Task 5 1. Only six people have replied to my memo? 2. It’s true it’s going to be difficult, but, there is a way we could or, 2. It’s true it’s going to be difficult, but there is a way we could 3. I’m sorry, I wanted the figures for March , not February. 4. Wasn’t it Jane who contacted Mr. Zappala before? Task 6 1. The bank is writing a letter of apology to the letting agency because the bank failed to credit the agency’s customers with the rent that had been paid. There was a delay in paying credits into the accounts of the addressee’s clients. 2. Reimburse any landlord who has evidence that they have incurred bank charges, interest charges, or penalty charges as a direct result of the late payment of monies due. Task 7 1. Let me once again apologise to you personally I am very sorry that 2. The fact is that you had properly instructed us to This delay was wholly caused as a result of our processing issue We were wholly at fault. our error it reflects a breakdown of the high standards that I have set locally. 3. and should not be taken as any reflection on your integrity and credit rating. 4. I can confirm that we will reimburse any 5. Hopefully will at least alleviate some of the potential consequences of our error. Apologising KEY 195 Task 8 1. unfortunately 2. resulted in 3. remedy 4. made worse 5. beyond 6. subject to 7. in full 8. sincere Task 9 Suggested answer Our ref: MN 49OL85 Your ref: Dear Ms Ramirez With reference to your telephone call of 21 st June, we would like to apologise for the delay in the delivery of your order for6XCJ784510. We have contacted the logistics company who have acknowledged the delay which, according to their Dispatch Manager, was the result of a fire at their depot. We can now assure you that delivery is scheduled for 4 th July and we trust that this meets with your approval. Once again, please accept our sincere apologies. Yours sincerely Pia Torreton 196 Apologising KEY 10 Giving presentations with impact KEY Task 1 Suggested answers Slide 1 – there’s too much text which reduces impact; a boring font; no paragraphing Slide 2 – the background image is irrelevant; the point size could be bigger; inappropriate action title Slide 3 – it’s unclear what the bars refer to; it’s difficult to read the numbers; it lacks impact; there are mistakes on it e.g., 20010. Task 2 Suggested answers a) It has a poor title; confusing presentation; no source given b) Variations in Regional Poverty Rates Region Percent Poverty Region A Region B Region C Region D 11% 22% 8% 43% Source: 2006 Census Task 3 Suggested answers Don’ts: ᭤ don’t present a hard-to-read slide which only the people sitting at the front can read easily – make sure that the slides are legible and the whole audience can read what’s on the slide regardless of where they’re sitting ᭤ don’t fall into the trap of using pretty pictures – ensure the images are relevant – if it’s just ‘pretty,’ it shouldn’t be there ᭤ don’t use over-complex sentences – apply the KISS (Keep It Short and Simple) principle and avoid overly complex slides ᭤ don’t include distracting elements e.g., a huge logo on every slide or cartoons because they can detract from the message ᭤ don’t use lots of colours – keep them to a minimum to lend an air of continuity Task 4 Suggested answers 1. Effect of high house prices on young people 2. Women still earn less than men 3. Secretaries have more responsibilities today Task 5 Suggested answer Task 6 Answers 1. Duration: I plan to speak for about 10 minutes 2. Introducing topic: I’m responsible for organizing this Office Congress and I’d like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk to you about the two-day program. 3. Questions: and will be happy to take any questions at the end 4. Outlining main points: I’m going to divide my presentation into three main sections: the plenary sessions, the workshops, and the special lectures given by keynote speakers 5. Introducing self: First of all, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m from Company XYZ and my name’s Helga Braun 6. Greetings: Good morning ladies and gentlemen Task 7 Suggested answers a) Good morning ladies and gentlemen. First of all, for those who don’t know me, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Maria Schell and, as you may know, I’m responsible for organizing the program for our company in London. I am going to divide my presentation into three main sections, covering the events planned for Wednesday through Friday. I plan to speak for about ten minutes and I would be happy to take questions at any point if anything’s not clear. 198 Giving presentations with impact KEY I HATE YOU ᭤ you stole my boyfriend ᭤ you were rude to my mother ᭤ you frightened my dog b) Wednesday 6pm Arrival at Heathrow + transfer to Marriott Hotel 8pm Drinks in the hotel bar 9pm Dinner in the hotel restaurant Thursday 9am Welcoming Speech by CEO 9.30am – 11.30am Presentations SE Asia delegates 11.30am – 12pm Coffee 12pm – 1pm Round-table discussions 1pm – 2pm Lunch in hotel restaurant 2pm – 4pm Presentations German delegates 4pm – 4.30pm Coffee 4.30pm – 5.30pm Round-table discussions 7pm – 8.30pm Urban Golf in Soho 9.30pm Medieval Banquet at the Tower Friday 9.30am – 11.30am Meetings to agree on next steps 11.30am – 12.30pm Closing speech by CEO 12.30pm – 2pm Lunch at the Gay Hussars 2pm – 4pm Sightseeing Tour of London 4pm – 4.30pm Farewells 4.30pm Departure to Heathrow Giving presentations with impact KEY 199 . speak for about 10 minutes 2. Introducing topic: I’m responsible for organizing this Office Congress and I’d like to thank you for giving me the opportunity to talk to you about the two-day program. 3 gentlemen. First of all, for those who don’t know me, I’d like to introduce myself. I’m Maria Schell and, as you may know, I’m responsible for organizing the program for our company in London D 11% 22% 8% 43% Source: 2006 Census Task 3 Suggested answers Don’ts: ᭤ don’t present a hard-to-read slide which only the people sitting at the front can read easily – make sure that the slides