
staff visit local high schools and colleges to talk about
the public relations business.
Kinkaid says she was impressed by the open, sunny atmosphere
and team spirit she experienced during a visit to B&M.
And Wakimoto says B&M's clients appreciate the motivated attitude of its staff.
Berger promises to try to keep up the good work.
 
 
Give someone insight into:
Insight, seeing into something.
Berger is referring to understanding of the true nature of something.
Scientists win Nobel Prizes for research that provides new insights into
human biology, for example.
Or market research provides insights into what consumers want.
 
Straitlaced, regimented type:
Straitlaced people or companies are very strict, very proper about manners,
morals, behavior.
Believe the image is from corsets of someone very prim and stiff like
a corset's been laced up tight.
And if something is regimented, it's very strictly organized
and controlled like it was part of the military.
And the noun "regiment" can refer to a type of military unit.
 
For example, I've read many articles recently that criticize
the regimented nature of modern children's lives.
So many clubs and lessons.
Some experts argue that children should have more
unregimented time to play and explore.
 
Esprit de corps:
Here's a loan word from French obviously.
Originally it means spirits of the group or body and it refers to
the comradeship within a certain group and the members
mutual devotion to some purpose.
You can also use the English equivalent team spirit.
B&M has great team spirit.
 
Employee-led
 
Customer-driven market 顧客主導型市場
 
Speaking as someone who:
Speaking from my experience, Wakimoto is saying.
Or, from my particular perspective.
For example, speaking as someone who spent a long time
studying language, I'd say there's no substitute for
regular conversation with native speakers.
Or... speaking as someone who doesn't have a car,
I'd say you don't need one in Tokyo.
 
That's great to hear.
Berger also could have said, "I'm very happy to hear that."
Or "That's very kind of you to say."
 
Live up to: This is to fulfill expectations to be as good
as one's reputation.
You could say, "Marjorie really lived up to her reputation
as a great speaker. That was a fabulous speech."
Or, this product doesn't live up to all the promises and its advertising.
And we also jokingly say, live down to sometimes.
And this means that we have low expectations or low opinion.
And something or someone justifies that bad opinion.
Something like: when it comes to proofreading,
John always lives down to my expectations.
His work is full of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Take care. Bye-bye.

 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Best Partnership (4)
 
Berger says the aura of trust and autonomy at B&M boosts employees' moral
and  the firm's profits.
And Kinkaid praises B&M staff for taking the initiative.
Pearson asks about B&M's volunteer program.
And Berger describes how staff can take time off for volunteer work
without sacrificing pay.
According to Berger, the program has helped B&M's image
and given employees a strong sense of accomplishment.
 
 
Experience has taught us that:
Berber also could have said, "We've learned from experience that..."
Or "Our experience has been that...
Personally my experience has been that I work best in the mornings.
 
And there are a number of sayings using "experience" too.
Like: "Experience is the best teacher."
Or, "There is no substitute for experience."
 
Bottom line: Berger is using "bottom line"
to refer to his company's net profit.
This is called the "bottom line" because on a financial report,
it would be the lower most figure on the page.
And because the bottom line is ultimately most important
consideration for a company, we also use this word
to mean the main point, the crucial factor in some situation.
Like: "This is a wonderful idea. Innovative suggestion.
But the bottom line is we don't have the money."
 
Self-starter: Here's another word that illustrates itself.
A self-starter is someone who starts things themselves,
they take an initiative and don't wait for other people
to tell them what to do or provide opportunities.
 
Order taker 言われたことだけをする人
 
Another common expression using "start" is "get off to a flying start."
And this means make a successful beginning.
If you said, for example,
"The new tablet computer got off to a flying start."
Or, "That new computer is off to a flying start.
It will be selling very well from its launch."
 
Much talked about:
This is pretty clear. It means something is the subject
of much conversation or interest.
There's also the expression, "something is the talk of the...",
meaning lots of people within a certain group are talking about.
"Talk of the town" is very common as is "talk of the nation",
or "talk of the company."
You might hear, "Oh, that new restaurant is the talk of the town."
Or "The CEO's new marketing strategy is the talk of the company."
 
With pleasure: Berger also could have said, "Gladly."
Or, "I'd be happy to…" Or the even shorter, "Happy to..."
 
Get one's paycheck docked:
Berger is using "dock" to mean deduct part of someone's wages.
Often as a penalty for something.
I just read that  government workers in a certain part of Europe
are going to have their paychecks docked for cigarette breaks.
 
Take great pride in:
This means something is a source of great pride or pleasure.
"Jane takes great pride in her work ethic," for example.
Or "The company takes great pride in its efforts
to preserve the environment."
 
We are proud of …
 
And there's also the expression: pride oneself on something.
"John prides himself on his punctuality."
Or "The company prides itself on its excellent customer service."
 
Oh, yes. The students are definitely encouraged to do volunteer work.
I remember in high I helped organize events for special Olympics.
I also cleaned a homeless shelter on one occasion.
And when I got to college, I got involved with a group that gave lectures,
seminars to other students about how to protect yourself against AIDS.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Thanks for listening. Take care.

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford.
 
This is a fairly strong suggestion although it remains polite.
Here is another sentence that contains the same hope.
"I think it would be best if you do the presentation."
 
Another way to express the idea that you believe in someone is:
"I have the utmost faith."
"I have the utmost faith that you will win their trust."
 
If you are to decline an invitation because you already have plans,
you might write:
"I would love to accept, but I am afraid I have a previous engagement."
 
Instead of "fill out a form", you can also say, "fill in."
You'd think they were opposites.
But they mean the same thing.
 
Well, whether it's employees or a potential new business partner,
much of my correspondence is asking someone to do something.
Of course, emails to employees and emails to potential clients need
different levels of care and formality.
Either way with my own employees, I very rarely send a simple order.
I generally use at least "please."
With more socially distant people and people who are very important
to my business, then the formality level rises,
which means that the grammatical structures tend to be a bit longer.
 
Hmmm. Well, if I need to announce it quickly, then of course,
I will actually speak with a person, especially if they're in the next room,
or easily reachable on the phone.
And of course, it is true that the flow of an actually conversation
will lead to important, productive discussions you didn't anticipate.
One thing I notice then is that if I have a conversation with one person,
people nearly will tend  to stop what they're doing to listen.
It's sometimes very important to speak face to face.
But it's not always efficient and effective.
Mail is.
 
 
Well, sensei, I think you did a wonderful job today.
And I'm sure you're doing an equally good job  next time.
Is that the kind of encouragement I should be aiming for?
 
You are being a cheeky monkey, today.
 
See you next time.

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford. 
 
Just make it completely clear that you're not invoicing them,
include the word "payment" in the subject line.
For example:
Wire transfer completed. (Payment for invoice # 55-981)
 
If you want to emphasize what exactly you're sending the payment for,
You could put the end of the sentence first.
A payment for invoice # 55-981, the amount of $ 6,028 was
remitted to your bank account today.
 
Instead of "have confirmed", you could use, "can confirm."
It puts a slight emphasis on the fact that you want to respond
as soon as possible.
Could you please let me know by email when you can confirm the transfer?
 
Instead of "are going to", you could use "will."
We will wire you the payment tomorrow.
 
Specifics are always good, especially with money matters.
Specify a date and time and it may help the recipient to say "yes."
Would you please consider expressing the payment deadline -
to early next week, perhaps 1 p.m. Tuesday?
 
With some departments including the accounting department,
you can leave off the word "department" altogether.
Here is an example of how you might do this.
Accounting told me this morning that they had received the payment.
 
"To confirm" expresses your purpose.
Here is a slightly different way to start the sentence.
I am writing to confirm that we received your remittance
of 1,500,000 yen today.
 
Well, paying in yen is just easier for us
because we are a Japanese company.
We do pay people in other countries generally into a bank account
that they have in Japan.
And when they transfer that money to a bank account
in their own country.
They are happy when the yen is strong,
and less happy when the yen is weak.
These days they're so happy they're almost laughing.
 
It's never a bad idea to keep close track of where your money is
and where it's going.
 
Somehow my money doesn't seem to stay still which makes it
very difficult to keep track of.
 
See you next time.

 
 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Best Partnership (3)
 
Pearson says employees at many firms feel used and trapped,
causing them to be unenthusiastic in their work.
Kinkaid and Berger describe how the recession and its aftermath
are showing that employee satisfaction is closely linked to
company's financial success.
Wakimoto asks how B&M makes its employees feel engaged.
And Berger replies that his firm's first priority is giving the staff autonomy.
 
 
Daily grind:
This refers to a laborious, dull or monotonous daily routine.
And we often use it in a joking way,
like, "Well, it’s Monday. Back to the daily grind."
 
We also call individual tasks a grind, too.
Like, Preparing yearend financial reports, I’m sure,
can be a real grind, tons of figures and documents to process.
 
think out of the box / think outside the box 独創的な考え方をする
 
Take away from:
This refers to the lesson learned, the knowledge gained from something.
You can also use "take away" as a phrasal verb,
in which case it's two words "take" "away."
A company executive might say:
"We had a bad quarter. But there are a number of things
we can take away from it."
 
Back on track:
If something gets back on track, it returns to developing,
operating as expected or desired.
A struggling business will try to get its sales back on track.
A couple's counselor will help people get their marriage back on track:
that sort of thing.
 
On-the-ball:
This refers to people who are capable and alert.
Imagine someone who keeps their eye on the ball in a certain sport
and then handles that ball well when it comes to them.
 
We also have the expression "keep one’s eye on the ball",
which means to focus on what’s important, on what we want to achieve.
I myself, am often tempted by clothes and DVDs,
but I try to keep my eye on the ball and remember my monthly saving goals.
 
Stakeholder:
This is good to know the difference between stakeholder
and shareholder or stockholder.
A shareholder or stockholder literally holds shares.
They own stock in a company.
But stakeholder is a broader term.
And it covers many different people and organizations
with an interest in the success of an enterprise.
So stakeholders can be stockholders, employees, customers, suppliers.
 
Empower:
When we empower someone, we give them more power,
more control over their actions and lives.
I was just reading about a very, very cheap laptop.
I believe it was less than 3000 yen.
And it was designed to empower the poor to give them
the ability to use technology and information to improve their lives.
 
Latitude:
Berger is using a latitude to mean the freedom to act or choose as we like.
B&M staff have a lot of latitude so they have a lot of freedom.
You can also use "leeway" in this sense.
B&M staff have a lot of leeway in handling various issues.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Always a pleasure. Bye.

 
 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Best Partnership (2)
 
Pearson says B&M was chosen to receive the Great Lakes' award
partly due to its reputation as an excellent employer and
the value it places on client relationships.
Berger says B&M believes its success is primarily due to its efforts
to make its employees feel like a valued part of the company's operations.
And Pearson and Berger agree that a good workplace encourages innovation
among the staff.
 
 
Model employer:
Here, "model" is an adjective and it means an excellent admirable example
of something, someone or something that should be imitated by others.
A model manager, for example, would listen to his staff and utilize their
good ideas.
He'd work hard himself, clearly communicate what he wants, etc, etc, etc.
 
We also describe people and things as a model of something.
For example:
"If John is a model of punctuality, then he is always punctual."
Or "A company could be a model of innovation."
 
Premium:
In this case "premium" means "value."
So if you put a premium on something, you value it particularly.
You attach importance to it.
"A company could put a premium on sustainability," for example.
Or "A manager could put a premium on innovative thinking among his staff."
 
The feeling is mutual.
We feel the same way, Berger is saying.
And this can refer to good feelings and bad.
For example, you could say:
"Mark does not like Kevin and the feeling is mutual.
Kevin does not like Mark, either."
 
Do a good job of something:
Perform a certain task well, in other words.
"Mahra did a great job of presenting her idea," for example.
Or "Steven does a great job of motivating his staff."
 
And you can also use the opposite expression "do a bad job of something."
For example:
The boss rejected her idea because she did such a bad job of presenting it.
 
Nurture good relations with:
When you nurture something you help it develop or grow.
So parents nurture children.
Teachers nurture students.
Companies nurture future executives.
 
Wage slave:
This is someone who's dependent on their salary,
their wages for their daily livelihood.
And there's a sense of someone doing an unpleasant or boring job
because they have to.
Slave can also be a verb, meaning to drudge to do difficult
or monotonous work.
Like: "she's been slaving away on a marketing report all week."
 
You don't have to be a rocket scientist to… ロケット工学者
It's no rocket science.
 
Spark:
Pearson also could have said,
"Creating a great workplace triggers innovation."
 
Line of work:
This refers to the type of work someone does, their occupation.
My line of work is journalism.
Mr. Sugita's is public relations.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Hope that was useful. Take care.

 
 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Best Partnership (1)
 
Pearson and other Great Lakes’ staff are having dinner with Marc Berger,
an executive at the Berger & Mars public relations firm that has won
Great Lakes' first best partnership award.
Berger expresses his company’s surprise at the accolade to which Pearson
and Wakimoto replied that B&M is well-known as an excellent place to work.
Asked to describe his firm’s business philosophy,
Berger says B&M emphasizes keeping its staff happy.
 
Make time in one’s busy schedule:
When we make time, we arrange our schedule so that something
can be done or allow time in our schedule to do something.
Pearson also could have said:
"Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to meet
with Marc and me."
 
Inaugural recipient: Pearson is using "inaugural" to mean
"the first in an expected series" or "the succession of things."
"The inaugural meeting of a government committee could be scheduled
for next week."
Or "A company could announce its inaugural racing event for charity."
 
Absolutely. Even native speakers stumble over this word.
 
Hear firsthand from: When something is firsthand,
it comes from personal direct experience.
Pearson used "firsthand" as an adverb.
It can also be an adjective.
For example, Mr. Sugita can give a firsthand description of working
in public relations because he has direct personal involvement in that field.
 
hear from a horse’s mouth
 
The pleasure is entirely mine: This is a stock phrase, a response to things like:
"It's a pleasure to meet you."
A slightly less formal version would be  "Oh, the pleasure is all mine."
You'll also hear statements like: The fault is entirely mine.
Or, The mistake is entirely mine, when someone takes responsibility
for something.
 
Be bowled over: This term originally comes from cricket.
According to my dictionary, it means to knock all the bails off
the wicket in that sport.
But if we are bowled over in daily life, we are astonished or overwhelmed.
For example, I was bowled over by the language ability of
a Japanese man I met in college.
After just 3 years he spoke English like a native, it was amazing.
 
Be justly famed: Berger & Mars is rightly famous, Pearson means.
There is a good reason for its fame as a good employer.
Likewise if I said, "Mary is justly proud of her company's effort to
protect the environment and that would mean "Mary is right to be proud."
Her company has done things to deserve that pride.
 
In a nutshell: Nutshells are very small.
So if we express something as if it would fit in a nutshell,
we express it briefly, concisely.
A political article might read: In a nutshell, the party's election platform is
to lower taxes and deregulate industry.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Thanks for listening. Bye.

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford.
 
 
After giving someone an order number,
it is helpful to remind them to save that number.
Your order number is AP12-JP588.
Please keep this number for your records.
It may be easy nowadays to search through emails for information.
But accidents will happen.
And a reminder will show you are thorough and thoughtful.
 
If you wanted to say exactly that extra charge would be,
here is one way to improve that information:
Please allow me to point out that there will be an extra charge
of $30 for cancellation or modification of your original order.
 
An extra charge of 300 yen
 
It's very important to get these ideas clearly in your mind in advance.
It would be nice if you can just point to what you want and have it
delivered to your place and have everything go smoothly every time.
But life's not that simple as it.
 
Life seems to be a little complicated than that.
 
Unfortunately.
 
See you next time.

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford. 
 
 
When ordering products  for your company,
You could also say, "We would like to place the following order."
 
 
T / T  Telegraphic transfer
 
In this context, "Remittance" actually means "payment."
You could simply write at the end of your list,
Payment via wire transfer within 20 days of the invoice date.
 
You might use another similar sentence which is also polite:
I would appreciate it very much if you could tell me whether this particular
item is currently available.
 
You could also write:
I would like to cancel any products from our order that have not
yet been shipped.
 
A phrase that's often interchangeable with "regarding" is "in regard to."
There are a few changes we'd like to make in regard to our latest order.
 
The key thing here is that you're in a situation where you are not able to
do something that you promised to do.
You may need to meet the person to apologize in person.
 
Things have definitely changed for me in Japan.
In the old days everyone felt free to make adjustments to
verbal agreements in order to adapt the new circumstances.
But in recent years, contracts have become much more common
even for a small business like mine.
 
Places like U.K. and U.S. are probably much more business like.
But personally I prefer the old-fashioned Japanese way of
leaving wiggle room on both sides.
It would be ghastly if Japan became a place where lawyers meet
to discuss every word of contract small print and try to use it
to their own company's advantage.
Japan seems much more understanding a human nature:
The fact that we are not perfect.
 
A self sufficiency is a federal Anglo Saxon culture.
A contract is cold and independent.
I prefer the traditional fuzzy warmth of Japan.
 
Ordering in businesses  is not the same as say ordering in a restaurant.
There are quite a few facts and figures you need to keep strict.
 
Why don't we  start with easy task and go to a restaurant now?
 
That sounds like a good idea.
 
See you next time.

 
 
Monday, January 16, 2012
Hi, listeners! Welcome to 5 minute English.
I'm David Neale.
It's time to focus on your English.
And I'm Vicki Glass.
Thanks for tuning in.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready?
Here we go.
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
The water bill came today.
It's outrageously high.
Have we been wasting water?
 
Keep your voice down.
I can hear you.
There's no need to yell.
 
You're taking piano lessons?
Did you know I play the violin?
Let's do a duet some time.
 
Here's a message for you today.
Anything can be done with persistent efforts.
粘り強く努力すれば何でもできる。
 
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
Let's get moving.
We should've left 10 minutes ago.
I don't want to be late for the party.
 
I can't get an Internet connection.
Something must be wrong with the network.
I wish I understood it better.
 
I'm not going to need dinner tonight.
There's an office party.
It'll be catered.
 
Let's have fun when we practice.
練習は楽しくやりましょう。
 
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
I love animals.
Except for snakes, of course.
And lizards.
Alligators too, I suppose.
I love all animals but reptiles.
 
It seems to be getting dark outside.
Can it really be that late?
I guess not.
It was just a dark cloud.
Now it's sunny and bright again.
 
It requires ceaseless effort to achieve your goal.
目標を達成するにはたゆまぬ努力が必要なのです。
 
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Let's role play.
One. Now listen.
 
A: You're looking for an apartment, right?
B: Well, I was. But not anymore.
A: Oh, so you found a place.
B: Yes. Just yesterday, in fact.
 
A: What time does the art museum open?
B: The sign says not until 10:30.
A: That gives us one hour to kill.
B: Why don't we get something to eat?
 
A: How is your head feeling?
B: My head? Why do you ask?
A: You had a headache yesterday.
B: Oh, right. I've forgotten. I'm fine now.
 
Don't be weak-hearted. Keep moving forward.
弱気になるな。前に進み続けよう。
 
Friday, January 20, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
Ouch! Ouch! Ouch!
Jim! What happened? Are you okay?
No. I'm dying. I hit my funny bone - hard!
Ooo! That can hurt. But you'll be okay in a minute.
 Q: What does the woman mean? - There's no permanent damage.
Does this cream smell okay to you?
The expiration date was yesterday.
I need cream for this soup recipe.
What do you think - should we use it?
 Q: What is the woman doing? - Preparing food
Something's wrong with this keyboard.
There's a time lag.
I push a key and it takes a second for it to show on the screen.
Maybe it's not the keyboard.
I think that the computer itself must be slowing down.
 Q: What's the problem? - His computer doesn't respond quickly.
Your hard work will never be wasted.
あなたの頑張りは決して無駄になりません。
 
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
My new baby is very cute.
Jenny is a little doll.
But let's not forget Joey.
He's five years old now.
And I think he feels left out.
Everyone pays so much attention to Jenny.
We should make a special effort to make him feel included.
That's why I play with him and Jenny together.
Sometimes I also set aside time to take Joey to the party or to read to him.
There are things that he can do and enjoy, but the baby can't.
It reminds him he's as much a member of our family as she is.
 Q1: Who is speaking? - A mother of two
 Q2: Who is Joey? - The woman's son
 Q3: What do we know about the woman? - She recently had a baby.
Worrying does you no good.
くよくよしても何もいいことはありません。
 
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Let's listen and write.
One. Now listen.
 
I feel like I don't fit in here.
This medicine will heal the cut.
Do you come here often?
What are you going on a diet for?
I'm disgusted with his attitude.
 
Just wishing won't make your dream come true. 
願っているだけではあなたの夢は叶いません。

こんなにちっぽけな私塾なもので、1人でいろんな科目を担当しなくてはなりません。
 
まず、小学生の国語・算数・英語。
 
中学生の国語・数学・英語・社会・理科。
 
高校生の数学・英語。
 
そして、たとえば、自衛隊の試験とか。
 
中学入試問題とか。
 
英検とか。
 
年齢層もまちまちで、目指しているものも違うので、かなり個別に対応しなくてはなりません。
 
現在、英検は、5級・4級・2級・準1級・1級の対策をしています。
 
個人的には、センター試験の数学の準備がいちばん楽しいですね。
 
でも、こんなに準備する、っていったら嘘っぽいですね。
 
ボクもそう思います。すべてを覚えられるわけないです。
 
だから、とりあえず、入試の過去問を重点的にやるんです。
 
たとえば、鹿児島県の入試問題の理科とか12年分もやっちゃえば、ほぼ全領域がカバーされます。
 
いっぺんにやるとたいへんですが、毎日、少しずつやるとできちゃうんです。
 
ボクが中学生だった頃とは、単位も少し変わってきましたが、もうずいぶんと新しいのにも慣れてきました。ホっ。
 
 

 
 
岩本 Susan: Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語
 
杉田敏: Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
I: Hello and welcome to the show. This is Susan Iwamoto.
Let's put our communication skills to work.
こんにちは。そして番組にようこそ。スーザン・岩本です。コミュニケーションの技術を応用しましょう。
 
Ban on laptops (6)
 
Talk the Talk
 
S: Now, in our current vignette, Paul Pearson surprises his colleagues
with word of the new topless meeting policy at Great Lakes.
 
I: I did a double take when I heard that term, too.
It seemed a little of escape from the workplace.
 
S: Paul was referring to a new ban on laptops at internal meetings.
The new policy was introduced to improve productivity and ensure
the full participation of the meeting attendees.
This topic is gaining considerable attention at many companies.
Now that so many people are armed with smartphones and laptops.
 
I:
That's true.
I've noticed this at many meetings I've attended,
and at some of the seminars I conducted over the past few years.
At team meetings, some of my colleagues use their computers to take notes,
which is fine for the most part.
But I sometimes feel the screens create a barrier to communication.
Call me old-fashioned, but I prefer to use pen and paper to jot down
occasional notes so that I can stay focused on the other people in the meeting.
Seminars can be more challenging.
 
S: How so? 
 
I: Well, my colleagues and I often ask participants to close their laptops
at the beginning of our seminars.
But there is a fine line between asking and insisting.
After all, we have to respect the fact that they are our clients.
And as they say, the customers are always right.
We encourage them to close their laptops so that they can get the
most out of the discussions going on around them
for both their own sake and the benefit of the group.
One of the reasons that this is so distracting is the lack of
eye contact that comes from staring at one’s smartphone or computer screen.
Eye contact is important in many cultures, and this is especially true
in the United States.
If you don't give direct eye contact to someone while they are speaking,
they will assume you aren't listening, and may become annoyed or frustrated,
and feel you are disrespecting them.
It's no wonder the Great Lakes’ CEO became so angry
at that recent meeting and decided to put the kibosh on laptops.
 
S: Both Jack Wakimoto and Melinda Kinkaid shared some interesting examples
from university classrooms.
In one story, a physics professor was so frustrated
that he smashed a laptop in front of his students.
 
I: That was a dramatic way to get his message across.
I wonder if he had a lasting effect.
Melinda mentioned a professor who found that students who use laptops
in class scored 11% lower on an exam in her class.
When I was in college, laptops were still rare and I never saw one in class.
But by the time I began attending graduate school years later,
that had changed.
Some of my classmates used laptops but only occasionally
as many of our classes were discussion-based
and there really was no need to be typing away.
I had a laptop at that point and I remember bringing it to class
thinking it would be a more efficient way to take notes.
But I found it distracting.
I'm not sure why but the pen-and-paper method always seems
more effective for me.
 
S: Both Paul and Melinda mentioned the adverse effect of too much
time on smartphones, laptops and similar devices.
It can lead to a lack of the downtime required to recharge and release stress.
 
I: One of my colleagues said something along those lines recently.
He took several weeks off from work to go back to Canada to spend time
with his family.
And while there he stopped using his cellphone and limited
his computer use to occasional email checks only.
The sudden change from wired to unwired made it easier for him to unwind.
And he was surprised to realize just how attached he'd been
to his own computer.
He returned to Japan relaxed and refreshed and with
the new perspective on the importance of work-life balance.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Thanks for joining us.

 
 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Ban on laptops (5)
 
Kinakid recommends that Wakimoto take time off from digital devices to relax.
Pearson says periods of rest also allow the mind to analyze experiences
and turn them into valuable long-term memories.
Walker concurs and adds that constant use of digital devices can
harm relationships with family and friends.
Kinkaid warns about negative changes in one's self-image.
And Wakimoto promises to be more careful.
 
 
Downtime: Kinkaid means time when we are not working.
If you went on a business trip, you might go sightseeing or have
dinner with friends during your downtime.
And "downtime" can also refer to a period when machinery or
a computer network is not operating, often because there's a problem
or because some maintenance is being done on it.
 
recharge one's batteries:
This is doing something restful, relaxing to regain your physical
and mental energy.
 
psychic: Kinkaid is using this to mean mental, of the mind.
There are wonderful psychic benefits to running, for example,
relieve stress, makes us more confident.
 
I couldn’t agree more.: I agree completely, in other words.
A similarly phrased expression is “couldn’t care less”,
which means "not to care at all."
So if you say, "She couldn't care less about her career."
You mean that person has no concern for her career.
 
Run the risk of: When we run the risk, we are putting ourselves
at risk of something, putting ourselves in danger.
For example, If we don't answer emails quickly,
we run the risk of angering people.
Or if we don't have a monthly budget, we run the risk of spending too much.
 
Insidious: The Latin root of this word means "ambush."
And that tells us a lot about the meanings of "insidious."
Kinkaid is using it to refer to things that spread or work harmfully
in subtle or hidden ways.
For example, computer viruses and malware are often described as insidious.
They worm their way into our computers,
disguised as legitimate emails or software updates.
 
And "insidious" is also used about things that are attractive but bad,
seductive but harmful.
Some people would warn about the insidious appeal of money and fame,
for example.
 
Eminent / imminent 切迫した 差し迫った
 
That's all for today.
 
Great to see you. Bye.

 
 
 
Business Communication in Action 実践ビジネス英語 
 
Hello, everybody.こんにちは。みなさん。
 
Hello and welcome to the show.
This is Heather Howard.
Let's take a look at conversation at work.
 
Ban on laptops (4)
 
Wakimoto says many law schools are banning laptops in class
because students transcribe lectures word for word,
which prevents them from processing the information.
Kinkaid expresses concern about some people’s constant use of
digital devices.
And Pearson says there is evidence this can negatively
affect a person’s behavior.
Wakimoto says he uses technology to stay in touch with friends
and enjoy himself.
 
Wake-up call:
Kinkaid is using this to mean something that alerts us, opens our eyes to reality.
For example, many years ago I almost missed the deadline for filing my taxes,
because I couldn’t find some important documents.
And that was a wake-up call for me.
I have since been much more careful with my important papers.
 
Wean oneself from:
When we wean a baby, we gradually shift the child from its mother’s
milk to other foods.
Likewise, if a grown-up weans himself from something,
he gradually eliminates his dependence on it or stops following some bad habit.
We also say wean oneself off something like:
“She weaned herself off cigarettes.
Or “The country is trying to wean itself off coal.”
 
We also have the expression
“To be weaned on something” which means to be accustomed to it
from a very young age, to grow up with it, basically.
For example, I got my first cellphone when I was in my 20s,
but today’s kids, today’s young people are weaned on cellphones.
 
Verboten:
This is a German loan word, and that means prohibited, forbidden.
A number of places in the world have made plastic bags verboten,
haven’t they? In other words, the use of plastic bags is banned in the areas.
 
Take off:  
"Take off" has a number of meanings but here it’s to become successful
or popular.
Running has certainly taken off in Japan, hasn’t it?
It seems like everybody runs these days.
 
Get off the ground 地面から飛び立つ 軌道に乗る
 
Verbatim:
This means "in the exact some words."
And it can be an adjective or an adverb.
For example, at my newspaper, if the prime minister gives an
important speech, we often carry a verbatim transcript,
or we often carry important speeches verbatim.
 
Umbilically: umbilical cord
 
I don't think so.
 
 
That's all for today.
 
Thanks for listening. Bye.

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford.
 
You will often see "prepared" in place of "ready."
We are prepared to offer a 10% discount.
It sounds slightly less eager than ready but the meaning is about the same.
 
Replace "could" with "will", and you're making a cared promise.
We will offer an additional discount for cash payment in US dollars.
"We could" also represents a commitment but it carries a suggest,
you know, if you wanted to   consider this possibility.
 
"Interested in" is a good way to express desire for something.
If you are interested in these discounts, please let me know
by the end of this week.
 
You could also say, "We would be delighted" or "I would be delighted".
Or even simpler version: I'm sending.
 
You could also say, "a discount".
Another way to express your regret would be:
I'm sorry but we cannot offer a discount on this item.
 
You could also try this:
Would it be possible to receive a discount if we order in bulk?
 
If we order 100 units or more
 
If we order every month
 
To get precise information, you might say:
Please would you send me details of the discount?
 
 
Offering the discount is a great way to make a client happy.
And don't be afraid to ask for a discount yourself.
 
See you next time.

 
 
Welcome to Business Communication in simple English.
 
And I am Adam Fulford.
 
We're here to help you master some e-mail basics.
 
Hello. This is Adam Fulford. 
 
Look carefully about the list.
The language is simple
No need to write in complete sentences.
 
You can turn this into a question which will feel a bit softer.
 
Would you be able to prepare a rough estimate for the following item?
 
If you have an idea of when you'd like the quote,
you might include that in your question.
Do you think you could send me the quote some time next week?
 
Sometime in January
 
Sometime around the 9th of January
 
If the format of the attachment isn't particularly important, you can just write:
"please find our detailed order attached."
 
Please find the document attached.
 
Well, as you say the one term in Japanese 見積書 seems to have
at least three  translation equivalents in English.
As to the English terms, an estimate is just that.
An estimate. It is an inexistent subject to change.
A quote or a quotation need to be more legitimate and final.
I see quote more often than quotation in both written and spoken English.
But either is appropriate.
And in fact I think even "estimate" can still be used.
I tried an Internet search for "Send me an estimate of" and got about 70000 hits.
"Send me a quotation for" got about 370000 results.
And "send me a quote for" got 2.7 million results.
 
Well, when I was first asked to do translations from Japanese into English,
I was sometimes asked to set about an A-4 page so that there were
23 lines per page and 60 characters per line in the moments
based font such as the type writer font.
The idea was that this would be roughly equivalent to
one four hundred character page of Japanese
And these days my strong preference is to submit a quote based
on the source language.
We count the number of characters in the Japanese and
then submit the quote  based on the rate  per source Japanese character.
We do that because then the client knows exactly what the job
should cost at the moment the task is commissioned.
And we also know how much we will be paid.
If you submit a quote based on a rate but target English word,
then no one will know how much will be invoice until the English is delivered.
 
 
If you use these guidelines, you'll be able to ask for a quote with ease.
 
I wish I knew the guidelines that would allow me to own this program
with more ease.
 
See you next time.

 
 
Monday, January 9, 2012
Hi, listeners! Welcome to 5 minute English.
I'm David Neale.
It's time to focus on your English.
And I'm Vicki Glass.
Thanks for tuning in.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready?
Here we go.
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
Something got into my eye.
I think it's an eyelash.
I'd better rinse it out.
 
This zipper is stuck.
I'd better not pull too hard on it.
I might break it.
 
I'm glad I came shopping today.
They're having a special sale.
Everything in the store is 20% off.
 
Here's a message for you today.
Go forward without whining. 泣き言を言わずに前に進みましょう。
 
Tuesday, January 10, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
How can you sit in this chair?
It's killing my lower back.
Can't it be adjusted?
 
You're going to the bank, right?
I think you'll need this.
It's our bankbook.
 
This soup tastes pretty good.
But I think it needs salt.
It tastes a bit bland.
 
Good things happen to those who work hard.
頑張る人にはいいことがある。
 
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
This is my friend Eugene.
Eugene, meet Sylvia.
You two have something in common.
You went to the same college.
I bet neither of you knew that.
 
Life was different in the old days.
Things moved at a slower pace.
It wasn't so hectic.
That's how I remember it at least.
Maybe I'm just  being nostalgic.
 
You'll get better. You just keep practicing.
うまくなりますよ。練習を続ければいいのです。
 
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Let's role play.
One. Now listen.
 
A: I think I've lost my wallet.
B: Are you sure?
A: I haven't seen it since this morning.
B: Maybe you left it in the car again.
 
A: Did I just hear a chicken?
B: It must have been from my neighbor's yard.
A: Yes. Are they raising chickens?
B: Apparently so.
 
A: This week went by so fast.
B: Yes. Can you believe it's already Friday?
A: Actually no. It's Thursday.
B: Oh, I guess you're right.
 
Make efforts and results will follow.
努力すれば結果はついてくる。
 
Friday, January 13, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
This looks like it's yours, Pete.
My bankbook. Where did you find it?
It was on the sidewalk outside the office.
Thank goodness it was you who found it.
 Q: What does the man mean? - He's glad a stranger didn't pick it up.
 
Something about the Jones' house looks different.
They didn't paint it. But it looks somehow newer.
I know that the walls and windows are cleaned.
 Q: What is the man talking about? - The neighbor's house
 
Do we really need to buy all this stuff?
Why don't you put the ice cream back?
And we could do without these cookies.
I think we can find some cheaper, healthier snacks.
I'm trying to live within a budget.
 Q: What is the woman trying to do? - Save money
 
There's no reward without hard work.
一生懸命にやらなければ何の報酬もない。
 
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
I think I'm coming down with something.
It started as a tickle in my throat, then my nose started itching.
Now I'm sneezing all over the place.
I guess I'll have to wear one of those surgical masks to work.
I don't like having those things on my face, but the last time I neglected
to wear one, people looked at me every time I sneezed.
I felt kind of bad.
It was as though I was giving them germs.
They knew it, and I knew it, but I couldn't do anything about it.
 Q1: How does the man feel? - Like he's catching a cold
 Q2: What has the man been doing? -Sneezing
 Q3: What will the man do? - Put on a mask
 
Negativity will get you nowhere.
消極的でいたらどうにもなりません。
 
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Let's listen and write.
One. Now listen.
 
We've got a lot of catching up to do.
Don't give it a second thought.
I did so-so on the test today.
These shoes fit perfectly.
That doesn't add up.
 
Always be positive and keep trying.
いつも前向きに、努力を続けましょう。

 
 
Monday, January 2, 2012
Hi, listeners! Welcome to 5 minute English.
I'm David Neale.
It's time to focus on your English.
And I'm Vicki Glass.
Thanks for tuning in.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready?
Here we go.
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
Excuse me, everybody.
I'd like to propose a toast.
Here's to a happy and prosperous New Year.
Cheers!
 
Is that you, Cindy?
I've never seen you in a kimono.
You look like a different person.
 
I'm exhausted after my flight.
First it was delayed an hour.
Then there was a lot of turbulence.
 
Here's a message for you today.
Every time you practice, you get closer to your dream.
練習する度に夢に近づくのです。
 
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
I'm back from my vacation.
It was a wonderful trip.
Here's a little memento.
 
Have you made any New Year's resolutions?
Mine is to keep a journal.
I'm going to write an entry every day.
 
I need a toothpick.
But there are none here.
I'll use this bamboo skewer.
 
No effort, no gain. 努力しなければ何も得られません。
 
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
All the milk is gone again.
I just bought some yesterday.
I used to buy it twice a week.
But that was before we had children.
Now I have to buy it every day.
 
The mailbox is full.
I need the key to open it.
But I can't find the key.
It'll start overflowing soon.
What should I do?
 
It requires daily practice to improve your English skills.
英語力をアップさせるには日々練習する必要があります。
 
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Let's role play.
One. Now listen.
 
A: Aren't you going to start the car?
B: I'm trying to start the car.
A: Well, what's the problem?
B: It won't start. That's the problem.
 
A: Who's in the kitchen?
B: Nobody. Why?
A: Listen. I hear noises in there.
B: That's the new dishwasher.
 
A: Are you giving the kids candy again?
B: Why not? Kids love candy.
A: You're ruining their teeth.
B: Just a little bit won't hurt.
 
Nothing can come from idleness.
怠惰からは何も生まれない。
 
Friday, January 6, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
Hello, this is George Gibbs.
Hi, George. This is Wendy.
Wendy… ah. Wendy. I'm sorry, I…
Wendy Bodie.
We met at the convention last week.
 Q: What does the man imply? - He doesn't remember meeting Wendy.
You got a perm? I can't tell.
You said it's different.
Different how?
I can't see the difference.
Oh, hold on. Is that it?
The part over your ears?
One little curl.
 Q: What is the woman talking about? - A hairstyle
Look on page 125 of your math textbooks.
Do all the odd-numbered problems.
That's your weekend homework.
Next week, we'll do the even-numbered ones.
That's it for this week, if there are no questions.
 Q: Who is speaking? - A teacher
The more you practice, the more confident you'll be.
練習すればするほど、自信がつきます。
 
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
Hello? Please don't put me on hold.
I've been getting the runaround all day.
I called you half an hour ago.
But you transferred me to someone else.
They put me through to another office.
And that one sent me back to you.
Now I'm back where I started again.
When I explain the problem I'm trying to  solve, and why I deserve a refund,
everybody says "That's not my department."
So what am I supposed to do?
You said that I was a valued customer.
Is this how you treat valued customers?
 Q1: Who is speaking? - A customer
 Q2: What is the woman trying to do? - Get a refund
 Q3: What does the woman mean? - She's not being treated well.
Step by step. That's the best way.
一歩ずつ。それが一番いいのです。
 
Sunday, January 8, 2012
Let's listen and write.
One. Now listen.
 
It doesn't ring a bell.
He looks older than he is.
She's not sales material.
I'll pass on the drinking session tonight.
I have a bad feeling about it.
 
There's no easy route to better English.
英語上達に楽な方法はありません。

 
 
Monday, December 26, 2011
Hi, listeners! Welcome to 5 minute English.
I'm David Neale.
It's time to focus on your English.
And I'm Vicki Glass.
Thanks for tuning in.
It's time to build up your English muscles.
Are you ready?
Here we go.
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
I love my children's pictures.
To me they're artistic geniuses.
Of course, I'm far from objective.
 
Let's order some more wine.
Do you want red or white this time?
Personally, I could go either way.
 
Let me help you lift that box.
I don't want you to hurt your back.
If you strain it again, you'll regret it.
 
Here's a message for you today.
Every effort brings you closer to your dream.
努力する度に、夢に近づくのです。
 
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
See these comic books?
Be careful with them.
They're valuable collectibles.
 
I sent you this Christmas card.
But it was returned as undeliverable.
Have you changed your address?
 
How do you plan to ring in the new year?
I'm going to be at a party like every year.
We'll drink a lot and have a wild time.
 
Don't be hasty for better results.
もっとよい結果を出そうと焦ってはいけない。
 
 
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Let's read out loud.
One. Now listen.
 
Let's get into character
Scene 9
As a radio traffic reporter, you give your listeners afternoon traffic information
 
This is Wendy Travis with your afternoon traffic information.
A steady sleet that set in around noon is causing slick roads.
We've already had two major accidents on Highway 10 westbound this afternoon.
And too many minor accidents to count.
The Highway Patrol reminds you to be extra careful when the roads are slippery.
 
The amount of improvement is all up to you.
どれだけ上達するかはすべてあなた次第です。
 
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Let's role play.
One. Now listen.
 
A: It's stuffy in here.
B: So open  the window.
A: But it's cold outside.
B: Then stop complaining.
 
A: Here's a light bulb for that old desk lamp.
B: Thanks. The socket is full of dust.
A: Don't clean it out with your finger!
B: Oops! I didn't know it was plugged in.
 
A: Are these dishes clean or dirty?
B: The ones in the sink are dirty.
A: I mean the ones in the dishwasher.
B: Those are clean. Can you put them away?
 
 
You can achieve more than you think.
あなたは思っているよりも多くのことを達成できるのです。
 
Friday, December 30, 2011
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
How many friends do you have?
I have no idea. I've never counted.
How many New Year's cards do you send out?
Oh about 60, I suppose.
40 not counting family.
 Q: About how many family members does the man send cards to? - 20
I got a ticket to a classical concert.
You like Bach and Beethoven, right?
Why don't you go in my place?
This ticket would be wasted on me.
 Q: What does the man imply? - He doesn't like classical music.
Are you watching TV again?
You're always watching TV, aren't you?
Then you complain that you're out of shape.
If there's nothing really interesting on, turn the TV off.
Then you can go out and get some exercise instead.
 Q: What does the woman suggest? - Getting more exercise
Your English will get better with practice.
練習すれば英語はうまくなる。
 
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Let's listen and answer.
Now listen.
 
Will you look at this?
We bought all these groceries.
The cashier added them all up.
And the total came to $112.12.
I'm not a superstitious person, of course.
And yet, I can't help wondering if this can be a coincidence..
Coincidences like this keep happening one after another.
My birthday is December 12.
And I won a prize at a party on the 12th of last month.
A friend insists that 12 is a magic number for me.
And the year 2012 will start tomorrow, right?
So something good has got to happen next year.
 Q1: What does the man say about himself? - He's not superstitious.
 Q2: What day does the man mention? - His birthday
 Q3: When is the man speaking? - December 31
You're improving slowly but steadily.
あなたはゆっくりですが着実に上達しています。
 
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Let's listen and write.
One. Now listen.
 
I hope you all have a wonderful year.
That was some party last night.
I'm sure this song will catch on.
He's a bundle of energy.
Take it from me.
 Nothing can be achieved without real effort.
本当に努力しなければ何も達成できません。

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