Narrator: Hello and welcome to our special edition of English at Work. Anna's now the boss of Tip Top Trading. She's also married Tom, the sales executive. But working in the same office as your husband can be… awkward. Let's join them in their weekly meeting.
Anna: … so, remember to save all your work in the correct folder. OK, next on the agenda is Christmas. We've all been invited to the Association of Plastic Retailers' Christmas Ball this Friday!
Tom: Whay! A ball – a posh party – lots of booze and crisps and nuts.
Denise: Be careful Tom, you know you can't handle too much alcohol.
Tom: Hey, what? Well, at least the drink will be free, which means we won't have to spend a penny of our end-of-year bonus.
Anna: Hmm… yes… that was the next item on the agenda. Our end-of-year bonus. Well… you see… there isn't going to be a bonus this year.
Tom: What! No bonus?
Denise: I've been working really hard.
Tom: This isn't fair.
Narrator: Anna. You needed to break that news gently. Explain why there's no bonus – give them the facts.
Anna: The facts?
Narrator: Yes. Tell them that 'we're operating in tough economic conditions' and 'we need to meet our sales targets'. And you could tell Tom to 'pull your socks up'.
Anna: Pull his socks up? Most of his socks are on the bedroom floor. He should pick them up rather than pull them up!
Narrator: No Anna! It's a saying – it means to make more effort – do better - work harder. But remember he is your husband now, so be gentle!
Anna: I'll try. (To Tom) Tom… we're operating in tough economic conditions and if you want a bonus… you really need to… pull your socks up.
Tom: (Getting angry) What do you mean?! I do all the housework… wash the dishes… do the ironing… I…, I…, I'm your husband. (storms out, slams door)
Denise: Ooo… I think you've upset him.
Anna: Oh dear. I was just gently trying to get him to make a few more sales. If he could make one more deal by Friday, we'd hit our targets and get our bonus.
Denise: Well, you married him. You know what he's like. Anyway, this ball sounds very exciting.
Anna: Yes, but I've got nothing smart to wear.
Denise: Oh, leave that to me Anna. I've got a wonderful dress you can have. I'll make sure that you'll be the 'belle of the ball'!
AT THE BALL
Waitress: Champagne sir?
Tom: Oh yeah, you bet. Thanks. Hey Denise, smart party isn't it?
Denise: It's wonderful but be careful how much you drink, Tom. Remember last year's Christmas party?
Tom: Oh, that was because I ate too many mince pies.
Denise: Right. So, have you calmed down after your little outburst at the meeting, Tom?
Tom: Oh yeah. I just need to show Anna who the boss is sometimes.
Denise: Really!? So, Anna must have told you that we have to make one more deal if we want to get our bonus?
Tom: No! Our pillow talk doesn't go that far. One more deal, hey? Excuse me a moment Denise I've got work to do. (Walks off)
ANNA WALKS IN
Anna: Hi Denise.
Denise: Anna, you look gorgeous.
Anna: Thanks Denise and thanks for the clothes. You are my fairy godmother! This dress is wonderful, where did you get it from?
Denise: Actually, it's a wedding dress - I bought it when I was hoping to marry a man called Frank, although it turned out Frank wasn't much of a man. (Starts to cry)
Anna: Oh Denise, never mind. Have you seen Tom anywhere?
Denise: Over there… trying to earn his… bonus.
Tom: (slurring speech)… great bubbly… so, have I told you about our plastic fruit… you've got to buy some… please?
Woman: It's ok, no thanks… will you excuse me?
Tom: How about you, darling? Are you in the market for a plastic lemon? Tomato? Kumquat? No? Why not! Oh, I need more champagne.
Anna: (calling across the room) Tom, Tom. I think you've drunk too much. You shouldn't mix business with pleasure. Anyway, it's too late now, you're not going to get you bonus.
Tom: Whatever. Hey, what are you doing in a wedding dress Anna?
Frank: Excuse me ladies. I love your dress. I've been meaning to speak to you all evening. You're from Tip Top Trading, aren't you?
Anna/Denise: Yes!
Frank: Good good. Your Imperial Lemon comes highly recommended and I really need some for my Christmas displays at all my restaurants. I know it's a bit short notice… but could you…?
Anna: Yes! I mean, yes, of course we can help. Just give me your contact details and we'll ring you first thing tomorrow.
Frank: Well, that's splendid. My name's Frank Singleton. Here's my card.
Denise: Frank? It can't be… is that really you?
Narrator: Has Denise finally found true love? Has Anna made a deal that will guarantee a bonus for the team? And has Tom drunk too much? Here's a reminder of some of the phrases Anna used:
We're operating in tough economic conditions. We need to meet our sales targets. Pull your socks up! You shouldn't mix business with pleasure. Give me your contact details and we'll ring you first thing in the morning.
Narrator: Things have worked out well for the team at Tip Top Trading. Now it's time to enjoy the ball and let their hair down… I mean enjoy themselves.
Frank: It's amazing. I can't believe it's you, Denise. Do you fancy dinner later so we can catch up on old times?
Denise: Oh lovely. Anna: So Tom, it looks like we'll get our bonuses after all. It means you can spend yours on buying us a new washing machine to wash your socks!
Tom: Great.
Anna: Let's drink to that!
Tom: (Tom is sick)
Denise: That's my wedding dress!
Narrator: Oh well. Tom has certainly made his mark at the Christmas ball! I wonder what challenges next year will bring for the team at Tip Top Trading. Thanks for listening and happy Christmas!