许多规模比较大的公司都有一个接待员，我们通常叫前台。The work of a receptionist¹ is interesting and varied². 前台的活可是不少。The work is also important because the receptionist is the first person visitors see when they come to a firm. So the receptionist gives them the first idea of the firm.

我们来看看Rose 这位前台是怎样接待来访客人的吧。Rose is a receptionist at Modern Office limited. In this part Rose will speak to Mr. Hussein, who has an appointment with the Sales Manager Mr. Shelli at 11:30.

ROSE: Good morning. Can I help you?

MR HUSSEIN: Good morning. Is this Modern Office Ltd.?

ROSE: Yes it is.

MR HUSSEIN: I have an appointment with the Sales Manager at 11: 30.

ROSE: May I have your name, please?

MR HUSSEIN: Hussein. Omar Hussein. I'm from the Gulf³ Trading Company.

ROSE: Let me see... Ah yes, Mr Hussein.Please take a seat, Mr Hussein. I'll tell the Manager's Secretary you are here.
　　
(DIALS)

MARIA: Mr Shelli's Office.

ROSE: Hello Maria, this is Reception. Mr Omar Hussein is here. He has an appointment with Mr Shelli at 11.30.

MARIA: Mr Omar Hussein?

ROSE: Yes, he's from the Gulf Trading Company.

MARIA: Oh, yes, that's right. I'll come and fetch him now.

ROSE: Thanks. (REPLACES PHONE) Mr Shelli's secretary is coming down now.

MR HUSSEIN: Thank you.

MARIA: Mr Hussein?

MR HUSSEIN: Yes, that's right.

MARIA: I'm the Sales Manager's secretary. Please come this way. I'll take you to his office.