Episode 0042
Summary
A manager confronts an employee about significant delays in a press kit photo project. The employee details several reasons for the holdup, including issues with a photographer, a sick colleague, and lost files, but the manager dismisses these explanations and demands the project's immediate completion.
Transcript (Click timestamp to jump)
So, Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control.
I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos.
And the design team lost all the files. So I had to redo the pictures.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
Summary
This audio features an English learning podcast where hosts Marco and Erica discuss phrases and vocabulary related to project management and making excuses. The main segment includes a dialogue between Casey and her boss, where Casey requests an extension for a press kit due to unforeseen problems like a sick colleague and lost files. The podcast then breaks down key vocabulary such as 'deadline,' 'extension,' 'ran into,' and 'delayed,' providing examples and clarification. They also cover useful phrases like 'I've been meaning to' and 'beyond my control,' and 'put this off.' The hosts conclude by inviting listeners to share their own excuses and promoting the podcast's resources.
Transcript (Click timestamp to jump)
Hello English learners, welcome back to English Pod. My name is Marco.
Hello English learners, welcome back to English Pod. My name is Marco.
And I'm Erica.
And I'm Erica.
And today with Erica, we're bringing you a great lesson about time.
And today with Erica, we're bringing you a great lesson about time.
You need more of it.
You need more of it.
We need more time, right? So we're going to be teaching you how you can ask for more time.
We need more time, right? So we're going to be teaching you how you can ask for more time.
If you're working on a project at work and you can't finish it on time, you have to ask your boss for more time.
If you're working on a project at work and you can't finish it on time, you have to ask your boss for more time.
Right. So today in our dialogue, Casey needs more time to put together a press kit.
Right. So today in our dialogue, Casey needs more time to put together a press kit.
What's a press kit?
What's a press kit?
Good question. A press kit is something the marketing department will put together. Basically, pictures, logos, um, all information about the company. So when a newspaper or a magazine wants to write an article about them, so they have something already prepared that they could give the newspaper or magazine.
Good question. A press kit is something the marketing department will put together. Basically, pictures, logos, um, all information about the company. So when a newspaper or a magazine wants to write an article about them, so they have something already prepared that they could give the newspaper or magazine.
Okay.
Okay.
Okay. So let's listen to our dialogue for the first time. And as always, it's gonna be at a normal speed, so it might be a little bit difficult to understand.
Okay. So let's listen to our dialogue for the first time. And as always, it's gonna be at a normal speed, so it might be a little bit difficult to understand.
We'll come back in one minute and tell you about some of the key language.
We'll come back in one minute and tell you about some of the key language.
So Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
So Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos. And the design team lost all the files, so I had to redo the pictures.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos. And the design team lost all the files, so I had to redo the pictures.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
All right. So Casey is in trouble, I think.
All right. So Casey is in trouble, I think.
Yeah, I think her boss is pretty upset.
Yeah, I think her boss is pretty upset.
Well, let's take a look at some of the language that we saw in this dialogue in Language Takeaway.
Well, let's take a look at some of the language that we saw in this dialogue in Language Takeaway.
Language Takeaway.
Language Takeaway.
First word today is deadline.
First word today is deadline.
Deadline.
Deadline.
Deadline.
Deadline.
Deadline.
Deadline.
So Erica, what's a deadline?
So Erica, what's a deadline?
It is the last possible date to do something.
It is the last possible date to do something.
So for example, when we were in school, our teacher would send us homework and say it was for Friday.
So for example, when we were in school, our teacher would send us homework and say it was for Friday.
So the deadline was Friday.
So the deadline was Friday.
Was Friday. Right? Or when you're at work, you have projects that you have to finish by a certain date. That's your deadline.
Was Friday. Right? Or when you're at work, you have projects that you have to finish by a certain date. That's your deadline.
Exactly.
Exactly.
Okay, let's look at our next word. Extension.
Okay, let's look at our next word. Extension.
Extension.
Extension.
Extension.
Extension.
Extension.
Extension.
So extension and deadline go together, right?
So extension and deadline go together, right?
Exactly. If you can't reach your deadline or you can't make your deadline, you must ask for an extension.
Exactly. If you can't reach your deadline or you can't make your deadline, you must ask for an extension.
An extension. So you ask for more time.
An extension. So you ask for more time.
Yeah, an extension is moving the deadline in the future.
Yeah, an extension is moving the deadline in the future.
All right, interesting. Let's look at our next word. Ran into.
All right, interesting. Let's look at our next word. Ran into.
Ran into.
Ran into.
Ran into.
Ran into.
Ran into some problems.
Ran into some problems.
So we ran into some problems in this dialogue.
So we ran into some problems in this dialogue.
Let's listen to some more examples of run into, so we can understand the meaning.
Let's listen to some more examples of run into, so we can understand the meaning.
Example one.
Example one.
We ran into a storm on our way home.
We ran into a storm on our way home.
Example two.
Example two.
If you're not careful now, you're going to run into a lot of problems later.
If you're not careful now, you're going to run into a lot of problems later.
Example three.
Example three.
I ran into some trouble with my computer.
I ran into some trouble with my computer.
Okay, good example, so it's clear now.
Okay, good example, so it's clear now.
Right. If you run into problems, you meet some problems.
Right. If you run into problems, you meet some problems.
Right. Many students say it in that way, I met some problems.
Right. Many students say it in that way, I met some problems.
Yeah, but that's wrong.
Yeah, but that's wrong.
Right. So you would say I ran into some problems.
Right. So you would say I ran into some problems.
I met some problems is wrong, wrong, wrong.
I met some problems is wrong, wrong, wrong.
Okay, don't say met some problems.
Okay, don't say met some problems.
I ran into some problems.
I ran into some problems.
I ran into. Okay. And our last word for language takeaway, delayed.
I ran into. Okay. And our last word for language takeaway, delayed.
Delayed.
Delayed.
Delayed.
Delayed.
Delayed.
Delayed.
So when something is delayed, it's late.
So when something is delayed, it's late.
Late.
Late.
And the opposite is on time.
And the opposite is on time.
On time. Yeah.
On time. Yeah.
So your flight was delayed.
So your flight was delayed.
Or your flight was on time.
Or your flight was on time.
The project was delayed.
The project was delayed.
Or your project was on time.
Or your project was on time.
Clear.
Clear.
All right. So now let's go back to the dialogue. Let's listen to it again.
All right. So now let's go back to the dialogue. Let's listen to it again.
And this time, it'll be a little bit slower, so you can understand some of these phrases we just talked about.
And this time, it'll be a little bit slower, so you can understand some of these phrases we just talked about.
So Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
So Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos. And the design team lost all the files, so I had to redo the pictures.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos. And the design team lost all the files, so I had to redo the pictures.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
Okay, so there were some really useful phrases that we saw in this dialogue.
Okay, so there were some really useful phrases that we saw in this dialogue.
Yeah, some wonderful phrases that you can use when you want to ask for more time.
Yeah, some wonderful phrases that you can use when you want to ask for more time.
Okay, so let's look at these phrases in Fluency Builder.
Okay, so let's look at these phrases in Fluency Builder.
Fluency Builder.
Fluency Builder.
All right, what's our first phrase?
All right, what's our first phrase?
I've been meaning to talk to you.
I've been meaning to talk to you.
I've been meaning to.
I've been meaning to.
I've been meaning to.
I've been meaning to.
Okay, we have some really great examples of how you can combine I've been meaning to with different verbs.
Okay, we have some really great examples of how you can combine I've been meaning to with different verbs.
Yeah, let's listen.
Yeah, let's listen.
Example one.
Example one.
I'm sorry I haven't called you yet. I've been meaning to, but I've been busy.
I'm sorry I haven't called you yet. I've been meaning to, but I've been busy.
Example two.
Example two.
I've been meaning to tell you, but John quit yesterday.
I've been meaning to tell you, but John quit yesterday.
Example three.
Example three.
I've been meaning to see that film for a while.
I've been meaning to see that film for a while.
I've been meaning to go to that restaurant, but I haven't had time.
I've been meaning to go to that restaurant, but I haven't had time.
So you've been wanting to for a long time.
So you've been wanting to for a long time.
Right. I've been thinking about it, I've been planning to do it.
Right. I've been thinking about it, I've been planning to do it.
But you just haven't done it.
But you just haven't done it.
I haven't done it. Maybe because I haven't had time or money.
I haven't done it. Maybe because I haven't had time or money.
Okay.
Okay.
Good phrase.
Good phrase.
Our next phrase is beyond my control.
Our next phrase is beyond my control.
Beyond my control.
Beyond my control.
It's beyond my control.
It's beyond my control.
So it means that I can't control it.
So it means that I can't control it.
You can't do anything about it.
You can't do anything about it.
Can't do anything about it. The weather is beyond my control.
Can't do anything about it. The weather is beyond my control.
Right. Or relate with this project because Jane was sick for one month. It was beyond my control.
Right. Or relate with this project because Jane was sick for one month. It was beyond my control.
Okay, it wasn't your fault.
Okay, it wasn't your fault.
No.
No.
Okay.
Okay.
And our last phrase for Fluency Builder. Put this off.
And our last phrase for Fluency Builder. Put this off.
Put this off.
Put this off.
Put this off.
Put this off.
Put this off.
Put this off.
So let's listen to some more examples of put this off before we explain the meaning.
So let's listen to some more examples of put this off before we explain the meaning.
Example one.
Example one.
I've been putting off this project for a week, and it's due tomorrow.
I've been putting off this project for a week, and it's due tomorrow.
Example two.
Example two.
Can we put off our meeting till next week? I'm too busy right now.
Can we put off our meeting till next week? I'm too busy right now.
Example three.
Example three.
I've been putting off my email all day, and now I have 50 messages to respond to.
I've been putting off my email all day, and now I have 50 messages to respond to.
So Marco, when you put something off, you...
So Marco, when you put something off, you...
Leave it for later.
Leave it for later.
Okay.
Okay.
Right? So maybe I have to write a report today, but I'm going to put it off till tomorrow. So you're going to do it tomorrow.
Right? So maybe I have to write a report today, but I'm going to put it off till tomorrow. So you're going to do it tomorrow.
You're going to do it tomorrow.
You're going to do it tomorrow.
I'll do it tomorrow. Okay, so we've seen some really great words and some really good phrases. So now let's listen to our dialogue for the last time.
I'll do it tomorrow. Okay, so we've seen some really great words and some really good phrases. So now let's listen to our dialogue for the last time.
And then we'll come back and talk some more.
And then we'll come back and talk some more.
So Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
So Casey, how are things going with the photos for the press kit?
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
Yeah, I've been meaning to talk to you about that. I might need to ask for an extension on that deadline.
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
You've had over a month to get this finalized. Why are things delayed?
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
Well, the thing is, we ran into a lot of problems.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I'm not looking for excuses here. I just want to get this finished on time.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos. And the design team lost all the files, so I had to redo the pictures.
I know, and I apologize for the delay. But some things were just beyond my control. I had trouble booking the photographer, and then Michael was sick for three weeks. So I couldn't include him in the photos. And the design team lost all the files, so I had to redo the pictures.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
I'm not going to put this off any longer, Casey. I want those photos ASAP.
Well, Marco, do you think that Casey's reasons for being late are good?
Well, Marco, do you think that Casey's reasons for being late are good?
I think so, because it wasn't really her fault, the whole situation with the photographer and then one of her coworkers was sick for three weeks.
I think so, because it wasn't really her fault, the whole situation with the photographer and then one of her coworkers was sick for three weeks.
Yeah.
Yeah.
It's not really her fault, right?
It's not really her fault, right?
Right, but maybe the boss thinks that she's making excuses.
Right, but maybe the boss thinks that she's making excuses.
Yeah, maybe she's making excuses. That's really common. Like, for example, when we were kids, you would say, 'Oh, you know, my dog ate my homework.'
Yeah, maybe she's making excuses. That's really common. Like, for example, when we were kids, you would say, 'Oh, you know, my dog ate my homework.'
Right, but that really happened to me once.
Right, but that really happened to me once.
Your dog ate your homework?
Your dog ate your homework?
My cat ate my homework.
My cat ate my homework.
Your cat ate your homework? And what did your teacher say?
Your cat ate your homework? And what did your teacher say?
Well, actually, I was a really good student, so my teacher believed me.
Well, actually, I was a really good student, so my teacher believed me.
Well, my teacher wouldn't have believed me. Really? No, no, she would have, uh, she would have called my parents most likely.
Well, my teacher wouldn't have believed me. Really? No, no, she would have, uh, she would have called my parents most likely.
Well, my cat really did eat my homework, and I just left it on the table and it chewed it all up.
Well, my cat really did eat my homework, and I just left it on the table and it chewed it all up.
That's weird. Why would your cat do that?
That's weird. Why would your cat do that?
I don't know.
I don't know.
A lot of weird excuses out there, I was abducted by aliens. My mom accidentally mailed my homework to Africa. Really?
A lot of weird excuses out there, I was abducted by aliens. My mom accidentally mailed my homework to Africa. Really?
Really?
Really?
That's happened to you? Creative writing, creative excuses.
That's happened to you? Creative writing, creative excuses.
Well, I want to hear from our listeners. I want to know what excuses they've used for being late with something.
Well, I want to hear from our listeners. I want to know what excuses they've used for being late with something.
So send us your excuses, send us your comments and questions, go to our website at Englishpod.com, where Erica and I are always there to answer your questions.
So send us your excuses, send us your comments and questions, go to our website at Englishpod.com, where Erica and I are always there to answer your questions.
That's right, Marco, and this is an elementary lesson, right?
That's right, Marco, and this is an elementary lesson, right?
Exactly. But we also have intermediate and upper intermediate and advanced lessons for you more fluent English speakers.
Exactly. But we also have intermediate and upper intermediate and advanced lessons for you more fluent English speakers.
Exactly. So if you're listening to us on iTunes, be sure to visit our website and come see what else we have to offer.
Exactly. So if you're listening to us on iTunes, be sure to visit our website and come see what else we have to offer.
Well, I think we're out of time, but until next time, it's goodbye.
Well, I think we're out of time, but until next time, it's goodbye.
Goodbye.
Goodbye.
Summary
This audio is an English vocabulary review, presented as a call-and-response exercise. Speaker 1 provides definitions or instructions, and Speaker 2 responds with the corresponding vocabulary word. The exercise includes individual words, definitions, and then progresses to using the words in example sentences, reinforcing learning. The final part reiterates some of the vocabulary words and their usage in sentences.
Transcript (Click timestamp to jump)
The English pod audio review.
Listen to the meaning, then say the vocabulary word.
Group of photos, documents, articles and information about a company, given to reporters, newspapers, magazines, etc.
Press kit.
Intend, plan to do something.
I've been meaning to.
Make a deadline longer. Extra time to do something.
Extension.
The date when something must be finished.
Finish, decide all the details.
Finalize.
Late.
Delay.
Meet or encounter.
Run into.
Not able to control something.
Beyond someone's control.
Plan to do something later.
Put something off.
Let's try that faster.
Meet or encounter.
Run into.
Not able to control something.
Beyond someone's control.
Meet or encounter.
Run into.
Finish, decide all the details.
Finalize.
Not able to control something.
Beyond someone's control.
Meet or encounter.
Run into.
Not able to control something.
Beyond someone's control.
Plan to do something later.
Put something off.
Meet or encounter.
Run into.
The date when something must be finished.
Make a deadline longer. Extra time to do something.
Extension.
Plan to do something later.
Put something off.
Make a deadline longer. Extra time to do something.
Extension.
Group of photos, documents, articles and information about a company, given to reporters, newspapers, magazines, etc.
Press kit.
Not able to control something.
Beyond someone's control.
Make a deadline longer. Extra time to do something.
Extension.
Late.
Delay.
Plan to do something later.
Put something off.
The date when something must be finished.
Now say the word and hear it in a sentence.
Press kit.
Our company press kit includes a CD with the list of our products.
I've been meaning to.
I'm sorry I haven't called you yet. I've been meaning to, but I've been busy.
Extension.
This project is due on Thursday, but I'll ask for an extension and finish it on Monday.
Beyond my control.
There is nothing I can do about this weather. It's beyond my control.
Put something off.
You always put things off till the last minute.
I've been meaning to.
I'm sorry I haven't called you yet. I've been meaning to, but I've been busy.
Extension.
This project is due on Thursday, but I'll ask for an extension and finish it on Monday.
Put something off.
You always put things off till the last minute.