(M) I understand you’ve opened a branch office in Jakarta. How‘s it going?

(W) Quite well. It was hard at first, and we’ve had some challenges with translating documents, but the manager has just hired some excellent local employees.

(M) I wonder if you’d give us some tips; we’re considering expanding in to Malaysia?

(M) I’d be delighted. Why don’t you give my secretary a call, and we can set up a meeting.

(W) I’d like to fly from El Paso, Texas, to New York, leaving on the 12th and returning the 19th.

(M) I’m sorry, ma’am. All flights are booked for the 12th. Can you go another day? We have seats available on the 11th and on the 13th.

(W) Well, not the 11th, but I guess the 13 would be OK if that’s all you have left. And could I have an aisle seat?

(M) I’ve just come out of a planning meeting. The manager says we have to cut overhead costs. He wants to cut the budget by $25,000.

(W) What? I don’t see how we can possible do that. We’re already operating on a really tight budget.

(M) I know, but I wonder if we can eliminate one position. Who on the staff is dispensable?

(W) Well, I don’t envy you having to make that decision.