Speaking part 2 (corresponds to Speaking Part 3 in BEC)

Speaking Part one (corresponds to Speaking part 2 in BEC)

What is important when...?

1. What is important when deciding what training staff need?

Needs of company

Needs of individuals

2. What is important when deciding on a business location?

Closeness to markets

Skilled workforce

3. What is important when dealing with customers face to face?

Communication skills

Knowledge of products and services

4. What is important when aiming to keep good staff?

Promotion opportunities

Salaries

5. What is important when giving a presentation?

Preparing materials carefully

Keeping calm

6. What is important when running your own business from home?

Keeping domestic life and work separate

Keeping your accounts up-to-date

7. What is important when promoting a new product?

Potential customers

Unique features

8. What is important when dealing with a complaint from a customer?

Collect information

Interview those concerned

9. What is important when organizing business travel?

Check dates and times carefully

Cost-effectiveness

Speaking part 2 (corresponds to Speaking Part 3 in BEC)

1. Using computers

Your line manager is concerned that some staff are not making enough use of computers to do their work efficiently.

You have been asked to make recommendations about how to improve this situation. Decide:

- Why staff may not be using computers

- How to encourage staff to use computers more

2. Staff training day: Listening to customers

Your company has received several complaints from customers about how their concerns have been handled.

You have been asked to talk to your staff about how to improve the way they listen and respond to customers. Decide:

- What aspects of customer care your staff need to be aware of

- How you will monitor their dealings with customers

- What feedback and evaluation should take place at a later stage

3. You would like to go on a presentation course which means you have to take a week off work. You need to convince your line manager that the course will benefit the company as well as yourselves. Decide:

- In what way the course will benefit the company

- Why you feel that the course is particularly suited to your needs at the present time

- How your work can be covered while you are away

 

4. Staff Training

In order to show its commitment to the environment and sustainability your company has decided to dedicate a training day to the importance of responsible environmental actions the company and staff can take. You have been asked to come up with some general ideas to promote on the training day.

Decide:

- what kinds of actions the staff and company could take to be more environmentally friendly.

- how you would promote the training event to encourage staff to approach the event with a positive frame of mind.

 

5. Work experience programme

The manufacturing company you work for has decided to offer a two-week work experience programme for a small group of students from a local business college. You have been asked to help with the preparations for this programme. Decide:

- what kinds of work experience the company might offer

- how the participants should be selected

- what feedback and evaluation should take place after the programme has finished.

 

6. Organising a conference

Your company is having an open day, where members of the public are invited to have a tour of the site. Your team has been asked to organise the event. Decide:

- what parts of the site to show the visitors

- what entertainment to provide.

 

7. Company’s website

Your company has decided to redesign its website so that customers will know more about the company and its products and services. You have been asked to help with planning the website. Decide:

- What sort of information and articles it would be useful for the company to put in the website

- How you can attract people to visit the website