Текст песни English at Work — Home truths

Tom: …Well welcome to the Rose and Crown, it is small, not like one of those
bars you get in your country. Can I get you a pint Mr Socrates?

Mr Socrates: A what?

Tom: A pint. A pint of beer, it’s really nice here if you like it…

Mr Socrates: I don’t drink. Just an orange juice, freshly squeezed.

Paul: On go on Mr Socrates, one pint won’t hurt. You’ve got to have a pint of
beer when you come to a pub.

Mr Socrates: Oh very well. I’ll try one. It had better be good.

Tom: You’ll love it. I’ll get it. Three pints of your best beer please Mr Landlord.
Denise, are you OK getting your own? I’m a bit short of cash.

Denise: Oh… right. Mr Socrates, Anna said she would be along soon. She had some
work to finish. She’s such a hard worker.

Mr Socrates: Good to hear. She seems like a smart cookie. Now let’s try this beer
…mmm, not bad, a little warm but… tasty.

Paul: Oh, you drank that quickly… would you like another one?

Mr Socrates: Sure.

Anna: Hi everyone. Sorry I’m late.

Denise: Hi Anna. Look Mr Socrates is enjoying our English beer. I think it’s going to
his head.

Mr Socrates: (Loudly) Anna! Our best worker. Get Anna a drink.

Tom: Yes Mr Socrates. Of course Mr Socrates.

Mr Socrates: Anna, come over here, let’s talk.

Anna: Oh right. What about…

Tom: There you go Anna. I got you some crisps too. So what are we talking
about?

Mr Socrates: Nothing. Thank you… bye bye.

Tom: Oh right. Bye bye. Yes, I’ll go and talk to Paul and Denise. I’ll just be over
here.

Mr Socrates: What a loser. I can tell he’s all talk and no action.

Anna: Well, Tom’s a good worker really and…

Mr Socrates: …and as for Paul. God, what a manager. Always eating cookies. You know
he was fired from his last job because…

Narrator: Anna, I think he’s getting a bit too personal. That beer is making him say
things he shouldn’t.

Anna: I know. What should I say?

Narrator: Try saying “it’s not appropriate to talk like that” or “could we change the
subject please.”

Anna: OK thanks. Erm, Mr Socrates I don’t think it’s appropriate to talk like that,
could we change the subject please?

Mr Socrates: Oh, sorry have I said too much? Maybe we should talk about you. I like
you Anna. You’re keen but you’ve got a lot to learn and I think you should
wear more black – it makes you look… thinner…

Narrator: He’s out of order. I think he’s saying too much. Ask him to keep the
conversation professional.

Anna: Right, good idea. (To Mr Socrates) Erm, Mr Socrates, thank you but can we
keep our conversation professional. There’s a lot to discuss about our
European market strategy.

Mr Socrates: Yeah, right, absolutely right. Anyway, you’re gonna have to lead this one
not that Tom guy. I’m thinking of firing him, his results aren’t that great
and…

Tom: …sorry to interrupt, just wondered if you’d like some nuts?

Mr Socrates: Hey Tom, I was just saying to Anna your results haven’t been good and
I’m thinking of…
Anna: (flustered)… of having another drink… thinking of having another drink. Mr
Socrates, did you know Tom actually has a great idea for selling laser-
curved oranges to Spain?

Tom: (puzzled) Do I?

Mr Socrates: That’s good to hear Tom. Email them to me and I’ll check them over
tomorrow.

Anna: Of course he will, Mr Socrates. Now how would you like to drink something,
errr, less strong? Orange juice perhaps?

Mr Socrates: Na, I think I’ll try some more of the English beer.

Narrator: I think Anna has just done Tom a big favour – she’s stopped him getting
fired - for now. Sometimes conversations with your boss can get too
personal but I think Anna’s got the hang of keeping things professional.