The moment

Fatima is visiting Chicago from Dubai, having lunch with a coworker at a busy pizza place. Jake is their server. It's the end of the meal, and she needs the check, two of them if possible. Then she sees a problem on the paper. Listen for how she points it out: calm, specific, no blame.

The conversation

JakeFatima
  1. Jake
  2. Fatima
  3. Jake
  4. Fatima
  5. Jake
  6. Fatima
  7. Jake
  8. Fatima
  9. Jake
  10. Fatima
  11. Jake
  12. Fatima
  13. Jake
  14. Fatima

Words to know

the server's question at the end of the meal

says you're happy about good news

each person pays their own part

the card reader the server brings to the table

Check yourself

1Why does Fatima ask for separate checks?
2What's wrong with Fatima's check?
3How does Fatima start the complaint?

Practice · 3 min

Play each line and repeat it in the gap. Then take Fatima's part with her lines muted. Say "Sorry, I think there's a mistake on mine" slowly and warmly. Then give the fact in the next breath: what's there, and what you really had.

  1. JakeHow was everything today?
  2. FatimaGreat, thanks. The pizza was amazing.
  3. JakeGlad to hear it. Can I get you anything else?
  4. FatimaNo, thanks. Could we get the check, please?
  5. JakeSure. One check or separate?
  6. FatimaSeparate checks, please. We're paying for ourselves.
  7. JakeNo problem. Here you go.
  8. FatimaSorry, I think there's a mistake on mine.
  9. JakeOh? Let me see.
  10. FatimaThere are two iced teas here. I only had one.
  11. JakeYou're right. That's my mistake. I'll fix it now.
  12. FatimaThanks. Do you take cards?
  13. JakeWe do. I'll bring the machine to the table.
  14. FatimaPerfect. And I'll add the tip on it.

Say it today

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