070_Project Progress Update

070_Project Progress Update

If we get a phone call or other interruption during a conversation, how should we return to the conversation?

Kevin:

Hello and welcome to Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin Podcasting Episode 70. My name is Kevin Jones. In this business edition of the podcast we will look at phrases for asking for a project update.
FIrst let’s listen to this conversation between a vice-president of marketing and two of his managers. They are discussing a software marketing project.

Manager:

Thanks for coming today. I’d like to get up to date on the Blue Cloud software project. Kenji, How are things going?

Mr. Hayashi:

So far so good. Overall we are on track to finish by our target date.

Manager:

Good. What’s happening with selecting a marketing company for the product debut, Mr. Goto?

Mr. Goto:

We’ve held meetings with 5 possible marketing agencies but we haven’t made a decision yet. We still have 2 more companies to interview.

Manager:

When do you think you’ll arrive at a decision?

Mr. Goto:

We should have a final decision by the end of the week.

Manager:

OK. That’ll be fine. Now, where are we with the package design?

Mr. Hayashi:

We’ve finished the package design but we are still working on the in-store displays.

Manager:

Good, and what about the press conference? Have we reserved a large hall yet?

Goto:

Yes, we’ve already reserved the ballroom at the Tokyo Pacific Hotel.

Manager:

OK sounds good. We are on schedule for the product launch. To recap, We haven’t chosen a marketing company yet, but we should have one by the end of the week. We’ve finished the package design but we are still working on in-store displays and we are ready for the press conference.

Mr. Hayashi:

Yeah that’s it.

Manager:

Good work everybody. Let’s meet again on Friday afternoon for another update.

Kevin:

in this conversation the manger used several standard phrases used when asking for an update. Phrases like ….

Manager:

How are things going?

Kevin:

This phrase is also used casually as a greeting between friends, but in a business situation it is used to ask for an update for a project.

Manager:

How are things going with the Blue Cloud project?

Kevin:

The next phrase has the same meaning …. What’s happening with.

Manager:

What’s happening with the Blue Cloud Project?

Kevin:

Now you try. How would you ask for an update about the Red Hat project.

Manager:

What’s happening with the Red Hat Project? How are things going with the Red Hat Project?

Kevin:

Did you notice how Mr. Hayashi responded? He said “So far, so good”. This means that progress has been satisfactory up to now. This is a very common phrase. So now you give it a try. I’ll ask you two questions and when you hear the tone, you respond with So far, so good.

How is the project going?
________________

What’s happening with the Red Hat Project?
________________

Kevin:

Good. Did you catch the Managers next phrase for asking for an update? it was “Where are we with …

Manager:

Where are we with.

Kevin:

Use this phrase plus the project name. Now you ask me about the Red Hat project using this phrase.
_______________________

Kevin:

That’s right. Where are we with the Red Hat Project? Next, let’s look at another phrase for responding. This phrase is “everything’s on track” If something is on track, it is moving towards success. I’ll ask you for an update, and you respond with “everything’s on track”

How are things going with the Blue Cloud Project?
Everything’s on track.
That’s good. Let’s try it again.
How are things going with the Blue Cloud Project?
___________________.
Good. These phrases are great for requesting an update, and responding to questions.
That’s all the time we have for this podcast. You can find a transcript for this podcast and listen to past episodes at www.nichibei.ac.jp . And be sure to check out the classes for the next term at Nichibei. We have classes in business, conversation, TOEIC, art and history and others. Find out why Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin is a great place to build you future. Join us again for podcast 71 when we will learn how to delegate, accept and decline a task.
This podcast is a production of Nichibei Kaiwa Gakuin.