- 01Packing for a business trip“This is my first business trip. Any advice?”
- 02Too many brochures“I always overpack, so this time I'm shipping the heavy stuff ahead.”
- 03A suit for the heat“It's going to be humid, so I'm packing something breathable.”
- 04Follow the host's lead“I'm not sure of the customs here, so I'll follow your lead.”
- 05Ask before you pitch“I've done my homework, so I'm going to get to the point.”
- 06One drink, then bed“I'll tag along for one drink, then I'm calling it a night.”
- 07The meeting moved to the factory“That's a last-minute change, but I'll go with the flow.”
- 08Don't book the first morning“Can I run my plan by you before I send it?”
- 09Nairobi, tomorrow morning“I can travel on short notice if I take the later flight.”
- 10Leaving a day early“Is there a change fee, or can I go on standby?”
- 11Three hours at Gate 14“Just a heads-up: my flight's delayed, so I might miss my connection.”
- 12Can we push it to Thursday?“Something's come up. Could we push our meeting back to Thursday?”
- 13What's the catch?“It's all expenses paid, so I'm going to take them up on it.”
- 14Miles for Edinburgh“I've racked up a lot of miles, and I'm finally going to redeem them.”
- 15The room by the ice machine“Would it be possible to move to a quieter room tonight?”
- 16Twenty copies by seven“Is there a business center, or could you recommend a print shop?”
- 17The samples didn't land“If my bag doesn't show up at baggage claim, what's plan B?”
- 18A black case with a green ribbon“My bag didn't arrive, so I need to file a report.”
- 19Do I need the extra coverage?“I'm picking up a car today. Do I really need the extra coverage?”
- 20It doesn't hurt to ask“Is there any chance of an upgrade? It doesn't hurt to ask.”
- 21The hiring freeze“We're in a hiring freeze, so we're cutting back on travel too.”
- 22The first good quarter“We broke even last quarter, and now we're back in the black.”
- 23The CEO is coming to visit“She wants to shake things up, but I'm going to give her a chance.”
- 24The CTO wants a list“I'm still getting up to speed, so give me a week before I decide.”
- 25Rooftop or ballroom“What's the headcount so far? I need it before I book the venue.”
- 26Nobody needs another pen“Everyone gives out pens. I want a giveaway that stands out.”
- 27What counts as business casual?“Is Friday business casual, or do I need to dress up?”
- 28The only suit in the room“There's no dress code here, but I'll read the room on client days.”
- 29Starting at seven, leaving at four“Could I start earlier and leave at four? I'll keep to the core hours.”
- 30The drill next door“I usually work remotely, but let's touch base in person on Tuesday.”
- 31News for the manager“I'd like to plan a proper handover before my maternity leave starts.”
- 32One more month“Would it be possible to extend my leave, or ease back in part-time?”
- 33Who gets the check?“Let's grab lunch. I'm picking up the check this time.”
- 34The part about deadlines“What should I work on before my next performance review?”
- 35Six weeks on the fourth floor“The remodel is only temporary, so I can put up with the noise.”
- 36Where is the Aurora room?“Sorry, I think I got lost. Is this the right floor for Aurora?”
- 37Can I carry my days over?“I'd like to put in a request for two weeks off in December.”
- 38Unlimited, in theory“It sounds great, but how does unlimited vacation work in practice?”
- 39No email after seven“I've set boundaries this year: no work email after seven.”
- 40The third canceled dinner“I've taken on too much, so I'm going to have a word with my manager.”
- 41Three cities, one hour“I'll set up a meeting and send an invite in both time zones.”
- 42The supplier lands Monday“Could you arrange the car and confirm the details by email?”
- 43Terminal 2, not Terminal 1“I'm running a little late. Look out for me by the coffee shop.”
- 44Deep dish or steak“Dinner's on us tonight, and let's not talk shop.”
- 45Not a visitor“I'm still settling in, so thanks for showing me the ropes.”
- 46The typo on my card“I've run out of business cards. Can I send you my contact instead?”
- 47The brief has changed“Before we start, let's go over the brief so we're on the same page.”
- 48The yellow line“Let me show you around. Please stay behind the yellow line.”
- 49Twenty-four floors with the director“I'm bad at small talk, so I ask people how their week is going.”
- 50Can we have a chat?“Can we have a quick chat? Don't worry, it's good news.”