You're learning with 925 English - business English for the workplace!
Hi Tim here with another 925 english lesson. In today's lesson we're going to
learn how to talk about the work you do in your job. Last time we looked at how
to talk about your job, which might include stating your position and
company and what you are responsible for, But what if someone wants to know more
about what you actually do? For example someone might ask what your daily
routine is like or they might ask about your current or past projects. How can
you describe these kinds of activities?
Well let's start with talking about your current work or projects by current. I
mean things that are happening now. When we talk about things happening right now,
we normally say we are "doing" something. You might use "we" if you mean your
company or team is working on something or you might use "I" if you are talking
about just what you are doing.
Let's practice some examples of talking about your current work in this way.
Listen to each example then repeated yourself. Ready? Let's get started.
We're busy designing a new housing development in California.
Right now, we're doing a big website project.
We're getting ready for a trade show.
At the moment, I'm overseeing the installation of a new machine.
That's not too hard, right? And you'll notice that it's always good to use
strong or specific verbs such as "design" and "oversee" when you talk about what you're doing.
Now what if someone asks you about what you've done in the past?
Well to talk about your past work, it's still a good idea to choose a strong
verb.
Just remember to put it in the past tense. But you don't need to say "was
doing." You can just use the simple form "did" because it's completed.
Let's try a little practice talking about your past work. Just like last time
I want you to repeat the examples after you hear them.
I chaired the fundraising committee last year.
I led the company's annual audit.
My colleagues and I designed the new elementary school in clifton.
I used to work on site as an engineer but now I've moved into management.
One really useful expression you might have noticed is "used to."
When there's an activity in the past that you did many times or was ongoing
you can say you "used to" do it.
Now what if someone wants to know your current routine.
I mean how you usually spend your time during your workday.
Well you can certainly use that exact expression i just used. You can say you
"spend" your time doing something or you can say your work "involves" some type of
activity. And when you mentioned the activity use the "-ing" form like "I spend a
lot of time writing reports."
Let's practice talking about your daily routine with a few examples.
Once again, repeat what you hear.
I spend a lot of time answering the phone and emails.
My work involves talking with customers and solving technical problems.
I put in a lot of time visiting customers every day.
Most of my day is spent calling clients and handling orders.
So that's how we talk about our daily routines but how might this sound in a
real-life conversation? Let's listen to a short conversation between two people
who have just met. The first person is asking the other person, John, about his
work. Listen to how John answers the questions.
So do you guys have any new projects on
at the moment?
Actually, we've just started work on a new factory.
You must be busy what's your day-to-day routine like?
Most of my day is spent testing new machines and checking on deliveries.
Can you hear how this works? John is asked about new project, so he mentioned
something his company has just started and when he is asked about his
day-to-day routine he explains how his day is spent. And notice those verbs
"testing" and "checking on." Now it's your turn to practice. We'll repeat the
dialogue but this time we're going to beep out the second speakers words. You will
have to say those parts yourself. Remember to start by mentioning your
current work then you'll talk about your daily routine.
So do you guys have any new projects on at the moment?
You must be busy! What's your day-to-day routine like?
So now you've practiced talking about your work. But another part of talking
about your job, involves talking about your company. You'll have to tune in to
our next lesson to learn how to do that. Until then, so long and happy learning!