Travelling on Business

People started travelling in the ancient times. Travelling was really dangerous in those days but there were always brave people who went on discovering new lands, in search of wealth and fame.

Nowadays things have changed significantly. Hundreds of travel agencies are willing to help you if you are planning to go somewhere. Holidaymaking has become one of the most profitable industries and the budget of many countries.

Employees of different countries usually go on business trips. Business travel is the practice of people travelling for purposes related to their work. There are many reasons of going on business: to make a contract, to discuss different terms of delivery, payment or shipment, to have tests, to do consultancy, to improve one’s professional skills, to work etc.

Business necessities may also include: trade fairs, participation in congresses or seminars, further education, excursions for research, scientific campaigns, study trips, school or exploratory trips etc.

Business today is really international. Usually itinerary of the trip is carefully planned by the head of the department or an executive. Once the employee knows where he is going, he can investigate the airport, rail and hotel amenities to determine which will provide him with the best business services including good Internet access.

Whether it is the first or thousandth business trip, the traveller should be conscious of conduct that is considered proper during the absence from the office. As a representative of the company, a businessman has to know how to behave appropriately on a business trip.

These are some recommended steps to follow:

· to pack all essential (важный, необходимый) items in a carry-on bag to avoid being ill-prepared for business if the airline loses the luggage.

· to dress professionally during the entire trip. The clothes should reflect the fact that the person is on a business trip, whether he is on a plane, on a golf course or in a conference room.

· to be prepared and be on time, it is not a good decision to be 10 minutes late for an important meeting.

· to use proper business language. Even though some business trips may include more casual (обыденный, повседневный) situations, such as lunch, dinner or even golf, it is better to keep in mind that you are still representing your company, and like the old saying goes, “Loose lips sink ships”.

· to brush up on table manners and the basics of business etiquette (деловой этикет). This may help avoid some embarrassing (неловкий, неудобный) situations while on the trip.

· to conduct oneself with grace (достоинство, такт, любезность) and decorum (приличие) at all times. If the person is uncertain about these terms (условия), it is advisable to consider buying a book on business etiquette for some light reading while on the plane.

Exercise 6. Test your Business Etiquette.

Social and business etiquette can be tricky (сложный), and making the right moves can make a big difference. Take this quiz (опрос, викторина) and see how you fare in the following business situations.

1. Your boss, Ms. Alpha, enters the room when you’re meeting with an important client, Mr. Beta. You rise and say “Ms. Alpha, I’d like you to meet Mr. Beta, our client from San Diego”. Is this introduction correct?

2. At a social function, you meet the CEO[2] of an important corporation. After a brief chat, you give him your business card (визитная карточка). Is this correct?

3. You answer the phone for a peer (сверстник) who’s available, and ask “Who’s calling, please?” Are you correct?

4. You’re hosting a dinner at a restaurant. You’ve pre-ordered for everyone and indicated where they should sit. Are you correct?

5. A toast has been proposed in your honour. You say “Thank you” and take a sip (маленький глоток) of your drink. Are you correct?

6. You’re invited to a reception and the invitation states “7:00 to 9:00 PM”. You should arrive:

a) at 7:00 PM

b) anytime between 7:00 PM and 9:00 PM

c) between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM

d) go early and leave early.

7. You’re talking with a group of four people. Do you make eye contact with:

a) just the person to whom you’re speaking at the moment?

b) each of the four, moving your eye contact from one to another?

c) no one particular person (not looking directly into anyone’s eyes)?

8. The waiter’s coming towards you to serve wine. You don’t want any. You turn your glass upside down. Are you correct?

9. When you greet a visitor in your office, do you:

a) say nothing and let her sit where she wishes?

b) tell her where to sit?

c) say “Just sit anywhere”?

10. You’ve forgotten a lunch with a business associate (коллега). You feel terrible and know he’s furious (разгневан). Do you:

a) write a letter of apology (извинение)?

b) send flowers?

c) keep quiet and hope he forgets about it?

d) call and set up another appointment (встреча)?

(Answers: 1) You should introduce the more important person first; 2) No; 3) No; 4) Yes; 5) No, if you do, then you’re toasting yourself; 6) a, b or c. It’s terribly impolite to arrive early.7) b; 8) No; 9) b; 10) d).

Exercise 7. Rearrange the words to build sentences.

1. Hello, have to ever country before? you come this

2. my it’s first journey No, England. to

3. Britain? in friends any Great relatives Have got you or

4. Just have friends. got I

5. here? to long you How intend stay do

6. couple weeks. of Around a

7. Where will stay? you

8. some London days. for I’ll at stay friend’s in my

9. tourists know not beyond months? to allowed 3 you stay are in the country Do that

10. come back in to today. have Anyway weeks I six from

Exercise 8.Read the text to match left and right. Be ready to speak on the routine airport procedures.

Text 2

Date: 2015-09-18; view: 988; Нарушение авторских прав