WEEK 12 : Section1~3
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1.) Meeting Roleplay: Controlling the Discussion in Meetings + Evaluating Options (Student 5 Leading)
Meeting Roleplay 3: Evaluating Social Responsibility Initiatives
Background: Our cosmetics company has faced criticism for environmental harm and insufficient community support. Critics claim that we generate excessive waste and pollution, and our contributions to local projects are inadequate. We intend to improve our public image by adopting more socially responsible practices. We have identified four potential initiatives:
Develop a Sustainable Sourcing Policy:
Commit to obtaining raw materials from environmentally conscious suppliers.
Launch a Recycling Program:
Encourage customers to return used containers in exchange for discounts or other incentives.
Fund Local Community Programs:
Allocate a portion of our profits to support educational and skills-training initiatives for young people in our operating regions.
Create an Employee Volunteer Program:
Allow staff to take paid time off for participation in local community projects.
Goal: Select two of these strategies to implement immediately in order to strengthen our company’s reputation and demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility.
*Evaluating Options Roleplay Steps (English)
Think for 3 minutes about which two plans you prefer.
Type your choices in the chat box and give a short reason.
For example:
Recycling Program: reduces waste
Employee Volunteer Program: helps local communities
Look at everyone’s choices and read their reasons.
You have 2 minutes to think about the weak points (problems) of each choice in the chat box. Also, think again about your own choices. (You can prefer more than two if you’re unsure.)
Start the meeting roleplay.
During the roleplay, discuss and compare these options.
If you do not like any option, you can suggest new ideas at any time.
評価オプション・ロールプレイの手順 (Japanese)
3分間考えて、どの2つのプランを選ぶか決めましょう。
チャットボックスに自分の選択を書き、簡単な理由を述べてください。
例：
リサイクルプログラム： 廃棄物を減らせる
従業員ボランティアプログラム： 地域社会の支援につながる
みんなの選択肢を読み、その理由を理解しましょう。
2分間、各プランの弱い点（問題）を考え、自分の選択肢をもう一度考え直しましょう。（迷う場合は2つ以上でも大丈夫です。）
ミーティング・ロールプレイを始めましょう。
ロールプレイでは、これらのプランについて話し合い、比較しましょう。
もしどのプランも気に入らない場合は、いつでも新しいアイデアを提案してかまいません。
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
We’re here today to address (topic of the meeting).
We need to discuss (topic of the meeting) in detail.
Keeping to the Right Subject
Let’s stay focused on the main topic.
Could we revisit that point later?
Changing the Subject
I believe we’ve fully explored this point.
Shall we move on to the next agenda item?
Concluding and Summarizing
I believe that covers everything.
I’ll follow up with a summary via email.
Thank you all for attending. Goodbye.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
EVALUATING OPTIONS
Saying Why an Idea is Good
A key advantage of this approach is that…
Another significant benefit is that…
I’m particularly drawn to the idea that…
(Idea) is appealing because…
(Idea) is a promising option because…
(Idea) is an excellent solution due to…
Describing Weak Points
One potential drawback is that…
Another concern is…
One issue that stands out is…
Another point to consider is…
I’m not entirely convinced that…
I think (idea) might be too…
Stating a Preference
I’d prefer to (action) because…
I believe (idea) is the better choice because…
I’d lean towards (idea) because…
I’d opt for (idea) because…
(Idea A) is a stronger choice compared to (Idea B).
(Idea A) is more suitable than (Idea B).
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2.) Business Discussion: Business Travel
Vocabulary List
Itinerary – A detailed plan or schedule for a trip, including meetings, travel times, and activities.
Travel Budget – A financial plan outlining the costs for transportation, accommodation, meals, and other travel-related expenses.
Conference Call – A phone or online meeting allowing participants from different locations to communicate and discuss business matters.
Expense Report – A document submitted to record money spent during business travel, often used for reimbursement.
Travel Reimbursement – The process by which a company repays an employee for expenses incurred during business travel.
Jet Lag – A feeling of tiredness and disorientation after long flights across multiple time zones.
Liaison – A person who acts as a point of contact between two organizations or groups, ensuring smooth communication.
Visa – An official document or stamp in a passport allowing someone to enter, leave, or stay in a country for a specific purpose, often required for international business travel.
Perks – Additional benefits provided to employees, such as frequent flyer miles or airport lounge access, as part of their business travel experience.
Client Meeting – A formal or informal business meeting with current or potential clients to discuss opportunities, services, or projects.
Business Travel Article
Business travel is often essential for meeting clients, attending conferences, and exploring new market opportunities. Proper planning, including a clear itinerary and travel budget, is crucial for a successful trip. While jet lag can pose a challenge, many companies offer perks such as access to airport lounges or travel reimbursement to make the experience more manageable. Conference calls can handle many tasks remotely, but in-person client meetings are often more effective for building relationships. Business travelers must also manage visas and prepare expense reports to ensure they are reimbursed for travel-related costs.
Discussion Questions
How do you prepare for business travel, and what do you think is essential for your itinerary?
Have you ever submitted an expense report after a business trip? What challenges did you encounter?
How do you cope with jet lag, especially on long business trips?
Do you think in-person meetings are more effective than virtual meetings? Why or why not?
What do you think are the best perks or benefits for frequent business travelers?
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3.) Casual Discussion: Any Topic from Group
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