A: hi. Could you give me a hand with this report?
B: sure. I’d be happy to give you some hints and advice.
A: thanks. Would you mind taking a look at the layout? Do you think it’s appropriate? I want it to be formal, but not boring to look at.
B: it looks good to me. I would suggest that you put the client’s logo and our logo on each page. The bosses seem to like that.
A; that’s an excellent suggestion. I can easily do it on the computer.
B: why don’t you use a different font the headings? They’ll be more distinct.
A; I’ll take that suggestion too. How about the content?
B; I think you’ve included all the essential things. You might want to make the conclusion a little longer. Restate your reasons clearly.
A: is it ok to include the pictures?
B; definitely! I would include one or two on each page if possible. Remember that you should make the report as eye-catching as possible.
A: thanks for those ideas. I’ll get to work on them right away.
Intermediate
A: hello. How was the marketing1 meeting?
B; hi. It was awful. I think I put forward some great ideas, but none of them were accepted.
A: I’m surprised to hear that. I thought you had some very good suggestions.
B: so did i. I ran the ideas by a few people before the meeting and their ideas seemed to have the supports of some people.
A: so what happened in the meeting?
B; one or two people didn’t take to my ideas very well. That was to be expected. The worst thing was that the people who said the idea were good before the meeting didn’t support me during the meeting.
A: I wonder why not. We could always revise the suggestions, to take into account any objections.
B: that’s good advice, but I’m not confident that even revised proposals will be accepted.
A: may I make a suggestion?
B: sure. I’m open to any reasonable suggestions.
A: Is there a chance you could contact the client confidentially2 and see what they think? If they like your ideas, perhaps they could put them forward as their own proposals. You won’t get credit for ideas, but the client will know they were yours.
B; I’m not sure that’s a good idea.
A: go on. Take a chance. You could just hint at your idea. The client should be smart enough to take a hint.
words
suggestion idea could should might possible possibility chance reply assist demand invite invitation apply application advise advice hint recommend propose
