Words to know
neat work clothes without a suit or tie
working directly with customers or clients
wear more formal clothes than usual
Step 1 of 5
Listen first
No text yet. Listen for who, where and what goes wrong.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
- HanaText hidden. Listen first.
- GeorgeText hidden. Listen first.
Practice · 3 min
Shadow Hana first. She opens with "can I ask you a silly question?", a common way to make a basic question feel safe. Say it lightly, with a small laugh. Then take George's part. He's reassuring and practical; let "It's not silly" come quickly, so she feels welcome.
- HanaGeorge, can I ask you a silly question? What does business casual mean here?
- GeorgeIt's not silly. Everyone asks in their first week. The handbook is very vague.
- HanaIt says "smart business casual." I don't know what the "smart" part changes.
- GeorgeMostly, no jeans and no sneakers from Monday to Thursday. A shirt with a collar, or a nice top.
- HanaWhat about a jacket?
- GeorgeOnly on client days. If you're client-facing that day, wear a jacket. No tie needed.
- HanaHow do I know if it's a client day?
- GeorgeCheck the shared calendar. Client meetings are marked in blue.
- HanaAnd Fridays? I saw someone in a hoodie yesterday.
- GeorgeThat was Friday. Jeans are fine on Fridays, unless a client's in the building.
- HanaThis is more complicated than I thought for a bank in London.
- GeorgeIt sounds complicated, but you'll get used to it. When in doubt, dress up a little. Nobody minds a jacket.
- HanaBut people would mind a hoodie on a Tuesday?
- GeorgeProbably nobody would say anything. But your manager would notice.
- HanaThat's the part I was worried about. Thanks. I'll keep a jacket at my desk.
- GeorgeGood idea. Half the office does exactly that.
Say it today
Use it once in a real conversation before tomorrow. Out loud counts, even to yourself.