Words to know

we will pay (often said by a company host)

talk about work in a social situation

tell someone something is good and worth trying

Step 1 of 5

Listen first

No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.

JakeSofia

Practice · 3 min

Shadow Sofia first. "Can I be honest, though?" is a polite way to turn down a plan. Say it gently, with a small pause before the honest part. Then take Jake's part. He adapts fast and with good humor; let "Pizza? For a client dinner?" be real surprise, then "Deal" be quick and happy.

  1. JakeSo, Sofia, I booked a steakhouse downtown for tonight. It's one of the best in Chicago.
  2. SofiaThat's very kind. Can I be honest, though?
  3. JakeOf course.
  4. SofiaWe have great steak in São Paulo. I've eaten steak every night of this trip.
  5. JakeAh. Then what would you like instead?
  6. SofiaSomething I can't get at home. Everyone keeps telling me about the deep-dish pizza.
  7. JakePizza? For a client dinner?
  8. SofiaIs that strange?
  9. JakeNot at all. It's only not what my manager pictured.
  10. SofiaTell your manager the client insisted.
  11. JakeDeal. There's a place near the river that I'd recommend. It's loud, but the pizza is amazing.
  12. SofiaLoud is good. I've had enough quiet meeting rooms this week.
  13. JakeAnd don't worry about the bill. It's on us.
  14. SofiaThank you. One more thing. Can we not talk shop tonight? My head is full of contracts.
  15. JakeHonestly, that's a relief. I was going to spend dinner asking about the renewal.
  16. SofiaAsk me on Monday. I'll have an answer, and I think you'll like it.
  17. JakeThen tonight is pizza and no contracts. Have you ever eaten pizza with a fork?
  18. SofiaWith a fork? What kind of pizza needs a fork?
  19. JakeYou'll see. It's about three inches thick.

Say it today

Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.