The moment

It's six in the evening at a busy gym in Dubai. Fatima wants the only free bench, but Marcus is sitting on it with his phone. He isn't really using it, and he's a little embarrassed. Listen to how they share it politely and end up helping each other.

The conversation

FatimaMarcus
  1. Fatima
  2. Marcus
  3. Fatima
  4. Marcus
  5. Fatima
  6. Marcus
  7. Fatima
  8. Marcus
  9. Fatima
  10. Marcus
  11. Fatima
  12. Marcus

Words to know

I'm taking a break between sets

it's fine, don't worry

now it's your time to go

stop using your phone

Check yourself

1Why is Marcus embarrassed at first?
2What does Marcus mean by "can you work in?"
3Why does Marcus say "Fair" at the end?

Practice · 4 min

Round one: repeat every line. Round two: mute Marcus and ask Fatima's questions yourself. Round three: mute Fatima. Keep "Excuse me, are you using this bench?" short and clear; at a gym, people hear half your words over the music.

  1. FatimaExcuse me, are you using this bench?
  2. MarcusOh, sorry. Yes, but I'm resting.
  3. FatimaNo problem. How many sets do you have left?
  4. MarcusTwo. But can you work in? I'm slow today.
  5. FatimaThanks. Could you spot me for one set?
  6. MarcusSure. How much are you lifting?
  7. FatimaOne hundred thirty-five pounds. Five reps.
  8. MarcusWow. That's more than me.
  9. FatimaI've done this for ten years.
  10. MarcusOK, I'm ready. Nice and slow.
  11. FatimaDone. Thanks. Your turn, and put the phone away.
  12. MarcusFair. It was only cat videos.

Say it today

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