初级商务英语口语辅导：工作之余

Lesson Seven工作之余 #

（after-work entertainments, choosing and developing topics of conversation）

Introducing topics/agendas

I’m glad to bump into you. I wanted to ask you about… #

While we’re on the subject…

#

I just wanted to mention…

#

You know you mention…? #

There were a couple of points I wanted to mention… #

The other point was…

There’s just one thing I wanted to say… #

Changing/ending a topic #

Anyway, let’s talk about something else. #

So, let’s leave that (for later).

#

Changing the subject for a moment…

#

By the way…

#

Talking of…

#

That reminds me… #

 Checking and clarifying

Do you see what I’m getting at? #

Is that clear?

Do you mean…? #

Are you saying…?

#

Let me see if I get it clear/correctly. Do you mean…? #

 Asking about hobbies and interests #

Do you have any hobbies and interests? #

What do you do in your spare/free time? #

 Expressing likes and dislikes

I like football. #

I love reading. #

I enjoy cooking. #

I adore Tom Cruise.

#

I’m interested in antiques collections, especially Chinese antique furniture.

#

I’m quite into golf. #

I’m crazy/mad about rock’n’roll. #

I fall for folk dance. #

John is enthusiastic about hiking.

#

I don’t like soccer.

I hate boxing.

 Expressing preferences #

I prefer jazz to pop.

#

I prefer staying at home to going out with him tonight.

I prefer to play badminton rather than play basketball.

#

Joe has a preference for European movies.

Of all kinds of music, I like R&B best. #

Classical music is my favorite music.

Hip Hop is my least favorite. #

As far as I am concerned, poetry reading is for the birds. #

For me, the best time is to sit back with a cold beer in my hand.

I’d rather take the bus home.

Sample Dialogue #

A: Have you watched any movie lately? #

B: Not really. I have been kept busy recently. #

A: That’s too bad. I went to watch the Red Dragon the other day. It’s really fantastic.

#

B: Red Dragon? I haven’t even heard about it. #

A: What are you? From the cave? It has been an instant hit after it was put on show in the theatre. #

B: Well, I told you I was busy. So what was it about?

A: It’s actually the prequel to The silence of the Lambs. In this one, the story of a former FBI agent Will Graham, who was nearly killed by Hannibal Lecter, is told, and it includes the initial capture of “the Cannibal”.

B: Really? I have watched The silence of the Lambs. It features Anthony Hopkins and Jodie Foster, right? #

A: You are right. But the new movie has a stronger cast, including young talents like Edward Norton and Ralph Fiennes. Of course, Anthony Hopkins stays and still plays Dr. Lecter.

#

B: It sounds really exciting. I should try to find some time to go