Rosie: Hi. You're listening to The English We Speak. I'm Rosie and today Li is with me.
Li: Hello!
Rosie: And today we're going to be talking about... Er... Li, what are we talking about again?
Li: I don't know, you're the one presenting the programme.
Rosie: I know, but my mind's just gone blank.
Li: Your mind has gone what?
Rosie: My mind's gone blank - which means it's completely empty, like a blank piece of paper.
Li: Oh dear, completely empty? Right, let's start with something basic then. Do you remember what your name is?
Rosie: Of course I remember what my name is! When you say your mind has gone blank, it means you've forgotten what you were going to say.
Li: Oh, I see. So in this case you completely forgot what you were supposed to be talking about in this programme?
Rosie: Exactly! Do you remember it happened to me when I had to give that presentation...
Rosie's boss: Right, now Rosie is going to talk a bit about the project and its aims.
Rosie: Yes. Well... Erm... Erm... Sorry, my mind's just gone completely blank.
Li: Well, don't worry. It happens to the best of us. I was in an interview once and I couldn't think of an answer to a very simple question...
Interviewer: So Li, can you tell us a bit about yourself?
Li: Ah, yes... There's so much to say, I don't know where to begin. Let's see... Sorry, my mind's just gone blank.
Interviewer: Right, I see.
Rosie: Ha! And did you get the job?
Li: Yes, I did! I was really surprised after my mind went blank like that in the interview. I suppose I was the best candidate. I do have a lot of experience and they must have really liked me as a person...
Rosie: Ah! I've just remembered what we were supposed to be talking about today! We were going to discuss...
Li: Sorry Rosie, but it's a bit too late now. Next time, perhaps? If your mind doesn't go blank, that is.
Rosie: It won't. Thank you Li.
Li: Join us again for another edition of The English We Speak and visit our website... That is the... Oh, what's the web address again? My mind has gone blank...