BBC LEARNING ENGLISH
English at University
7: The Seminar
LANGUAGE FOCUS: Learn phrases about getting yourself heard – and vocabulary
about talking too much
Narrator
It's time for English at University – the series that teaches some English phrases to help you
through your first year of study abroad Mary's had her first Business Studies lecture and
now she's decided to go to Professor Not's evening seminar – that's when a group of
students meet with their teacher to discuss what they've learnt But the problem is there's
always a chatterbox – you know, someone who likes to do all the talking…
Prof Not
So glad you could make my seminar Mary… although I don't know where everyone else
is… maybe it's the rain
Mary
…well, it is quite wet out there…
Sharon
?…there you go Robert – red wine for you and – oh, hello… it's Mary isn't it
Mary
?What are you doing here – I thought you just did administration
Sharon
I do… but Robert, I mean Professor Not, likes help with his spreadsheets and photocopying
and stuff
Prof Not
Yes, I give you a lift home after the seminar – as you live round the corner from me
Mary
Oh right, I didn't know…
Sharon
…anyway, don't mind me I'll just sit here while you chat about clever things like business –
?is it just you tonight Mary
Daniel
?I'm not too late am I… you did say eight o'clock
Prof Not
?Yes I did – come and sit down… no, not on my books… just there Have you met Sharon
Sharon
Hello!
Prof Not
So, let's begin shall we Now I talked about business being an economic system but what do
?we mean by 'system'
Mary
I think…
Daniel
Well, obviously a system is a thing… you know…
Mary
But…
Daniel
?And 'economic' is about… the economy Yeah
Narrator
Daniel – put a sock in it! You can't get a word in edgeways with him around Mary,
don't let him dominate the conversation - he needs to pipe down and you need to speak
up – be polite but firm and say you want a chance to speak…
Mary
?Oh right, if I must Daniel – would you mind if I had a chance to speak please
Daniel
Oh right… yeah, of course… I was just explaining that economics is…
Mary
I know… but I would like to say something too, if you don't mind
Prof Not
Exactly I think Mary should give us her views – so Daniel… zip it… please
Mary
Thank you for giving me the chance to speak I'd like to contribute to the discussion and say
that to be in business you need something to sell
Sharon
Oh, that's very good Mary
Narrator
Excellent Mary – very impressive Once Daniel stopped talking your ears off, you finally
got a chance to express yourself with the help of these useful phrases…
?Would you mind if I had a chance to speak please
I would like to say something too, if you don't mind
Thank you for giving me the chance to speak
I'd like to contribute to the discussion please
Narrator
You can practise these phrases, pick up a few more plus learn some top tips for studying in
the UK
?Now, how's Professor Not's seminar going
Prof Not
…so I think you'll find some useful stuff in my book 'Mind Your Own Business' – but we'll
call it a day for now –I'll see you at my next lecture
Mary/Daniel
Oh yes… thank you… it's all very interesting
Sharon
?Oh look at the rain out there – it's pouring Still giving me a lift home Robert, hmmm
Prof Not
?Yes, yes, of course – maybe I could drop you off on the way home too Mary
Mary
If it's not too much trouble…
Prof Not
Of course not Mary But sorry Daniel, it's quite a small car so I don't think we'll fit you in
Daniel
Oh, oh ok I like walking
