Making Contacts

 

02 MAKING CONTACTS

 

Track 1.02

 

Extract 1

Half an hour from the world's most romantic city and rated by conference organizers the 'hottest' Venue in Europe, Disneyland Paris’s corporate clients include American Express, Unilever and MCI. If you think business and the Lion King don't mix, the Disney magic will soon change your mind. With its unique atmosphere and superb fully equipped convention center for 2300 people, its 95 meeting rooms and 3,000 square meters of exhibition space, Disney's theme park is sure to be a huge success with both you and your family. As well as fabulous banqueting facilities for over a thousand people, Disney is able to arrange special private events, such as the amazing 'Journey through Time' and the 'Cape Caribbean' adventure or, if you prefer, golf tournaments and team-building activities. Walt Disney's aim was always 'to make people happy' and that aim now extends to corporate hospitality in the cultural heart of Europe.

 

Extract 2

Two thousand years ago it was the home of the ancient Mayan civilization. Today Cancun is the most popular resort in Mexico, its unspoiled coastline a watersports paradise. With its 426 rooms overlooking the Caribbean, 24-hour room service, express checkout, outdoor pools, residents-only health club and 200 meters of exclusive private beach, the Hilton Cancun is rated among the three best hotels in Latin America. Whether swimming with the dolphins or playing roulette in its own offshore casino, you can be sure of an experience to remember. Or why not take advantage of the Hilton's car rental service and explore the nearby ruins of Chichen Itza? Whatever your company's needs, send them your requirements and they will plan the logistics for you. What's more, if you book on special value dates, you'll get a generous 10-30% discount. This year, why not let your annual conference be part of Cancun’s 2,000-year-old tradition?

 

Extract 3

At 321 meters high, higher than the Eiffel Tower and only 60 meters shorter than the Empire State Building, the magnificent Burj Al Arab is the world's tallest and most luxurious hotel. Diamond white by day and a rainbow of colors at night, occupying a central location in Dubai with flight connections to all the major cities of the world, the Burj Al Arab combines the latest technology with the finest traditions of the past. Spacious deluxe suites from 170 to 780 square meters, in-room laptops with Internet access, full conference facilities on the 27th floor, a VIP helipad on the 28th, a golden domed ballroom and a world-class restaurant with spectacular views across the Arabian Gulf all go to make this the ultimate business venue. As they say in the Emirates, 'Welcome, honored guest'.

 

Track 1.03

Conversation 1

A: Oh, hi, David. How are things? We were just talking about the guy over there.

B: Who?

A: The big tall guy in the green tie behind those women. The guy standing at the bar.

B: Oh, yeah.

A: You know him?

B: Yes, that's Karl Schelling.

A: Karl who?

B: Schelling. He's the new director of R&D at Siemens.

A: In Munich?

B: Yeah, that's right. Nice guy. I was talking to him last night in the bar.

A: Oh, he's at the Milton?

B: Yeah. He was telling me about how he got the job.

A: Really?

B: Yeah, apparently he was headhunted from Philips. They made him an offer he couldn't refuse. Doubled his salary.

A: Headhunted? Don't expect Philips are too happy, then. All that sensitive information.

B: Well, no, quite.

A: He's presenting, isn't he?

B: Yeah, he's on this afternoon. He's talking about data security.

A: You're joking.

B: No, here he is on the programme: Data Security in the Connected Economy.

 

Track 1.04

Conversation 2

C: Chris, who's that man over there in the light suit?

D: You mean the grey suit?

C: No, not him! Over there, standing by the entrance. Talking to that woman in black.

D: Oh yes, that's, er, what's-his-name? William Hill. Hall. William Hall, that's it. He's at the Sheraton where I'm staying, actually. He's head of research at Sony UK. Yes, he's giving a talk on ... where s my program? ... Ah, yes, here it is. Erm, ...yes, on New Generation Gaming Systems. 10 o'clock on Saturday. I think I'm going to that.

C: Mm, sounds interesting. He doesn't look very happy, though, does he?

D: Well, No. Neither would you in his position.

C: How do you mean?

D: Well, this is just a rumor, mind you, but, erm, I've heard they may be moving R&D to Frankfurt.

C: Really? Are you sure?

D: Well, no, but that's what I heard.

C: And he doesn't want to make that move?

D: Well, the thing is: I'm not sure they're keeping him on. I think they want a German to lead the team.

C: Oh, I see. Well, no wonder he's unhappy...

 

Track 1.05

Conversation 3

E: Anne, you know nearly everybody here. Who's that woman in the brown jacket with the long red hair? She's talking to that other woman, the one in the white dress.

F: Oh, you mean, Irena, Irena Stefanowitz?

E: Yes, who is she? 1 saw her coming out of the Marriott last night with a whole group of people. Going to some dinner party, by the look of it. Sounded like they were speaking Polish.

F: Yes, she's a professor at the Warsaw University of technology. And I think she does quite a lot of consultancy work as well. Amazing speaker. You should go to her talk.

E: Really? What's she talking about?

F: I think she's doing a session this year on innovation strategies.

K: Interesting. You know, I’m going to be working on a project in Krakow next year.

F: Krakow? Oh, you'll love it there. Very nice city.

E: Yes, if all goes well, there might be a lot more work in Poland.

F: Oh, well, in that case, perhaps you should meet Irena. I'm sure she'd be interested in talking to you.

E: Yes, perhaps you're right.

F: I should warn you, though...

E: What?

F: Well, she's quite influential in Warsaw.

E: Oh, yes?

F: Yes. Let's just say it doesn't pay to get on the wrong side of her. A friend of mine knew her well. They had a bit of a disagreement, and his latest project proposal was rejected by the authorities.

E: Hm. OK, I'll remember that.

F: But you must meet her. In fact, why don't I introduce you now?

E: Erin, well, OK then...

 

Track 1.06

Conversation 4

G: ... So, anyway, that's how it ended up costing me 75 euros just to get from the airport to the hotel!

H: Oh, dear. Well, I did I warn you about some of those mini-cab drivers.

G: Yes, yes, I know. I'll wait in the queue with the rest of you next time. ... Anyway, let's change the subject... Who's that blonde woman over there?

H: Hm?

G: The one in the black dress. Over there, talking to those two guys.

H: Which two guys?

G: Those two. The woman with her back to us!

H: Oh, her! That's Margo Timmerman.

G: Ah, so that's Margo Timmerman. I thought so. She still works for Cisco, right?

H: Yeah. Heads up their technical department in the Netherlands.

G: Isn't she giving the keynote presentation tomorrow morning?

H: Uhuh. She's talking about new server technology or something. Why?

G: Hm. I'd quite like to talk to her if I get the chance. Is she staying at the Marriott, do you know? I might leave her a message.

H: Erm, no. she's probably over at the Hyatt. That’s where: most of the Cisco people are staying.

G: Ah right. Listen, you seem to know her. You couldn't introduce us, could you?

H: Er. Well, to tell you the truth. I'm really not the best person to ask.

G: Oh?

H: No. She, er, used to be my boss. You know, years ago. We, er ... Well, let's just say we had very different ideas about how to manage a project. And she, er, let me go.

G: You mean she fired you!

H: Yes, well, all right. Keep your voice down! I wasn't exactly fired...

 

Track 1.07

Conversation a

A: Is this your first visit to Russia?

B: Er, yes it is, actually. Fascinating place.

A: Yes, isn't it? I come here quite a lot. What do you do, by the way? I see you work for Glaxo.

B: How did you know? ... Oh, yeah, my badge. Yeah, I'm in R&D. Molecular modeling to be precise.

A: Really? We should talk. Can 1 get you a drink?

B: Er, no thanks. I'm fine.

A: Sure? T      

B: Well, just a top-up, then. Thanks.

A: What are you drinking? The Chardonnay, isn't it?

B: Erm, yeah. So, what line of business are you in?

 

Track 1.08

Conversation b

C: Hi, Fiona Hunt. SunMicrosystems. Mind if I join you?

D: Erm, no. Er, Michael Steele.

C: Pleased to meet you, Mike. Try one of these- they're delicious.

D: Er, thanks, but seafood doesn't agree with me.

C: Oh, then try the cheese dips instead. They're good too. Have we met somewhere before? Oslo, perhaps?

D: I don't think so.

C: Mm. I was sure I recognized you ... You're an Aquarius, aren't you? I can tell.

D: Well, I don't know. I'm not really into horoscopes, I'm afraid.

C: When's your birthday?

D: Oh, er, February the 2nd.

C: I knew it! A typical Aquarius.

D: Er, yes. Geez, is that the time? If you'll excuse me, I have to make a phone call. It's been nice talking to you.

 

Track 1.09

Conversation c

E: I really enjoyed your talk this morning.

F: Oh, thanks. Yeah, it went quite well. I think.

E: You had some very interesting things to say. I'm Amy Cooper, by the way. Yes. I'd like to talk to you about some of your ideas. My company may be interested in your product. Where are you staying?

F: At the Regency.

E: I'm at the Hyatt. Why don't we fix up a time to chat over a drink? Here is my card. F: Oh. Thanks. I've got mine here ... somewhere.

E: Don't worry. I know who you are. So, how are you enjoying the conference?

F: Well, it's been good so far. More people than ever this year. But, er, isn't this weather awful? Haifa meter of snow this morning, 1 heard.

E: Yeah, it gets pretty cold here in Moscow, that's for sure.

F: Erm, would you excuse me a moment? I'll be right back.

 

Track 1.10

Conversation d

G: So, how's business?

H: Fine. This merger’s meant quite a lot of work for us, but, fine.

G: Hm. Well, mergers are often difficult. So, er, what do you think about the Middle-East situation?

H: I'm sorry?

G: The crisis in the Middle East. It was in the news again this morning.

H: Er, well; I, er...

G: I mean, it must affect a company like yours -you being in oil.

H: Er, no, I think you've made a mistake. I’m not in oil. I work for Audi.

G: Audi? Oh, sorry. Thought you were someone else.

H: That's OK. Er, if you'll excuse me, I must just go and say hello to someone.

 

Track 1.11

Conversation E:

J: I like your watch. An Omega, isn't it?

K: Er, well, to be honest, don't tell anyone, but it's a fake.

J: No! Well, it looks real to me. Where did you get it?

K: Turkey. It cost me twenty-five dollars.

J: Amazing! So, do you know many people here?

K: No, not really. It's the first time I've been to one of these conferences.

J: Me too. So, what's your hotel like?

K: Hm, pretty comfortable. Nothing special, but it's OK, I suppose.

J: Yeah, you're at the Sheraton, aren't you? Last year they held this thing in Mexico. The Hilton Cancun. Fabulous hotel, they say.

K: Cancun! A bit warmer than here, then!

J: Oh, yeah. I went there on holiday once. Beautiful place. Can I get you anything from the buffet?

K: Oh, that's all right. I'll come with vou. I'd like some more of that Beluga caviar before it all goes!