The moment

The team in a Seattle office has moved to a new floor, and Sophia's new desk is right next to the kitchen. She writes long reports, and the noise is getting to her. She goes to Kenji, the office manager, who has a floor plan and not many free desks. Listen for how she explains the problem as a work problem, and how they find something between "yes" and "no".

The conversation

SophiaKenji
  1. Sophia
  2. Kenji
  3. Sophia
  4. Kenji
  5. Sophia
  6. Kenji
  7. Sophia
  8. Kenji
  9. Sophia
  10. Kenji
  11. Sophia
  12. Kenji
  13. Sophia

Words to know

start to annoy or upset someone

you expected something might happen

stop being able to concentrate

many people want them, so they're gone quickly

the first person you'll help or call

Check yourself

1What is Sophia's problem with her new desk?
2Why can't Kenji give her a different fixed desk?
3What do they agree on?

Practice · 3 min

Play each line and repeat it in the gap. Then take Sophia's part with her lines muted. Pay attention to "It's a great spot, but it's a bit distracting." Stress "great" first and "distracting" second, so the compliment softens the complaint.

  1. SophiaKenji, have you got a minute? It's about my new desk.
  2. KenjiSure. Is it the one by the kitchen? I had a feeling that might come up.
  3. SophiaThat's the one. It's a great spot, but it's a bit distracting.
  4. KenjiThe coffee machine, I'm guessing. It's busy from about eight until noon.
  5. SophiaExactly. I write most of my reports in the morning, and I keep losing focus.
  6. KenjiI don't have a free desk right now, I'm afraid. The floor's completely full.
  7. SophiaI understand. Would it be possible to use the quiet zone on report days?
  8. KenjiThose are hot desks, so anyone can book them. How many days a week?
  9. SophiaTwo, usually Tuesday and Thursday. I'd keep my own desk for everything else.
  10. KenjiThat's fair. Book them by Sunday night, because they go fast.
  11. SophiaWill do. And if a fixed desk opens up somewhere quieter?
  12. KenjiYou're first on my list. I'll let you know as soon as one's free.
  13. SophiaThanks, Kenji. That really helps.

Say it today

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