商务英语：加薪

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　　Neil: And me Neil.

　　Feifei: We’re talking about pay and what people earn today and Neil have you brought a salary fact to get us started?

　　Neil: I have! The United Nations International Labour Organisation² or the ILO has been looking at earnings³ around the world, and they’ve worked out the average person’s monthly⁴ salary. So, how much do you think it is?

　　Feifei: How much does the average person earn? What, in dollars?

　　Neil: Yep, US dollars. Per month.

　　Feifei: Hmm… I’d say, hmmm, about $5,000 a month.

　　Neil: $5,000 a month, are you sure?

　　Feifei: Yes, am I right?

　　Neil: Well, Feifei you’re absolutely wrong, I’m pleased to say. According to the ILO, the average worker earns $1,480 a month.

　　Feifei: Wow, I was a bit generous there…

　　Neil: Yes, very out of character!

　　Feifei: Hmmm, that is a lot less than I was expecting… there’ll be a lot of people asking for pay rises then?

　　Neil: I suppose there will! Are you going to be one of them?

　　Feifei: You know me Neil…

　　Neil: Yes I do. Do you feel a role-play coming on?

　　Feifei: Do you know what - I think I do!

　　Neil: Can I be the boss?

　　Feifei: No, I think it’s actually my turn to be the boss.

　　Neil: Every time, every time… so, you are the boss?

　　Feifei: I am the boss! I don’t remember being the boss. Anyway let’s get on with the role-play: I’m the boss and you’re asking me for a pay rise. Ready?

　　Neil: Ready!

　　Role-play

　　Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

　　Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you?

　　Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise.

　　Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that?

　　Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think I should be rewarded.

　　Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of?

　　Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask.

　　Feifei: 5%... Hmm… Well, let me think about it and get back to you.

　　Neil: OK, thank you.

　　Feifei: Ooooh, you’re very persuasive⁵ Neil!

　　Neil: Haha! It’s all in the technique.

　　Feifei: Let’s ask Business Betty to tell us more. Are you there Betty?

　　Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty!

　　Neil: Ah Betty, wonderful to see you. Looking fantastic as ever, you’ve been on holiday?

　　BB: Thank you Neil. Yeah, lovely, Costa Brava, very nice.

　　Neil: With a destination like that, I am sure you earn a lot more than $1,480 a month, don’t you?

　　BB: Neil, Neil, Neil, you should really know that in British culture, it’s terribly impolite to ask people how much they earn.

　　Neil: Sorry Betty, yes, you’re quite right. I shouldn’t ask you that. But can I ask you to tell us how to ask for a pay rise?

　　BB: You most certainly can Neil. There are a few things to remember when you’re asking for a pay rise. First, make sure it’s a good time to ask.

　　Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

　　BB: Next, use verbs like ‘think’, ‘feel’ and ‘believe’. And use adverbs like ‘really’ for added emphasis⁶.

　　Neil: I think I should have a pay rise. I really believe that I’ve grown in the job.

　　BB: Give reasons why you should get a pay rise:

　　Neil: I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility lately. My last project was very successful.

　　BB: Be clear about what you want:

　　Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask.

　　BB: And always, always be polite.

　　Neil: OK, thank you, please. Thank you, please, please.

　　BB: So to sum up: if you’re asking for a pay rise, make sure it’s a good time, use phrases like ‘I really think’, give your reasons, say what you want and be polite! Anything else I can do for you?

　　Neil: No Betty. You’ve done more than enough already, thanks Betty.

　　BB: Then I’ll be on my way. Goodbye!

　　Neil / FF: Bye!

　　Neil: Full of good advice our Betty!

　　Neil: Let’s do the role-play again shall we?

　　Feifei: Shall we?

　　Role-play

　　Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

　　Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you?

　　Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise.

　　Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that?

　　Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think that should be rewarded.

　　Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of?

　　Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask.

　　Feifei: 5%... Hmm… Well I’ll think about it and get back to you.

　　Neil: OK, thank you.

　　Neil: Only 5%, that’s not much to ask, is it? Maybe I should have gone for 10%?

　　Feifei: Neil, we’ve finished the role-play.

　　Neil: 15%? Final offer.

　　Feifei: It’s done. No, I can’t give you a pay rise Neil, I am not your boss really. I’ll buy you a drink after work instead. Is that OK?

　　Neil: Champagne⁷?

　　Feifei: No, a drink - a pint⁸ of beer. Right, I think that brings us to the end of today’s programme. Neil?

　　Neil: Yes that’s all. Good luck to you at home if you’re asking for a pay rise anytime soon and join us again for more 6 Minute English.

　　Neil / FF: Bye!

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