I never knew that our Marketing Director might be so light-headed. (The addressee has just made a sudden decision)
A.
I think to make such remarks is rather careless of you.
B.
Lightheadedness is not a vice.
C.
Yes, I am quick to make up my mind.
D.
I am not light-headed or careless, I assure you.
2.
Are you always that picky? (The addressee likes details to be precise).
A.
Absolutely! So don't hope life will be easy with me.
B.
Yes. I am attentive to figures.
C.
No. Only towards those who are not meticulous.
D.
That's just your opinion.
3.
I believe Marketing was not your speciality? (The addresse did not study marketing as a major).
A.
Are you saying I'm not professional enough?
B.
You are right. It was not my speciality.
C.
Was it yours?
D.
I understand marketing better than many a so-called specialist.
4.
You're taking too long to make up your mind. (The addressee is indeed taking his time to decide).
A.
Yes... You are right. I am still thinking.
B.
Last time it was you who took too long to decide.
C.
You make quick decisions, but are they always the best ones?
D.
I am not taking long. I am taking it seriously.
5.
While you are sitting on the fence, we will lose the opportunity! (There is such a risk, and the addressee understands that).
A.
Don't urge me!
B.
I will come to the decision at the best possible moment.
C.
If you act without thinking well, we'll lose everything.
D.
You're right, the decision is urgent.
6.
Why are you spending so much time with X and Z? What are you discussing? Do you have secrets? (The addressee is indeed discusiing with X and Z the idea of a start-up business).
A.
Oh yes!.. Locker room talk, you know...
B.
You might have misinterpreted something.
C.
Secret discussions sound more like you, don't they?
D.
You're right, we enjoy each other's company.
7.
Why the long face? (The addressee is not indeed happy with the way the conversation goes on).
A.
It's just my face...
B.
Unhappy? Not at all!
C.
Let me tell you you don't look joyful, either!
D.
In much wisdom is much grief...
8.
You haven't completed your degree yet, have you? (The addressee is finishing the last year at the University).
A.
Let's check, shall we?
B.
Life is the best university!
C.
Yes, I am still very young!
D.
Right. I haven't.
9.
They say you have problems with reporting. (The addressee hasn't met the deadline and is still working on the report).
A.
Yes. It all started with Emma: she was late with her data, and then it all snowballed...
B.
Maybe ... Don't you have problems?
C.
Yes, fancy that! Trust you to gloat over it!
D.
Yes, they say...
10.
They've chosen not to inform you at all. Looks like you're losing your position. (The addressee wasn't indeed informed od smt he had to be).
A.
Yes, looks like this time the information hasn't reached me.
B.
Not everyone has his private informants.
C.
You'd do better worrying about your own position!
D.
Thanks for letting me know.
11.
Are you leaving already? That early? (The addressee is indeed leaving the office earlier; however, it is not the manipulator job to monitor his working hours).
A.
Yes, I am leaving.
B.
Yes, I am leaving. Why?
C.
Yes, I am leaving. Do you have anything against?
D.
Yes, I have a doctor's appointment.
12.
You did it again! Sent your private email to the boss, didn't you? (That indeed has happened).
A.
Yes. Why are some people so happy when others fail?
B.
Yes. There was a system glitch.
C.
Yes. It's been a day full of adventures.
D.
Yes, you are very well informed.
13.
I never thought you could fail like that. (The addressee did have a failure).
A.
I didn't expect it myself.
B.
You call it a failure? It's another turn of events.
C.
It is a failure, but it is yours as well.
D.
Yes, things happen.
14.
Such a triumph! I could never expect it... (The addressee indeed succeeded).
A.
Yes, I didn't expect it myself.
B.
You call it a success? I was just lucky.
C.
Why, actually, couldn't you? I think I've always had the potential.
D.
I love to be unpredictable!
15.
Have you checked it all? So quickly? (The addressee has finished checking the data sooner than could be expected).
A.
Yes. Everything's fine.
B.
Yes. Why?
C.
Yes, I have. Don't you thing it's possible?
D.
Yes. I'm very busy, I can't waste any more time on it.
