商务英语：加薪

 　　Feifei: Welcome to another episode¹ of 6 Minute English with me Feifei.

　　Neil: And me Neil.

　　Feifei: We’re talking about pay and what people earn today and Neil have you brought a salary fact to get us started?

　　Neil: I have! The United Nations International Labour Organisation² or the ILO has been looking at earnings³ around the world, and they’ve worked out the average person’s monthly⁴ salary. So, how much do you think it is?

　　Feifei: How much does the average person earn? What, in dollars?

　　Neil: Yep, US dollars. Per month.

　　Feifei: Hmm… I’d say, hmmm, about $5,000 a month.

　　Neil: $5,000 a month, are you sure?

　　Feifei: Yes, am I right?

　　Neil: Well, Feifei you’re absolutely wrong, I’m pleased to say. According to the ILO, the average worker earns $1,480 a month.

　　Feifei: Wow, I was a bit generous there…

　　Neil: Yes, very out of character!

　　Feifei: Hmmm, that is a lot less than I was expecting… there’ll be a lot of people asking for pay rises then?

　　Neil: I suppose there will! Are you going to be one of them?

　　Feifei: You know me Neil…

　　Neil: Yes I do. Do you feel a role-play coming on?

　　Feifei: Do you know what - I think I do!

　　Neil: Can I be the boss?

　　Feifei: No, I think it’s actually my turn to be the boss.

　　Neil: Every time, every time… so, you are the boss?

　　Feifei: I am the boss! I don’t remember being the boss. Anyway let’s get on with the role-play: I’m the boss and you’re asking me for a pay rise. Ready?

　　Neil: Ready!

　　Role-play

　　Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

　　Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you?

　　Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise.

　　Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that?

　　Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think I should be rewarded.

　　Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of?

　　Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask.

　　Feifei: 5%... Hmm… Well, let me think about it and get back to you.

　　Neil: OK, thank you.

　　Feifei: Ooooh, you’re very persuasive⁵ Neil!

　　Neil: Haha! It’s all in the technique.

　　Feifei: Let’s ask Business Betty to tell us more. Are you there Betty?

　　Neil / FF: It’s Business Betty!

　　Neil: Ah Betty, wonderful to see you. Looking fantastic as ever, you’ve been on holiday?

　　BB: Thank you Neil. Yeah, lovely, Costa Brava, very nice.

　　Neil: With a destination like that, I am sure you earn a lot more than $1,480 a month, don’t you?

　　BB: Neil, Neil, Neil, you should really know that in British culture, it’s terribly impolite to ask people how much they earn.

　　Neil: Sorry Betty, yes, you’re quite right. I shouldn’t ask you that. But can I ask you to tell us how to ask for a pay rise?

　　BB: You most certainly can Neil. There are a few things to remember when you’re asking for a pay rise. First, make sure it’s a good time to ask.

　　Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

　　BB: Next, use verbs like ‘think’, ‘feel’ and ‘believe’. And use adverbs like ‘really’ for added emphasis⁶.

　　Neil: I think I should have a pay rise. I really believe that I’ve grown in the job.

　　BB: Give reasons why you should get a pay rise:

　　Neil: I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility lately. My last project was very successful.

　　BB: Be clear about what you want:

　　Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask.

　　BB: And always, always be polite.

　　Neil: OK, thank you, please. Thank you, please, please.

　　BB: So to sum up: if you’re asking for a pay rise, make sure it’s a good time, use phrases like ‘I really think’, give your reasons, say what you want and be polite! Anything else I can do for you?

　　Neil: No Betty. You’ve done more than enough already, thanks Betty.

　　BB: Then I’ll be on my way. Goodbye!

　　Neil / FF: Bye!

　　Neil: Full of good advice our Betty!

　　Neil: Let’s do the role-play again shall we?

　　Feifei: Shall we?

　　Role-play

　　Neil: Hi, are you free for a quick chat?

　　Feifei: Sure, What can I do for you?

　　Neil: OK. Well, it’s a bit difficult, but I think I should have a pay rise.

　　Feifei: OK and why do you feel like that?

　　Neil: Well, I’ve taken on a lot more responsibility recently and I really believe that I’ve grown in the job. My last project was very successful and I just think that should be rewarded.

　　Feifei: OK, well, what kind of rise are you thinking of?

　　Neil: Well, I think that 5% isn’t too much to ask.

　　Feifei: 5%... Hmm… Well I’ll think about it and get back to you.

　　Neil: OK, thank you.

　　Neil: Only 5%, that’s not much to ask, is it? Maybe I should have gone for 10%?

　　Feifei: Neil, we’ve finished the role-play.

　　Neil: 15%? Final offer.

　　Feifei: It’s done. No, I can’t give you a pay rise Neil, I am not your boss really. I’ll buy you a drink after work instead. Is that OK?

　　Neil: Champagne⁷?

　　Feifei: No, a drink - a pint⁸ of beer. Right, I think that brings us to the end of today’s programme. Neil?

　　Neil: Yes that’s all. Good luck to you at home if you’re asking for a pay rise anytime soon and join us again for more 6 Minute English.

　　Neil / FF: Bye!

1 episode   

n.（作品的一段）情节，插曲，系列事件中之一

参考例句：

• The episode was a huge embarrassment for all concerned.这段小插曲令所有有关人员都感到非常尴尬。
• This episode remains sharply engraved on my mind.这段经历至今仍深深地铭刻在我的心中。

2 organisation   

n.组织，安排，团体，有机休

参考例句：

• The method of his organisation work is worth commending.他的组织工作的方法值得称道。
• His application for membership of the organisation was rejected.他想要加入该组织的申请遭到了拒绝。

3 earnings   

n.工资收人；利润，利益，所得

参考例句：

• That old man lives on the earnings of his daughter.那个老人靠他女儿的收入维持生活。
• Last year there was a 20% decrease in his earnings.去年他的收入减少了20%。

4 monthly   

adj.每月的，持续一个月的，每月发生的；adv.每月，按月； n.月刊；(复数）monthlies:月经

参考例句：

• The rent on his apartment was his biggest monthly expense.他的房租是每个月最大的开支。
• The monthly rent is $15,inclusive of light and water.每月租金15美元，包括水电费在内。

5 persuasive   

adj.有说服力的，能说得使人相信的

参考例句：

• His arguments in favour of a new school are very persuasive.他赞成办一座新学校的理由很有说服力。
• The evidence was not really persuasive enough.证据并不是太有说服力。

6 emphasis   

n.强调，重点，重要性

参考例句：

• The emphasis has shifted markedly in recent years.最近几年重点已经明显改变了。
• Particular emphasis will be placed on oral language training.将会特别强调口语训练。

7 champagne   

n.香槟酒；微黄色

参考例句：

• There were two glasses of champagne on the tray.托盘里有两杯香槟酒。
• They sat there swilling champagne.他们坐在那里大喝香槟酒。

8 pint   

n.品脱

参考例句：

• I'll have a pint of beer and a packet of crisps, please.我要一品脱啤酒和一袋炸马铃薯片。
• In the old days you could get a pint of beer for a shilling.从前，花一先令就可以买到一品脱啤酒。