Handbook ESP for Secretary

The secretary is a professional - not only because of the knowledge and preparation necessary for the job but also because being a professional implies. Competence, pride in one's work, and a dedication to excellence. The secretary is a professional with each of these qualities. Moreover, the secretary is an important member of the management team, responsible not only for carrying out the executives wishes but also for helping to maintain a well-organized and efficient office. The secretary of today is still an employee who is privy to confidential information. The word “secretary” is from Latin (secretaries) meaning "confidential employee” The job has not

changed. However, the tools of the trade have changed over, the years. Office automation and machine dictation have revolutionized the type of work that the secretary does, and changes are expected to continue. The changes that will take place in the future are impossible to predict, but the professional secretary-also sometimes known as the administrative assistant, administrative secretary, private secretary or several other titles-will be able to learn and adapt to each new challenging environment. Secretaries are professionals with career goals. Specialized training is a matter of professional survival in a world where the methods of handling information are changing rapidly. The secretary will be increasingly involved with office automation and needs to be familiar with the concept and the technology. The responsibilities of the secretary are multifunctional: typing/ keyboarding; transcribing; processing mail; telephoning; scheduling appointments; greeting visitors; composing and editing documents; researching; coordinating meetings, conference and teleconferences; making travel arrangements; and organizing time and work. Another important qualification is appearance. It includes poise, dress, posture, smile and cleanliness. A secretary may easily pass the appearance test successfully if the impression she makes is that she is intelligent, neat, appropriately dressed, pleasant, and well-mannered, A secretary must also have a good character; be honest, reliable, trust worthy, possess moral excellence and firmness. A secretary must dress suitably. The dress must be in tune with the environment. Attractive, colorful suits will reveal the charm and good taste of the wearer. Cosmetics should be applied lightly and should enhance the wearer's appearance. The secretary who wishes to advance in her profession or who desire to be promoted to administrative work should have a college education. She should also attend special courses in electronic typing, shorthand, computer systems and master foreign languages. One of them is

confidence, wide intellectual experience, an expanded vocabulary, supports the individual in her career goals. The personal assistant or private secretary of an executive deals with all his or her correspondence. She may be concerned with any aspect of the business of the company, but there are certain types of letters that are particularly in the province of secretaries, such as the making of appointments and travel arrangements, the writing of letters of introduction, congratulation or condolence, and invitations and replies to invitations. A secretary may also be called upon to help in the organization of meetings and conferences and the entertainment of visiting suppliers, customers and other associates of the firm.

confidence, wide intellectual experience, an expanded vocabulary, supports the individual in her career goals. The personal assistant or private secretary of an executive deals with all his or her correspondence. She may be concerned with any aspect of the business of the company, but there are certain types of letters that are particularly in the province of secretaries, such as the making of appointments and travel arrangements, the writing of letters of introduction, congratulation or condolence, and invitations and replies to invitations. A secretary may also be called upon to help in the organization of meetings and conferences and the entertainment of visiting suppliers, customers and other associates of the firm.

Generally speaking, personal qualifications are qualities that become apparent during a personal interview; referees usually

stress personal qualities

in their

letters of

recommendation, usually favorable ones. One of such personal qualifications is appearance, which is especially important when coming for an interview for a new position. Appearance includes poise, dress, posture, smile and cleanliness. A secretary may easily pass the appearance test successfully if the impression she makes is that she is intelligent, neat, appropriately dressed, pleasant and well mannered. She must also have a good character; be honest, reliable, and trustworthy, possess moral excellence and firmness, a secretary must dress suitably. The dress must be in tune with the environment. Attractive, colorful suits will reveal the charm and good taste of the wearer. Cosmetics should, be applied lightly and should enhance the wearer's appearance. A college education plus the companion elements of self confidence, wide intellectual experience and mastering foreign languages and computer systems/ high technology are very required for all companies. For that reason the qualifications of secretary in Millennium Era do not only have good, personality (performance and, communication skills) but also skills and knowledge such as managing files (data are useful information), managing visitors (telephone for superior), managing life for superior and managing agenda for superior.

A. READING

a. Obstacle words:

-

Colourful suits

= pakaian yang berwarna-warna

-

To reveal

= memperlihatkan memperlihatkan

-

To be in tune with

= selaras dengan

-

Qualification

= kualifikasi

-

To assess

= menilai

-

Apparent

= terlihat ; terbukti

[English For Secretary]

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-

Poise

= kestabilan ; stabil

-

Posture

= cara berdiri

-

Impression

= kesan

-

To enhance

= menambah ; mempertinggi

b. Passage: Generally speaking, personal qualifications are qualities that become apparent during a personal interview; referees usually stress personal qualities in their letters recommendation, usually favorable ones. One of such personal qualifications is appearance, which is especially important when coming for an interview for a new position. Appearance includes poise, dress, posture, smile, and cleanliness. A secretary may easily pass the appearance test successfully if the impression she makes is that she is intelligent, neat, appropriately dressed, pleasant, and well-mannered She must also have a good character; be honest, reliable, trustworthy, possess moral excellence and firmness. A secretary must dress suitably. The dress must be in tune with environment. For example, it is ridiculous to dress too formally when coming to the office. Attractive, colorful suits will reveal the charm and good taste of the wearer. Cosmetics should be applied lightly and should enhance the wearer’s appearance. The

carefully dressed secretary should always stand before a full-length mirror first to assess her appearance. The secretary who wishes to advance in her profession or who desires to be promoted to administrative work should have college education. She should also attend special courses in electronic typing, shorthand, computer s ystems, and of course in English because English is the most widely-used language of business. The selleducated, well-informed secretary will be comfortable in her association with well educated and well-informed superiors for whom she works. A college education, plus the companion elements of self-confidence, wide intellectual experience, and expanded vocabulary, supports the individual in her career goals. High school graduation is a start, but education beyond high school is helpful for those who wish to excel. Education itself is a shortcut to experience. [English For Secretary]

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c. Vocabulary from the passage: appearance

= penampilan

referee

= pemberi surat keterangan

letter of reference

= surat keterangan

character

= watak

personality

= kepribadian

cleanliness

= kebersihan

neat

= rapi

well-mannered

= berkelakuan baik ; sopan santun

honest

= jujur

reliable

= dapat diandalkan ; dipercaya

trustworthy

= dapat dipercaya

in tune with

= senada ,artinya sesuai dengan

reveal

= memperlihatkan

desire

= keinginan

self-confidence

= kepercayaan pada diri sendiri

expand

= menambah ; memperluas

to excel

= melebihi (yang lain)

shortcut

= jalan pendek/lintas

ridiculous

= menggelikan ; menimbulkan tertawa ; aneh

to advance

= maju ; dapat kemajuan

to promote (v)

= menaikkan pangkat

d. Comprehension Questions: 1. What are the personal qualifications of a good secretary? 2. How can we know the personal qualifications of a person? 3. A secretary must have a good appearance. On what occasions must she show a good appearance? 4. What things are included in “appearance”? 5. Besides her appearance, what other characteristics must she also have?


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e. Discussion Points: 1. A secretary must be attractive and if possible charming. What do you think of this? 2. If you are a secretary and you want to advance in your profession, what kind of special courses do you need to take? Give reasons why each course you mention is important.

B. VOCABULARY ON PERSONALITY

- person (n)

= orang,individu

synonym: individual, human being, somebody, someone

- personality (n)

= kepribadian

example: individuals who have a well developed personality will usually get along well with people they come in contact with (= dengan siapa mereka berhubungan) synonym: individuality

= kekhasan

example: the Director always takes into consideration (= mem-perhatikan) a person’s individuality

-

attitude

= sikap

example: his attitude towards strangers is sometimes quite peculiar (=aneh)

c. Exercise II From the list of words below, choose the one that best to complete the blanks in the following sentences. Personality [English For Secretary]

individual

traits Page 6

Behavior

conscious

environment

Stimulate

mature

emotions

Adjusting

internalize

psychology

1. Internal conflicts may arise in a person when he has difficulty in ………..to pressures. 2. He was ………… of the fact that he had not been able to complete his task satisfactorily. 3. Consistency of ………… shows that a person has a stable sort of character and is well-adjusted to his environment. 4. The major emphasis in psychological research is on human ……………. Its description and interpretation. 5. In order to be helpful to his students, the teacher should remember that ………………. Differences in student’s ability must not be overlooked in the

classroom. 6. He doesn’t show any peculiar …………… in his character. 7. She is very interested in this book on………………….. because she is planning to study counseling and guidance. 8. This intelligent child lives in a social ………………….. that is very condusive to her (=menguntungkan) mental development. 9. I don’t think that at the age of sixteen she is …………………. e nough to decide on becoming a nurse. 10. We should ……………… these young employees to set high goa ls in their career.


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A. READING a. Obstacle words:

-

Confidential

= rahasia

-

Privy (to)

= menguasai

-

Carrying out

= melaksanakan

-

To imply

= memberikan

-

To possess

= memiliki

-

Pride

= kebanggaan

b. Reading comprehension

The word secretary comes from the Latin secretaries, meaning “confidential em ployee”. The secretary today is still an employee who is privy to confidential information,. In that respect, the job of a secretary has not changed. However, the tools of the trade have changed over the years. The secretary is a professional- not only because the knowledge and preparation necessary for the job but also because being a professional. Implies competence, pride in one’s work, and a dedication to excellence. The secretary is a professional with each of these

qualities. Moreover, the secretary is an important member of the management team responsible not only for carrying out the executive’s wishes but also for helping to maintain a

well-organized and efficient office. Professional Secretaries International (SPI) fosters an awareness of professional pride and the maintenance of high standards by promulgating the following definition: “A secretary shall be defined as an executive assistant who possesses a mastery of

office skills, demonstrates the ability to assume responsibility without direct supervision, exercises initiative and judgment, and makes decisions within the scope of assigned authority.”


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Office automation and machine dictation have revolutionized the type of work that the secretary does, and changers are expected to continue. The changes that will take in the future are impossible to predict, but the professional secretary-also known as the administrative secretary, private secretary, or several other titles- will be able to learn and adapt to each new challenging environment.

c. Comprehension questions

1. What is secretary? 2. What skills and qualifications should a secretary have? 3. Are the changes of the secretary’s type work in the future predictable? 4. What does a secretary have to do in anticipating the changes that will take place in the future?

d. Vocabulary from the passage

-

To maintain

= mempertahankan

-

Dedication

= dedikasi

-

Excellence (n)

=kebaikan

-

Excellent (adj)

= sangat baik

-

Judgement

= penilaian

-

Assigned authority

= wewenang yang dilimpahkan

-

To predict

= meramalkan

-

Challenging

= menantang

-

To adapt (to)

= menyesuaikan/beradaptasi

-

Environment

= lingkungan

-

Toll road/express way

= bayar

e. Exercise

Fill in the blanks with the correct words given between brackets. Demonstrate

excellence

responsible

Pride

carrying out

confidential

Possess

automated

predict


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Adapt

challenging

environment

Authority

assume

equipment

1. Word processing is the ……………. Production of documents and correspondence using electronic equipment for preparation, editing, storage, reproduction, and sometimes distribution. 2. A secretary is not only ………………… for …………………… the executive’s wishes but also for helping maintaining a well-organized and

efficient office. 3. It is important that a secretary …………………….. the skills in keyboarding, shorthand, filing, office procedures and know ledge of word processing systems and equipment. 4. A professional secretary should …………………… the ability assumes responsibility without being supervised directly. 5. All ………………….. letters and documents are handled professionally. 6. Are you able to ……………… to e new ………………….. environment? 7. Impress your boss. Always strive for …………………….. 8. Susan’s manager always takes …………………. In her good work. 9. As a member of the management team Lina, also makes decisions within the scope of …………………. Authority.

10. Today’s secretary has a wide range of ………………………. To make the job easier – from electronic type writers to voice mail.


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4.1 BASIC TENSES 4.1.1 SENTENCE

A sentence is group of words having, at least, one subject and one verb (predicate); and also, indicating one complete thought. Actually there are many kinds of sentences in English, however, only two kinds of sentences are presented in this chapter. The two kinds are seen from the points of view of structure and function because they are very practical in the usages of English. The elaboration of the two kinds can be seen in the following diagram: Sentence (S): a. Structure 1. Simple sentence (kalimat sederhana) 2. Compound sentence ( majemuk rapatan) 3. Complex sentence (majemuk bertingkat) 4. Compound-complex (rapatan + bertingkat) b. Function 1. Declarative sentence (kalimat berita) 2. Interrogative sentence (kalimat Tanya) 3. Imperative sentence (kalimat perintah) 4. Exclamatory sentence (kalimat seru)

The following is the elaboration of the diagram, see the indicated number! Structure 1. Simple sentence The sentence has only one verb and it is a main clause. e.g. : Birds fly in the sky I arrive at school on time


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2. Compound sentence The sentence has more than one verb (main clause) and connected to the other main clause by applying the so called conjunctions/ connectives such as: but, and so, because, before, after, as soon as, unless, there for, even though, so that, if, etc. e.g. : John is happy but Jane is sad

3. Complex sentence The sentence has one main clause and sub-clause(s) and they (the clause) are related by applying the so-called relative pronoun, such as: who, whom, which, and whose. e.g. : Bill who speakers English well is the best student The book which I bought was published in 2002

4. Compound-complex The sentence is the combined sentence between the compound and complex sentences in which case the conjunction and relative pronouns can be detected. e.g. : I just visited Bill who was in the hospital three days ago and brought him a bunch of flowers.

Function

1. Declarative sentence The sentence is a statement which can be positive or negative. e.g. : John is happy (+) John isn’t happy (-)

John comes late (+) John doesn’t come late (-)

2. Interrogative sentence


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The sentence is a question beginning with an auxiliaries such as : is, am, are, was, were, do, does, did, shall, will, can, may ,must, etc: or/and beginning with a questionword, such as : what, who, which, whose, how, where, and, when. The former one is called “yes- no question” and later is “question-word question”. The question can be

negative or positive. e.g. : Are you a student? (+) Do you speak English? (+) Can you swim? (+) Aren’t you a student? (-) Don’t you speak English? (-) Can’t you swim? (-)

Who speak English? (+) Who doesn’t speak English? (-)

3. Imperative sentence The sentence can be a command, a request, and an offer. It can be positive or negative. The negative command is called “prohibition”. Sometimes the word “please” is used

to indicate politeness in command and request. a. “Positive command” always with simple present tense verb. e.g. : Sit down! (+) Sit down, please! (+) + (politeness) Be quite! (+) Be quite, please! (+) + (politeness) b. “Negative command” always begins with the wo rd “don’t”. e.g. : Don’t sit down! (-) Don’t sit down, please! (-) + (politeness) Don’t be quite! (-) Don’t be quite, please! (-) + (politeness)


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c. “Request” begins with “would” or “could” followed by “you”, and by other expressions. e.g. : Would you open the window, please? Could you open the window, please? Would you mind opening the these window? Would you be so kind as to open the window? d. “Offer” begins with “shall”. e.g. : Shall I carry the bag for you? Shall I bring you some tea now?

4. Exclamatory sentence The sentence begins with “what” or “how”.

e.g. : What beautiful hair she has! How beautiful her hair is! What beautiful fingers she has! How beautiful her fingers are!

Identify the following sentences by referring to the indicated members in the diagram! 1. John always comes late. 2. John is rich but Jane is poor. 3. The man who is tall lives next door to me. 4. The girl whose car is red can speak English. 5. Does your father speak English? 6. My friend is a salesman. 7. Could you help me for a minute? 8. What a handsome young man he is! 9. How late you come to the party yesterday! [English For Secretary]

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10. Don’t laugh at that silly manager!

4.1.2 PHRASES

A phrase is a group of words forming part of a sentence (and actually equivalent to a single part of speech), but not containing a subject or predicate of its town

There are several types of PHRASES:

a. Adjectival (prepositional) phrase : It is a bank of commercial (commercial bank) The difficulty in applying this principle is …………….. b. Adverbial (prepositional) phrase : He was stopped at the entrance to his office A trade Union Act was restored in a modified form a year later c. Noun phrase: He must be a millionaire! One of the largest insurance companies in the U.K. was formed by the merger of 12 previously independent companies

In the following sentences underline every phrase, label it ADJECTIVE, ADVERB, or NOUN : 1. It is the third largest of the Australian Trading Banks, with its head office in Melbourne 2. A change in either supply or demand will upset the equilibrium price 3. The maximum average output per employee depends not only on the quality of labour but also of other factors of production 4. A unit investment trust was more common in G.B. before the second World War 5. A body established in 1947 ti assist the economic development of the dependent territories of the Commonwealth was known until 1963 as the Colonial Development Corporation


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6. The economic importance of a thing does not depend solely on its physical characteristics, but also on its location and on the time when it is available 7. Milk and wheat production are in competitive supply, since to increase the amount of grazing land for the rearing of the cattle will reduce the amount of land for wheat growing 8. Consumer’s goods are goods in the form in which co nsumers wish to have them 9. CONSIGMENT is a tern used in foreign trade 10. A committee of the treasury was set up to consider applications for the raising of new capital in excess of $50,000.00

WRITE SENTENCES OF YOUR OWN USING THE FOLLOWING ADJECTIVE OR ADVERB PHRASE :

Adjective phrase :

Adverb Phrase :

-

one of the companies

-

think of the coming financial year

-

the road to the factory

-

study of problems of applied

-

a share of the overhead

-

general expenses of the business

economics -

based on the present price

-

imposed on farm products

CONSTRUCT PHRASE OUT OF THE FOLLOWING WORD GROUPS: 1. city-the-of-located-Luxembourg-in 2. trade-the-of-international-theory 3. payments-U.S.-in-of-balance-the 4. banks-the-of-groups-international-of-formation 5. complaints-to unfair-any-with-practices-of deal-trading


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4.1.3 KINDS OF CLAUSES CLAUSE:

Clause is a component part of sentence, containing a subject and predicate of its town The clause is usually grammatically complete by itself, but doesn’t make

complete sense except in the case of Main Clause

There are of two types : Main (or independent) clauses and subordinate (or dependent) clauses

A main clause expresses a complete thought and may constitute a sentence: Decisions are taken is response to market signals What goods and services shall firms produce? A subordinate clause is not complete in itself; it must always be attached to some element in a main clause: Any economic system consists of households – which consume the goods and services ( The subordinate clause modifies the noun – households)

A subordinate clause may be a noun clause, an adjective clause, or and adverb clause. OR, we can also say that a subordinate clause serves in place of an adjective, an adverb, or a noun: AS AN ADJECTIVE : The food is distributed to the families that need it most AS AN ADVERB : The meeting ought to start after the other guests arrive AS AN NOUN : The general rule is that where demand is elastic It is clear that the subordinate clause in each sentence is a unit, serving as a single part of speech.


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ADJECTIVE CLAUSE

An adjective clause regularly follows noun or pronoun that it modifies. As a rule, and a adjective clause is introduce by one of the common relative pronouns-who, (whom), which, or that, etc. Hence it is called a RELATIVE CLAUSE : -

A seller can influence the price of the goods by the amount he puts on the markets

-

He has to accept market price as given for any output he might produce

-

He selects a good which has an inelastic demand

-

We shall be concentrating on firms which produce goods for sale in the market

ADVERB CLAUSE

An adverb clause usually appears just before or just after the main clause -

Losses would be reduced only if operating cost fell more than revenue OR Only if operating costs fell more than revenue, losses would be reduced

-

The supermarket expects a considerable expansion in demand when it cuts the price of a good.

OR : when the supermarket cuts the price of a good it expects a considerable expansion in demand Most adverb clauses as in the foregoing sentences, modify the key word in the main clause, the VERB. Adverb clauses have a wide range of uses, awareness of this range will help you to recognize ADVERB CLAUSES and to use them more effectively. The following list illustrates some of the most common types, with the principal conjunction :

CLAUSES OF TIME (when, before, after, until, since, while) -

Before you start the meeting, distribute the minutes of the last meeting

-

It is only six month since the contract was signed by the CEO.

CLAUSES OF PLACE (where, wherever) -

Where the reaction is generally favorable, more thorough market research can be carried out.


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-

I’ll go wherever the manager sends me.

CLAUSES OF MANNER (as, as if, as though) -

Everyone arrived at the office on time as he expected

-

We must behave as if everything were normal

CLAUSES OF CAUSE (because, since. as) -

Because the mechanic couldn’t get the motor running, they had to row back to the dock.

-

Since no one else will volunteer, John will do the presentation.

CLAUSES OF CONSESION (although, though, while) -

While the large universities have many advantages, I still prefer a small college.

-

Although she uses only two fingers, she is a very ft typist.

CLAUSES OF CONDITION (if, unless)

Open condition

Unreal condition (present)

Unreal condition (past)

If-clause

Main clause

If you give the record.

I’ll pay it.

(present tense)

(will+V1)

If I were your father.

I’d be angry

(past tense)

(would+V1)

If you’d worked harder,

You’d have passed your

(past perfect tense)

exams last month. (would+present perfect tense)

Unless we increase our sales, we’ll be in tro uble , and we’ll never increase our sales unless we sell through different of shop’

Unless’ is a combination of two ideas : if and not for example : ‘if we don’t do this, we’ll never increase our sales’ can be changed to:


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Unless we do this, we’ll never increase our sales’

CLAUSES OF RESULT : (so, so that, so….that) -

We knew about their plans, so were ready for them.

-

Some form of test marketing would probably be carried out so that modifications could be made to correct any deficiencies.

CLAUSE OF PURPOSE : ( so, so that, in order that) -

Clear the doorway to the main office so that the staff can enter

-

There are stores and supermarkets offering a substantial discount in order that their customers are able to meet their purchases.

NOUN CLAUSES

A noun clause is a clause that does the work of a noun phrase in a sentence. A noun clause is a dependent clause. I.e. it cannot stand alone as a sentence but is a part of the sentence in which it occurs, and performs one function (of part of speech) in the sentence. It can function as : a. a subject b. an object c. a complement,etc. in a sentence

A. NOUN CLAUSE AS SUBJECT : -

What the meeting was about will not be televised internationally.

-

That the bank will give export credit made our staff so happy.

-

Why Mr.Osman should attend the trade fair is not clearly known to us.

B. NOUN CLAUSE AS OBJECT : -

Jack thinks exporting can be risky to jayal motor.

-

Paul tells Christopher he has an import agent in industria

-

Christopher considered J.Motors should not go into exporting.


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-

Kamal concluded J.Motors’mopeds are of good quality.

C. NOUN CLAUSES AS COMPLEMENT : -

Banks and offices are what they need for their transaction of business.

-

The question is where they can apply for a job related to their education.

-

The problem is (that) we should know to operate computers perfectly.

Read each of the following groups of words and put “S” if it is a sentence and “P”, if it is a phrase 1. A stock exchange term for a particular stock or share […] 2. An alternative term for favorable balance of payment, […] 3. Two prices are quoted for stock and shares [..] 4. The bills falls due for payment three months and three days after date [….] 5. A method of raising a loan on the security of ones possessions furniture . stock – intrade, etc[….] 6. A Bill of lading is normally made out in triplicate[…] 7. The first canal to be built in great Britain.[…] 8. Stock issued by the central electricity generating board to finance expansion.[…] 9. The economic effect on the community of taxation of the national debt.[..] 10. It is often impossible to produce one product without also producing another.[…]

Combine the following pair of sentences using adverb clauses

1. You are late for the meeting. The others may have started without you. 2. She might have clocked in earlier then uses. We did not see her this morning 3. He has already over drawn a large amount of money from his bank We cannot accept his cheque. 4. We cannot get a draft right now. the exchange rate has not arrived. 5. Banking hours has been extended. we can still deposit this money by now.


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Complete the following sentences using noun clauses of your own word

1. It was known that………….. 2. Does he know where…………… 3. The consensus was that the plan…………. 4. What you are saying is that people………….. 5. It is true that certain requirements……………..

Express these ideas with unless

1. I will resign if you don’t listen to me 2. I will resign if don’t take my ideas seriously 3. I will get angry if you don’t stop. 4. If the weather get worse we will go o ut 5. You will get wet if you don’t t ake this umbrella 6. You will fail your exams if you don’t study harder 7. I will miss my train if I don’t hurry 8. The doctor says that I will ruin my health if I do n’t stop smoking and drinking.

4.1.4 PAST CONTINUOUS

Example situation: Yesterday Karen and Jim played tennis. They began at 10 o’clock and finished at 11.30. So, at 10.30 they were playing tennis.

(+) S + was/ were + V ing (-)

S + wasn’t/ weren’t + V ing

(?)

Was/ were + S + V ing

(QW) QW + was/ were + S + V ing Example: (+) He was preparing a presentation (-) He wasn’t preparing a presentation [English For Secretary]

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(?) Was he preparing a presentation? (QW) What time was he preparing a presentation?

STUDY OF FUNCTIONS: 

To say that somebody was in the middle of doing something at a certain time. The situation had already started before this time but had not finished. 

This time last year I was li ving in Brazil.



What were you doing at 10 o’clock last night?





I waved to her but she wasn’t looking .

We often use simple past together with past continuous to say something happened in the middle of something else. 

Tom burnt his hand when he was cookin g the dinner.



While I was working in the garden, I hurt my back.

A. What were you doing at the following times? Write on sentence as in the examples.

1. ( at 8 o’clock yesterday evening) I was having dinner with some friends . 2. ( at 5 o’clock last Saturday) … 3. ( at 10.15 yesterday morning) … 4. ( at 4.30 this morning) … 5. ( at 7.45 yesterday evening) … 6. ( half an hour ago) … B. Use your own ideas to complete these ideas. Use the past continuous.

1. Tom burnt his hand while he was cooking the dinner 2. The doorbell rang while … 3. We saw an accident while we … 4. Marri fell asleep while she … 5. The television was on but nobody … C. Put the verbs into the correct form: past continuous or past simple.

1. Jane was waiting (wait) for me when I arrived (arrive). [English For Secretary]

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2. ‘What … (you/ do) this time yesterday? ‘I was asleep’ 3. ‘… (you/ go) out last night?’ ‘No, I was too tired’ 4. ‘Was Carol at the party last night?’ ‘Yes, she … (wear) really nice dress 5. How fast … (you/ drive) when the accident … (happen)? 6. John … (take) a photograph of me while … (not/ look) 7. We were in a very difficult position. We … (not/ know) what to do.

4.1.5 PAST PERFECT

Example situation: Sarah went to a party last night. Paul went to the party too, but they didn’t see each other. Paul went home at 10.30 and Sarah arrived at 11 o’clock. So: When Sarah arrived a the party, Paul wasn’t there. He had gone home.

(+)

S + had + V3

(-)

S + hadn’t + V3

(?) Had + S + V3 (QW) QW + had + S + V3

Example: (+) He had gone home at 10.30 (-)

He hadn’t gone home at 10.30

(?)

Had he gone home at 10.30?

(QW) What time had he gone home?

STUDY THE FUNCTIONS: 

Sometimes we talk about something in the past: Sarah arrived at the party. This is the starting point of the story. Then if we want to talk about

things that happened before this time, we use the past perfect: When Sarah arrived at the party, Paul had already gone home.


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

When we got home last night, we found that somebody had broken into the flat.



Karen didn’t want to come to the cinema with us because she had

already seen the film. 

Compare present perfect and past perfect. Present perfect

Who is that woman? I’ve never seen her before. Past perfect

I didn’t know who she was. I’d never seen her before. (before that time)

A. Read the situation and write sentences from the words in brackets.

1. You went to Jill’s house but she wasn’t there. (she/ go/ o ut): She had gone out. 2. You went back to your hometown after many years. It wasn’t the same before. (it/ change/ a lot):…

3. I invited Rachel to the party but she couldn’t coma. (she/ arrange/ to do something else):…

4. You went to the cinema last night. You arrived at the cinema late. (the film/ already/ gebin):…

5. I was very pleased to see Tim again after such a long time. (I/ no/ see/ him for 5 years):.. 6. I offered Sue something to eat but she wasn’t hungry. (she/ just/ have/ breakfast):… B. Read the situation and write sentences ending with before. Use the verb given in brackets.

1. The man sitting next to me on the plane was very nervous. It was his first flight. (fly) He had never flown before . 2. A women walked into the roo m. She was a complete stranger for me. (see) I… 3. Simon played tennis yesterday. He wasn’t very good at it because it was his first game. (play) He…

4. Last year we went to Denmark. It was our first time there. (be) We…


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C. Use the sentences on the left to complete the paragraph on the right. These sentences are in the order in which they happened- so (1) happened before (2), (2) before (3) etc. but your paragraph begins with the underlined sentence.

1. (1) Somebody broke into the office during the night. (2) We arrived at work in the morning. (3) We called the police. We arrived at work in the morning and we found that somebody had broken into the office during last night. So, we …

2. (1) Ann went out. (2) I tried to phone her this morning. (3) There was no answer. I tried to phone Ann this morning but… no answer. She… out.

3. (1) Jim came back from holiday a few days ago. (2) I met him the same day. (3) He looked very well. I met Jim a few days ago. He… just… .He…

4. (1) Kevin wrote to Sally many times. (2) She never replied to his letters. (3) Yesterday he had a phone call from her. (4) He was very surprised. Yesterday Kevin… .He… very surprised. He… many times but she…

4.1.6 PRESENT FUTURE

Example situation: WILL: Let’ s have a party. That’s a great idea. We’ll invite lots of people.

BE GOING TO: Sue and I have decided to have a party. We’re going to invite lots of people.


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WILL

USING VERB (+) S + will + V1 (-) S + will not (won’t) + V1 (?) Will + S + V1 (QW) QW + will + S + V1 Example: (+) She will invite lots of people (-)

She won’t invite lots of people

(?)

Will she invite lots of people?

(QW) When will she invite lots of people?

USING NON-VERB (+) S + will + be + Non – Verb (-)

S + won’t + be + Non – Verb

(?) Will + S + be + Non – Verb (QW) QW + will + S + be + Non – Verb Example: (+) She will be here (-)

She won’t be here

(?) Will she be here? (QW) When will she be here?

BE GOING TO

USING VERB (+) S + am/ is/ are + going to + V1 (-) S + am/ is/ are + not + going to + V1 (?) Am/ is/ are + S + going to + V1 (QW) QW + am/ is/ are + S + going to + V1 Example: (+) She is going to invite lots of people [English For Secretary]

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(-) She isn’t going to invite lots of people (?) Is she going to invite lots of people? (QW) Why is she going to invite lots of people?

USING NON-VERB (+) S + am/ is/ are + going to + be + Non-Verb (-) S + am/ is/ are + not + going to + be + Non-Verb (?) Am/ is/ are + S + going to + be + Non-Verb (QW) QW + am/ is/ are + S + going to + be + Non-Verb Example: (+) She is going to be here (-) She isn’t going to be here (?) Is she going to be here? (QW) Why is she going to be here? STUDY THE FUNCTIONS: 

We use WILL when we decide to do something at the time of speaking. The speaker has not decided before.





(The phone is ringing) You say: I’ll take it.



The boxes are heavy. I’ll help you.

We use Be Going To when we have already decided to do something. 

Look at those black clouds. It is going to rain.



I feel terrible. I think I’ m going to be sick.

A. Complete the sentences using will or be going to . 1. A: Why are you turning on the television? B: I’m going to watch the news. (I/ watch)

2. A: O, I’ve just realized I haven’t got any money. B: Well, don’t worry, … some (I/ lend)

3. A: I’ve got a headache. B: Have you? Wait there and … an aspirin for you (I/ get)


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4. A: Why are filling that bucket with water? B: … that car (I/ wash)

5. A: I’ve decided to repaint this room. B: Oh, have you? What color … it (you/ paint)

6. A: Where are you going? Are you going shopping? B: Yes, … something for dinner (I/ buy)

7. A: I don’t know how to use this camera. B: It’s quite easy, … you (I/ show)

4.2 ADVANCE TENSES

4.2.1 PASSIVE VOICE FORM

Passive voice can be made by changing To BE which are based on the tense in the active sentence, then followed by V3 (past participle). Active

Passive

Subject

Agent = By + subject

Predicate

Predicate = Be + V3

Object

Subject

Eg. Active : The secretary writes the letter S

P

O

Passive : The letter was written by the secretary S

P

A

VERB PATTERNIS Tenses

Simple present

Verb Patterns

Am, is, are + V3

Examples

A: the man types the letter P : the letter is typed by the man

Present continuous [English For Secretary]

Am, is, are, being + V3

A : the man is typing the letter Page 29

P : the letter is being typed by the man Simple past

Was, were + V3

A : the man typed the letter P : the letter was typed by the man

Past continuous

Was, were + being + V3

A : the man was typing the letter when I came P : the letter was being typed by the man when I came

Present perfect

Have,has+been+V3

A : the man has typed the letter P : the letter has been type by the man

Past perfect

Had+been+V3

A : the man had typed the letter before I came P : the letter had been typed by the man

Modal Aux

Modal+be+V3

A : The man would typed the letter P : the letter would be typed the man

Change the Sentences Using Passive Voice

1. Mr.Hasram presented a report on the home market 2.

A representative of the EDO named Jayal Motors as an example pf a firm which has expended considerably

3. Mr.Jayal raised the problem of office security at the meeting 4. Someone read a report by christopher mayo to the meeting 5. Mr. Jacklom prepared a production costing estimation 6. The will negotiate a deal 7. We heard the had imposed temporary import control 8. They have completed the expansion of the assembly plan 9. They are putting developing countries for what for special consideration 10. The American economy dominates the world especially the developing countries


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Change the Sentence into Active Sentence

1. The up dating of the promotion literature was suggested by Mr. Hasram 2. Temporary import controls has been imposed by the minister of trade 3. Pressure on the government s exerted by the exporters 4. Special allowance can be made for certain company 5. The share holder will be taken into account by the board 6. The restriction are being lifted in the case of the developing countries by the government 7. The draft of the report is going to be submitted by the secretary of the meeting 8. The unfavorable balance of payment are evaluated by the board members 9. The meeting was opened by the new branch manager 10. Samples of the product have been exhibited at the local trade fair

4.2.2 PASSIVE VERBAL

Passive verbal is verbal phrases using be (to be, being, having been, to have been) and V3 (past participle)

Passive verbal can also uses past participle only as long as it can be used in passive contoh : to be taught…………… Being taught……….. Having being taught……. Thought…………. Passive verbal dapat dipakai sebagai : Subject Subject modifier Object Object modifier A. Passive Verbal Sebagai Subject

Being Taught by professor as is very exciting To be taught by Mr.Gary is always interesting Having being taught by her assistant was a pleasant experience [English For Secretary]

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To have been awarded the first prices makes him happy

B. Passive verbal sebagai subject modifier

The man being made president is very intelligent The first student to be promoted was Ali His house having been painted green looked fresh The clerk to have been given such responsibility was Mr.Gut

C. Passive verbal sebagai Object

I like being taught by Mr.baker She remember to be taken to the zoo by her father He loves having been instructed to drive out of town We never forget to have been caught in that situation

D. Passive verbal sebagai object modifier

I like the student being taught by professor M We loves the house to be painted green The student hates the boy Having been arrested for speeding We have just got a package To have been sent from Canada

Combine the sentence using passive verbal! 1. A. the mass media has popular in Indonesia B. the government banned their activity 2. A. the new policy was about rates for over time work B. the worker rejected the policy 3. A. the information will be discussed at the management level B. the supervisor communicated the information 4. A. the applicant can came again tomorrow for a medical test B. the applicant test have been interview by Mr.Anton 5. A. the exhibition will last for one month B. the exhibition is financially supported by the government [English For Secretary]

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Complete the sentence using passive verbal 1. The proposal…………..will reconsidered by the manager 2. The team has decided that the workshop….............will be about using the new computer software 3. Serves excellence………………must be put in priority 4. The small scale industries can try to get fund………….the product…………….has been in great demand

Past participle sebagai passive verbal

Past participle sebagai passive verbal dapat dipakai sepert i passive verbal pada umumnya yaitu sebagai : subject Subject modifier Object Subject modifier

Passive verbal sebagai subject

-The educated read much -The unexpected made him unhappy -The wounded where taken the hospital -The defeated are sent home without meal

Passive verbal sebagai subject modifier -

People educated in the university must be able to work by them selves

-

The countries defeated by the Japanese became independent after the war

-

Soldiers wounded during world war II are already old now

Passive verbal sebagai object kalimat -

we are supposes to help the wounded


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Passive Verbal sebagai Object Modifier -

Please, help the wounded victims of the accident

-

How can we make a married man of him ?

-

The country has sent twenty unarmed troops.

4.2.3 VERBALS: GERUNDS, PARTICIPLES, AND INFINITIVES

In English, a word can be derived from a verb, which is, later on, used as another part of speech. This derived word is called “verbal”. T here are three kinds of verbals, i.e : gerunds,

participles, and infinitives. Their forms, kinds, and properties are presented in the following diagram ; whereas the relevant usages/examples are presented next after, by pertaining the indicated numbers found in the diagram.

VERBS

FORMS

KINDS

PROPERTIES OF USAGES (FEATURES)

1. Verbals

a. gerunds (-ing forms)

1. as subject 2. as object 3. as complement 4. prohibition 5. passive subject/object 6. after prepositions 7. certain expressions 8. after passives 9. verb + preposition 10. adjective + preposition 11. noun + preposition 12. certain verbs 13. in place of “to” infinitives after certain verbs

b. participles – ing forms

1. present participle

1. continuous tense

and – ed form

(active – ing form)

2. as adjective before nouns


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3. as adjective after nouns 4. two actions happening together of the same subject 5. immediate action after another 6. resultative action of another 7. denoting reason 8. adverb 2. past participle

1. continuous tense

(passived forms)

2. adjective before noun 3. adjective after noun 4. predicative with to “be” 5. perfect of reason 6. adverb 7. denoting time

c. infinitives

1. “To” infinitive

5. as subject 6. as object 7. as objective 8. adverb 9. complement 10. passive adjective 11. command 12. after certain verbs

2. Bare infinitive

1. after modal auxiliaries

(without “To”)

2. complementative command 3. all subjects, but 3rd singulars 4. after verbs of perception

The following usages are arranged pursuant to the indicated numbers GERUNDS

1.a.1 : Running is good for our health [English For Secretary]

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1.a.2 : He loves hunting 1.a.3 : my hobby is reading 1.a.4 : no smoking here! 1.a.5 : seeing so thin and pale shocked him. She likes being thin. 1.a.6 : he confused to stealing the gold 1.a.7 : it is no use/ it’s no good/ would you mind/ can’t help/ can’t stop/ can’t stand/ it’s worth …………..

1.a.8 : I am annoyed about john’s forgetting to pay 1.a.9 : my father give up smoking 1.a.10 : I am tired of doing the work again 1.a.11 : there is no reason for leaving so early 1.a.12 : stop, prevent, avoid, risk, finish, admit, deny, recollect, delay, postpone, defer, enjoy, fancy, imagine, forgive, pardon, excuse, suggest, keep (=continue), understand, mind (=object), consider, miss, involve, resist, anticipate 1.a.13 : begin, start, continue, attempt, intend, ca n’t bear, love, like, hate, prefer, remember, regret, permit, allow, advice, recommend it need’s/ requires/ want, try, purpose, mean , go on,

used to

PRESENT PARTICIPLES

1.b.1.1 : he is reading a book 1.b.1.2 : he opened the envelope with trembling hand 1.b.1.3 : the distance separating the two places is not very great 1.b.1.4 : he rode away whistling. Walking to school, I saw him there 1.b.1.5 : opening the drawer he took out a revolver 1.b.1.6 : she went out slamming the door 1.b.1.7 : being ill, I can not go to school 1.b.1.8 :I found him stealing

PAST PARTICIPLES

1.b.2.1 : the car is being repaired now 1.b.2.2 : rice must be grown on flooded field [English For Secretary]

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1.b.2.3 : I know the number of men killed 1.b.2.4 : having lost all my honey, I went home 1.b.2.5 : I found the car covered with dust 1.b.2.6 : after having been scolded, he went home

“TO” INFINITIVES

1.c.1.1 : to pray is our duty 1.c.1.2 : I want to learn 1.c.1.3 : a shirt is something to wear 1.c.1.4 :she stands to read 1.c.1.5 : I’m happy to be invited to the party 1.c.1.6 : I want the room to be decorated by you 1.c.1.7 : you are to come here at 7 o’clock 1.c.1.8 : begin, start, continue, attempt, intend, can’t bear, love, like, hate, prefer, remember, regret, permit, allow, advice, recommend, it need’s/ requires/ want, try purpose, mean, g o on,

used to (see also 1.a.13)

BARE INFINITIVES (INFINITIVES WITHOUT “TO”)

1.c.2.1 : I can go with you She must come here again 1.c.2.2 : be careful! Be ware of the bull! 1.c.2.3 : we go to school. They go to school. You go to school 1.c.2.4 : verbs of perception : see, hear, make, feel, watch, know, bid, late, please, need not, dare not, behold, suggest, etc.

EXERCISE A. Identify the following gerund, participle, or infinitive by referring to the indicated number in the diagram! Pay attention to the number!

1. Indonesia is an oil exporting country 2. to know it is to buy it 3. seeing is believing [English For Secretary]

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4. I suggest you tear up the invalid invoice 5. they let me sell the office car 6. the girls want to look businesslike 7. no parking at the corner! 8. be a successful business woman! 9. Japan is an LNG – exported country 10. we cannot avoid crying for the football misfortune

B. Match sentences 1-4 with the meaning 1-d

1. my mother doesn’t always remember

a. she didn’t forget to pay it

paying her bills

b. she doesn’t remember the fact that

2. my mother doesn’t always remember to

she has paid them

pay her bills

c. she was sure she paid it

3. but she remember to pay the telephone

d. she sometimes forgets to pay them

bill 4. and she remembered paying the telephone bill

C. Use the to do or doing form of the verbs, like this :

Example : Clive would like (go) to the Judy Garret concert # Clive would like to go to the Judy Garret concert

He enjoys (listen) to her # He enjoys listening to her

1. Clive enjoys (go) to concert 2. he would like (go) to the concert this Friday 3. he would like (start) his own folk music group 4. he wants (do) this soon 5. he can’t do this now because he has (go) to Technical College [English For Secretary]

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6. he doesn’t really enjoy (study) at the Technical College 7. he would prefer (study) music at the college in London 8. Clive likes (play) music and (listen) to it

4.2.4 PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

Example situation: Is it raining? No, but the ground is wet It has been raining .

(+) S + has/ have + been + V ing (-) S + hasn’t/ haven’t + been + V ing (?) Has/ have + S + been + V ing (QW) QW + has/ have + S + been + V ing

Example: (+) You have been running (-) You haven’t been running (?) Have you been running? (QW) Where have you been running?

STUDY THE FUNCTIONS: 



Used for an activity that has recently stopped or just stopped. 

You’re out of breath. Have you been running?



Paul is very tired. He’s been working very hard.



I’ve been talking to Carol about the problem and she thinks that…

Used with how long, for… and since… .The activity is still happening. 

How long has it been raining? It’s been raining for 2 hours. (It is

raining now) 


George hasn’t been feeling very well recently.

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B. Write a question for each situation . 1. John looks sun burnt. You ask: (you/ sit in the sun?): Have you sitting in the sun? 2. You have just arrived to meet a friend who is waiting for you. You ask: (you/ wait/ long?): …

3. You meet a friend in the street. His face and hands are very dirty. You ask: (what/ you/do?): …

4. A friend of yours is now living in the Baker Street. You want to know ‘How long ..? You ask: (how long/ you/ live/ in the Baker Street?): …

5. A friend tells you about his job – he sells computers. You want to know ‘How long?’ You ask: (how long/ you/ sell/ computers?): …

C. Read the situation and complete the sentences

1. The rain started two hours ago. It’s still raining now. It has been raining for two hours. 2. We started waiting for the bus 20 minutes ag o. We’re still waiting now. We … for 20 minutes. 3. I started Spanish classes in December. I’m still learning Spanish now. I … since December. 4. Ann began looking for a job six months ago. She’s still looking now. She … for six months. 5. Marry started working in London on 18 January. She is still working there now. She … since 18 January.

6. Years ago you started writing to a pen friend. You still write to each other regularly now. We … for years.


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At many companies, things are done because “that's the way we have always done it.

"Naturally, if something works, and works well, leave it alone. Don't make changes for the sake of change. At the same time, if there are better ways to do things, ways which result in greater efficiency and productivity, implement them? One of the big problems for us might very well be the fact that someone had the job before you did and "there never was a problem." Action planning means not waiting for the problems to happen before you do something. It means anticipating what needs to be done, identifying the likely "bottlenecks" that might arise and how to best counteract them.

 Activating our action planning

The way to do this is to develop an "ACTION PLANNING CHECKLIST." To use the Action Planning Checklist, follow these steps: 1. Identify and list what we consider to be the six most important duties we have to do for our boss. Suppose we work in sales, our list might include the following items: a. Monitor proposal due dates b. Issue proposal won/lost reports c. Arrange monthly sales managers' meetings d. Set up customer appointments e. Maintain customer correspondence file f. Issue sales goal reports 2. Enter the appropriate items in the "Action Item Description" column on the left side of the form. 3. Using a ranking system of 1-6, with 6 being the highest in order of importance, select the priority of each item as determined by what our boss needs, and list it in the "priority" column. .


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4. Now look at each item and rank it by the time and difficulty involved far you to do it. List that ranking value in the "difficulty" column. 5. List, as applicable, write in any special problems in the "remarks" column. First of all, we have identified the things that our boss has to get done in order to perform his job. Next, we have established the priority and difficulty each of these tasks involves for us. By having the two columns of rankings, we can see that our job priority isn't necessarily the same ranking as the task difficulty. Finally, by using the "Remarks" section, we've also been able to highlight any special considerations. This total package enables you to plan for what is to be done, as well as to try and make changes which may be needed for improvement. It is also useful to sit and discuss what we have developed with our supervisor. It gives him an opportunity to review what orders of priorities are necessary. We might even get our boss to make up his own chart before you meet. This could reveal assumptions which he has made about the tasks and our efforts which aren't correct.

 Suppose we work for more than one boss?

That is a good question since secretaries and administrative assistants often work for two or more people at a time. The Action Planning Checklist is based upon (lie duties of one boss. When there arc more bosses involved, the chances are that each has his own priorities and that they will be different. Naturally, when the bosses are in different functions (for example, we may work for the Sales Manager and the Purchasing Manager), the lists may not look anything like each other. So, we will be working with more than one list. Under (his arrangement, we will also be able to readily determine conflicts in our assignments and tasks. It will show we and our bosses where extra help may be needed, as well as enabling them to discuss what priorities should be given to what actions. This doesn't mean that there will never be "emergencies" requiring that we rearrange our priorities or that we won't feel the pressure by one boss to do his work first. But we will find that using Action Planning Checklists will reduce some of the crises to a much more tolerable level and help the "more than one boss" situation.


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ACTION PLANNING CHECKLIST

(Ranking 1-6 with 6 as highest priority and difficulty)

ACTION ITEM DESCRIPTION

PRIORITY

DIFFICULTY

Dept budget report

2

4

Min. staff meeting

5

3

Arrange hotel res

1

6

Trip of April 1

Review tele charges

4

1

Call identification

Redesign file system

3

2

Get recommend.

Forecasts

6

5

----------------

REMARKS

Need report info

Another Planning Tool

Another tool to help our overall action planning process is a wall mounted "Year at a Glance Calendar. These calendars are important since we see all the clays of the year at once. As work is being planned, we can easily spot potential interferences due to legal or traditional holidays, as well as conflicts with other tasks which have already been assigned. These calendars are now being produced with a laminated plastic finish so that they can be marked up and changed with a water-soluble marking pen. Placing the calendar near our work station will give us the ready reference we need. It is important to contrast these examples with traditional follow-up systems (which are dealt with later in this manual). Here we are looking at ways to predict what needs to be done and any obstacles which may bar the way to successful completion. Use these examples to inspire our own thinking in creating other checklists to aid us in planning our work. For example, we could develop a day-to-day system. Not only will it keep we on top of current actions, but we can make five for every week, and as we fill them up, keep them in a three-ring binder for future reference. We'll keep better track of exactly how valuable we've become to our boss, how long certain tasks take, and when projects were completed. [English For Secretary]

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Conducting a self-audit

What are the most voiced improvements that managers would like to see in their secretaries and administrative assistants? Here are some sample survey results : 

Become more of a team player, more involved with others in the organization



Polish skills in learning how to handle customers



Become more organized and detail-oriented



Show more interest in the job itself and the duties/responsibilities it entails



Show more initiative in promoting the company's goals and objectives



Manage time better



Apply better memory skills to the job

Self evaluation is the basis for initiating a self-improvement program. Understanding our self, our strong points and weak points, likes and dislikes, is the key to gaining the skills required to correct potential problem areas. But, as with everything else, it isn't an easy process and there may not be quick solutions. What works for one person may not work for another. For example, improvement number one dealt with teamwork. Some people function better in isolated environments, while others do not. There are a few choices open to you. One is to find work in that type of an office. Another is to work in a group surrounding as part of a staff. If we select the second choice, then we will have to make an effort to be part of the group.

THINGS TO DO TODAY DAY ---------------------------------------------

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Appointments and Telephone Calls :

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Done

1. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

[

]

2. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

[

]

3. --------------------------------------------------------------------------

[

]


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Our clinic, therefore, is based upon our own evaluation of how the situation we are going into will affect us. But what if we don't have any choice? Let's say we are transferred ink) a new group. Then it is important for us to recognize that (his is a stressful situation for us, so that we can lake the actions we need to enable ourselves to adjust. The same philosophy holds true for other improvement areas. We have to be objective about our role in the office, so that we can evaluate the extent to which we are contributing to the problems. Only then can we begin to add other methods to reduce or eliminate the negative aspects of those areas that need improvement. What other methods? Seeking the advice of supervisors and fellow workers. Pursuing additional training, perhaps something as fundamental as listening. Equally important, it is probable that the improvement demands are tied to stress factors on the job. Below are six leading causes of stress upon secretaries, any one of which is capable of leading to performance problems and lack of visible improvement. By knowing these, we can, as part of our self-audit efforts, seek out,, new methods which will reduce these stress factors. The six are: 

Interruptions



Lack of advancement



Lack of input into decisions 4



Lack of communication with managers



Insufficient salary and benefits



Poor working conditions Now that we have a grasp of some of the factors which affect our own self-

evaluation, we can set priorities to help we become the "important right hand" that our boss needs. Figure 4 is just one checklist developed by secretaries and administrative assistants which emerged from a self-audit program.

Conducting an information audit

Besides knowing more about ourselves, we need to know more about information flow in our office to contribute to smoother operations. Here are some ideas on becoming an important conduit for office information.


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No job is performed in the isolation of an ivory tower. Therefore, as an effective secretary or administrative assistant to our boss, we have to know what is going on. Among the communications we may be involved in are such things as inter-office mail, customer correspondence, job files, shipping reports, supplier price notices, requests for quotes, and so forth.

SELF-EVALUATION GOALS PROGRAM

1. Are my atitudes holding me back on the job? 2. Do I plan work well? Do I set priorities? 3. Do I tend to show resentment, anger, or hostility easily? 4. Am I confident about myself and my work? 5. Am I interfacing effectively with customers and my co-workers? 6. Do I view myself as a professional? Do others see me in the same light?

Such information vehicles require good files (as we'll see in Section II), thoughtful replies and knowing where information is located. Those pieces of paper are a great part of the "paper workload" our boss faces every day. We make ourselves more valuable by enabling our boss to keep this workload manageable and allowing him to perform more productively. And, always, be ready when our boss asks us to locate some piece of information for him, whether it is about a supplier, a competitor, a flight schedule, or whatever. Look at this as pail of the challenge of the job, one of the things that make it interesting. Here are two main strategies for us to accomplish this task successfully. The first step is to know what to look for and where to find it. And the second step is to keep source information files current. These two steps, coupled with good filing systems of the type are the keys for the details which are set forth below.

Information at our fingertips

Locating information means more than just "finding it." Once we have / found it, we have to decide whether we will ever need it again, in which case we f should put it in some sort of source base, or discard it so that we don't end up with more information than [English For Secretary]

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we can ever productively use. Sometimes the information we need will be much closer than we might have thought. For example, take a look at what should be kept in or on our desk. Figure 5 is a "Desk-top Checklist." No office will function like e well-oiled machine unless we and our boss are operating "on the same wavelength." That means we've got to know what he’s thinking

and how he's going to act -- almost before he does! To do that, sit ourselves down and conduct an audit that combines self and information, a sort of mini-communications audit like the one in Figure 6. Use any of (he questions which we can't answer effectively as the basis for a personal plan of action. The more "in sync" we and our boss are, the better we both work in tandem, the smoother our entire operations will run.

Other Information Sources

We’ve just seen how valuable it is to have resources around we to locate

information. There are other ways to find the information we need. Here are some of the information categories we may be looking for and suggested places to find help.

Foreign Trade

Our need here may be for the names or locations of firms, credit information, translations, determining the exchange rate for a given period and similar types of information. Sources available for us include : 

Government agencies



Reference books in local libraries



Embassies, Banks, Newspapers



Foreign trade associations



Trade periodicals



International publishers

Domestic Firms

Annual report, names of key officials, product information, sales data and company locations might be the object of our information search. Sources to consult include: [English For Secretary]

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

Sales and public relations departments of companies themselves



Trade associations



Newspapers and magazines



Credit services



Chambers of commerce



Library reference books



Government (state and provincial) offices



Postal service directories and phone books

LIBRARIES

At large firms, it is usual to find a company library, carrying primarily information which relates to (he company's business. A company library may keep its reference materials in an entirely different way than a public library. If we work for a company which has a company library, find out how the company system operates and how it catalogs information. Public libraries are one of the best sources for quickly locating answers to most of the information questions we will have. Sometimes it isn't even necessary to go to the library. Service desks responding to telephone questions are available at many libraries. Naturally, if we ask for information which requires investigation and detailed responses, the telephone approach isn't going to work. Instead, go in and ask the librarian for assistance. Once in the library, know where to look for the type of information we require. The categories we want to research will generally be contained in books, periodicals and pamphlets. To help get through the mounds of information, most libraries use automated files. For example, references by subject and title are kept on microfiche, small slides, each containing thousands of references. Newspapers are recorded on reels of microfilm, so that we can view many issues without having to go through stacks of papers. If you are looking for legal information, such as laws, regulations, cases, you will probably find it easier to consult the libraries of law schools. Also, there may be special law libraries available through government bodies. [English For Secretary]

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Were you ever unhappy about the way someone at another company handled your telephone? Sure you were! The fact it, poor handling of telephone calls is one of the most frequent business complaints. Not getting through. Being transferred to the wrong person. Rude treatment. Being placed on “hold” and forgotten. Being disconnected. Often, the results,

for the company, is angry customers. But what happens when the situation is reserved when someone is calling your company, and speaking to you? Are they getting the very same treatment you complain about? Do you handle your calls any better? Here are the most important “do’s” and don’ts”

of telephone etiquette. The these tips in mind whenever you pick up that receiver.

Guidelines for answering the telephone

Your boss approaches you holding the telephone note you left on his desk for the call that came in while he was at lunch. He doesn’t look happy. “I just called this number you left me,” he tells you, “and they said there was nobody there by that name.” If your reply is something like, “I’m sorry, but the person who called spoke so quickly that I couldn’t be sure,” then you didn’t handle that call properly.

One of the ways to avoid this type of problem is to make sure that you get the caller’s name and number correctly. It is always a good idea to ask people to spell their last names and to repeat their phone numbers so both of you can confirm that you have taken it down correctly. A caller, who you do not know personally, asks about your business, names of customers, home addresses of certain employees, etc. Trying to help, you give that caller as much information as you can. When your boss, who was not in at the time, returns, you tell him. Instead of complimenting you for doing a good job, he is angry. Why? Because, despite your good intentions, you’ve made a mistake.


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Never give our information to anyone that you don’t know. They might be working for

competitors. Or even involved in some criminal act, such as fraud. Whenever you get a call from a stranger asking numerous probing questions, ask for the name of this company and his phone number. Tell him you will have someone get back to him. If he refuses to give you a number where he can be reached, there is a good chance that he is not legitimate. In any event, one of the things you don’t want to do is give any caller too much information. If your boss isn’t able to take the call, just say, “Mr. Smith isn’t able to take your

call right now, but I’ll be more than happy to give him your name and number and any message you’d like to leave.” Avoid saying anything about why he isn’t available.

Better telephone techniques

Here are additional considerations to keep in mind when answering the telephone. Use them yourself. Their them to your company’s policies and create and memo you can hand out.

- Answer with a “Good morning” or “Good afternoon,” and the name of you company your boss or your name, as appropriate. - Speak clearly. Don’t chew on a pencil, gum, food, etc. - Don’t the curt. Politeness counts. - If you thin a different office should be taking the call, offer to transfer it instead of felling the other person to call again. Get their number in case you are disconnected during transfer so that you can call back. - Don’t leave your phone unattended. Asks someone to cover for you if you wont’ be available to answer. - Try to answer promptly. A ringing phone disturbs those around you and can also result in a lost call - If you put someone on “hold,” come back from time to time to let the person know you haven’t forgotten about him. If you’re unsure how long you may need to keep a caller on hold, give him an option. Say, “Would you like to give me your phone number so we can

call you back, or would you prefer to wait?” - If a call is really urgent and your boss is in a meeting, don’t break in and interrupt. Instead, get word to him through a note.


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- If someone calls and asks to speak to your boss, don’t ask who is calling before you say “he’s out.” (The caller may take offense, thinking that your boss has asked you to “screen” his phone calls, and does not want to take that person’s call). Instead, say “Mr. Smith is not available right now. May I ask who is calling?”

- Don’t put on a “false front” when you speak on the phone. Speak naturally and pace yourself so that the other party will have no trouble understanding you. - If your boss does want you screen phone calls, that is, let him know who is calling so he can decide whether or not he wants to take the call, then you should make the effort to do it discreetly. If the caller identifies him self at once, and you know it is someone your boss would want to speak to, you’re safe in passing the call through. In all other cases, however, you should simply say, “I’ll check to see if he’s available” and then asks for the person’s name and company (if not from within your own firm). - Always try to complete a call without laving an impression of abruptness. - If your boss isn’t available, ask if th ere is anything you can do to help. - Don’t ever act as if you are doing the caller a favor by answering, or that his call is disrupting something. Figure 12 offers suggested responses to the most common hard-to-handle situations that arise when answering the telephone. You may wan to make a copy of it and keep it handy until you are used to making theses responses naturally and smoothly.

Tips for getting the most out of your phone time

Depending on how you use the telephone, it can be a tool to help you do your job better, or an obstacle to doing an effective job. If the use of the telephone is a significant part of your daily job, here are proven techniques which will help you make the most of that time. *Coordinate the timing. Whenever your interrupt one task to do something else, you sacrifice efficiency. When possible, time the calls you have to make so that you can do them in groups, thereby reducing interruptions. *Set priorities. Obviously some calls are more important than others. And there will be times when you won’t be able to make all the alls you intended to. Don’t miss out on the

important ones through a lack of planning. Before you pick up the phone, list your numbers in order of importance. [English For Secretary]

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*Get organized before you place the call. Lets’ say you’re on the phone ordering some office supplies. The other party says, “It would help to locate the right item if you told me the model number or page number in the ordering catalog. “If you answer is, “Hold on and I’ll go

see if I can find it, ” you are wasting your own time as well as that of the person you called. Always try to have whatever catalogs, letters of other correspondence you will be discussing ready and handy before you palace your call.

Maintaining Telephone Records

Depending on the size and record-keeping needs of your company, you may be required to keep written records of certain telephone calls. These may include records on incoming calls from customers, or even records of calls you or your boss palace, for instance, calls concerning an on-going project. You can use the form shown in Figure 13 to maintain a record of your conversations, or alter it to include space for information important to you. Some companies require departments or individual employees to keep a record of all song distance (toll) telephone calls. Even if your company does not, you may want to keep your own ongoing log of the long distance calls you place for your boss. Such as record helps you in several ways. It an server as : * Verification when it comes time for you to approve the monthly telephone bill. * An instant and handy reminder of the last date of contact with an important party (if this benefit is important to you and your boss; you may decide to include toll-free calls, i.e., phone calls placed, on your list).

Strategically Ways in Telephoning

Alexander Graham Bell in 1890’s demonstrated the way/the telephone manner to

encourage its use in business. Dooley says even though visual input of your body is lost, you are on the telephone should improve your telephone techniques; 1. Smile

Sticking a smiley face in the center of a rotary phone used to be one effective way. When you pick up that phone, leave the tiredness, the frustration, the anger, the boredom and the anguish behind. Plants a smile squarely on your face sprinkle it with enthusiasm and make the person on the end catch the feeling. [English For Secretary]

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2. Slow down

May be have all come across the speedsters, so we should speak a around 130 word per minute in face to face conservation, but need to slow this down to about 100 words per minute on the phone. On the phone the figure is up 30% so we must ensure that our words are heard crisply and clearly. Were accents are a difficulty; a slower speed will also help to clarify speech. Before you star, pause, take a deep breath, and then speak clearly and slowly. Don’t be a snail which is boring. But if you know you are speedsters make an

effort to calm and control your speech. 3. Breath

Slow breaths can do wonders for you. Breaths stimulate the oxygen flow to the brain, making you more alert and you thinking clearly. It will relax you so you can deal with the next call more calmly. 4. Don’t eat, drink or smoke

Don’t believe that because you can not be seen you can not be heard. Don’t put sweet,

cigarette white you are telephoning because the person on the other end of the line can hear the chews and the drawn breath. It is impolite. 5. Avoid jargon

For example: within industry talk about “con notes” meaning consignment or freight notes (from of the freight when sent it on its journey). 6. Stand up

Towards the end of the day you tend to slip lower and lower in the chair. As your body slouches, so does your tone. Try it and hear the difference, stand up, stretch, walk about always ensure that you have a long cord on the phone that allows you to move. This will help greatly when you are feeling a bit down. 7. Be ware the monotone (manage your voice)

Add color you voice. People trust and purchase from are those who sound confident in their product-they are enthusiastic and definite in their information handling. Use variations in your tone, pitch and add color and feeling 8. Clarity

Clearness or intelligibility. Speak clearly and slowly and project your voice (spelling T, D, B) etc. [English For Secretary]

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9. Use Radio / Tape / CD

It an assist with a brightening the atmosphere in the office. It can also help you to speak up. A radio playing softly in the background a nice middle ensures you will speak up to be clearly heard.

Rules for outgoing calls and incoming calls Outgoing calls

Incoming calls

Identifying your self

Identifying your self

This is ……… here

Jane speaking

My name is……. Asking to speak to someone

Helping the caller

Could you put me trough to….

Can / may I help you?

Could I speak to …. please? I’d like to speak to…. Giving further information

Asking for caller’s identification

It’s connection with….

Who’s calling / speaking, please?

Which company are you from Explaining the purpose of call

Connecting the caller

I’m calling to ask about…

Just a moment/minute, please!

I’m calling to tell you…

Hold/hang on, please! I’m putting your through now

Showing understanding

You’re through now

I see

I’m connecting you now

I understand

Leaving a message

Explaining someone is not available

Could you give…. Message?

I’m afraid…… is not available now

Could you tell…. (I’ll call back later)

I’m sorry but… is in a meeting now

Could you ask… to call (when he gets back)

Thanking [English For Secretary]

Alternative actions

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Well, thanks for the information

Could you phone/call back later?

I’m very grateful for you assistance

Would you like to leave a message?

Ending the call

Responding to thanks

I look forward to seeing you

You’re welcome / not at all

Good by

Ending the call

Thanks for calling / good by

TELEPHONE RECORD

Date _______________________ Time _______________________ Telephone No. _________________________________________________________________ Company _________________________________________________________________ Message _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Reply _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Comments _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Signed _________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________ Figure 14 is a sample long distance telephone long sheet. You can make photocopies of the form for your own use, or use it as a model for developing a form appropriate to your own particular needs.


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Making formal introductions

As an executive secretary you are usually the first person to greet office visitors, whether they are company employees or visitors from outside. This often means you are the person introducing these individuals to your boss, or introducing a number of people to each other. How you handle these introduction is very important in giving the visitors the best possible firs impression of your boss, your de partment, and yourself. You can the “ice breaker” who gets the relationship started properly and smoothly. Listed below are the four situations you’re most likely to be involved in, with practical

advices as to how you should handle each one 1. Office visitors: If you are the first point of contact, introduce yourself by saying, “Hello, I’m Jane Done, Mr. Smith’s assistant. My I help you?”

2. Two department managers : If both managers have the same rank within the organizations and you know that one is older than the other, introduce the younger one to the older one. “Mr. Smith, this is Mr. Jones.”

3. Two groups of people : This start to get trickier. Try to make the introductions by age and rank if you can. “Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones, may I present Mr. Black and Mr. White.”

4. One person to a group : One way to handle this is by the business rank of the attendees. Suppose Mr. Brown, a customer, is meeting your boss (the purchasing manager), his supervisor (a vice president)), and the president of the firm, all for the first time. You would say : “Mr. Brown, I’d like to introduce our president, Mr. Grey; our president of purchasing. Mr. Green; and our purchasing manager, Mr. White”.

As part of the business introduction process, it also customary to shake hands, regardless of the individual’s level or position. Certainly if you are seated and the other party isn’t, you should rises. And, most of all, make it a point to concentrate when a visitors gives

you his name, so you will be sure of it when you make the introduction. Don’t be afraid to ask someone to repeat a name or spell it for you if it sounds confusing. People are usually complimented by such a question since it shows that you want to get their name right.


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LONG DISTANCE CALL LOG

Employee

: _________________________________

Department

: _________________________________

Date

Time Number

telephone

location

party Called

How to deal with unscheduled visitors

You are at your desk and someone comes in to see your boss even though he doesn’t have an appointment. Obviously your boss isn’t always able to met with everyone who wants to see him without any notice. Here is where you come to your boss’ aid, saving him time an

effort dealing with unscheduled visitors as well as arranging schedule and appo intments. Here are four categories of visitors, and strategies for handling each type politely yet firmly. 1. Salespeople

You should know the types of products or services your boss is interested in. if a salesman drops by unannounced, ask him what he is selling. Get information about the products. Ask him to leave brochures and his business card with you. That way, your boss can look at the information at this convenience and decide whether he wants to set up a meting with the salesman later on. Explain that to the salesman. If he is smart, he will recognize that it will save them both time. If your boss isn’t involved in what the salesman is offering, direct him to the person

in the company who usually handles such purchases. If your company a formal appointment arrangement policy, with specified visiting hours or days for sales people, be sure to tell him about it. Salespeople will attempt to reach your boss over the telephone as well. They know that secretaries screen calls of their, and that they’re usually specially instructed to keep

their bosses from being bothered by calls from salespeople they don’t already have a relationship with. So be prepared for this common tactic for “getting around” secretaries : A salesman

will often write to your boss first, stating a the end of the letter he will phone within a few days or a week to discuss his product/service farther. [English For Secretary]

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Then, when does call, the salesman will tell you, “This is Jim Wendall from ABC company. I’m calling with regard to my letter of ________.”Avoid routinely asking callers, “Does he expect your call? “or” Does he know what this is in reference to?” The adepts salesman will seize the opportunity and reply, “Oh yes, this is regarding a matter I wrote to him about last week.”

If your boss wants you to protect him from such unsolicited instructions, then you have to become expert at detecting these strategies – and deflecting them with effective strategies of your own. One method: When your boss receives mailings from salespeople, ask him to give the ones he’s not interested in to you, rather than simply throwing them out. If you hold on to them for a week or two, you’ll be prepared when the salespeople follow up by

telephone. Your boss should also let you know how he wants the others sales letters handled, whether: - He’d like you to arrange and appointment with the salesman, or - He wants you to put salesman’s calls through when he does call to follow up, or - He wants you to ask for certain information when the salesman follows up, or - He will contact the salesman directly him self.

2. Company Personnel

This is often a very sensitive area, and you have to be careful not to create antagonistic feelings. First of all, make sure you know how your boss wants you to handle company personnel who want to see him. If you have been working for your boss for some time, you know what he wants, but if you’re fairly new, don’t assume – ask.

Determine whether he wants you to keep an open door for everyone, or to decide on a case-by-case basis. If the person coming by happens to be a senior officer, don’t try to do any screening. If your boss isn’t in, try to find him as soon as possible.

3. Friends and Family

It isn’t unusual for a friend or family member to sometimes drop in for an

unannounced visit. Here again, find out fro m your boss in advance how he’d like you to handle these visits. And, after you meet them, make an effort to remember who they are for [English For Secretary]

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the future. You might even jot down a few notes about you conservation (about a vacation they are about to go on, or a child’s interest or achievement) and the person’s appearance to help refresh your own memory. 4. Telephone request

Your boss may give the authority to set up any appointments for him that you feel are appropriate. If that’s the case, make sure that any a ppointments you make are within

the guidelines that he has established. And always remember to get all the information you need from the caller. If you don’t have blanket authority on appointments, but have to clear request with

your boss, get enough information so you can brief him, and tell the caller you will call back as soon as possible to let him if and when your boss can meet him.

Special concerns with foreign visitors

One of the classic examples often cited to demonstrate the complexities of dealing in an international market is that of General Motors Chevrolet “Nova” model. This automobile, a

solid seller elsewhere, did not achieve comparable success in Spanish speaking countries. Unfortunately for General Motors, the model name “Nova” translates into Spanish as “does not go”.

You can see the potential for misunderstandings and mistakes when words or practices taken for granted in one country are automatically carried forward into another language or another culture. A the globe shrinks, and international business grows, understandings the difference between countries and culture is becoming a more important aspect of your own working. How exactly should you expect to be involved?

Your boss tells you that he is expecting and important visitors, and Arab with whom he hopes to do considerable business. He tells you to “be alert for his arrival, and let me know as soon as he gets in. Oh, and don’t forget to make him feel welcome. “The visitors arrives

toward the end of the afternoon. As instructed, you greet him and tell him, “I’ll let my boss know that you are here.” Then you add, “While you’re waiting, would you café for a drink? e


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have a selection of liquor from the bar in our executive office which. I’m sure you would find

interesting.” What’s wrong with this scenario? Despite your good intentions, you have just created

one big problem for your boss. Liquor is prohibited in the Moslem religion. The lesson here is that in dealing with cultural differences, unintended offense may occur merely by using the wrong from of address of offering the wrong type of gift. If your boss often relies on you in these situations, your knowledge, advice and reco mmendations can have an important impact on your boss’ international business dealings.

Here are some suggestions which should prove useful when you are involved in welcoming or dealing with foreign visitors. 1. Be friendly, yet businesslike. When in doubt, it’s always better to be formal rather than too friendly. 2. Find out from your boss if there are any specific details you should know about regarding the visitors you will be dealing with 3. When talking to foreign visitors who aren’t fluent in your language, speak distinctly and more slowly than normal. Avoid the tendency to speak too loudly. 4. If you have arranged hotels, meetings, transportations, for visitors, confirm the arrangements. 5. Write down addresses and phone number of office contacts for the visitors. In case something goes wrong, they’ll have a way to get in touch, or written information they can

simply show to a taxi driver or hotel clerk. 6. If needed, retain the services of guides and interpreters. 7. Meeting first-time visitors in your country upon arrival is an excellent public relations device. Make sure that you have a clear pick-up point. At airports, a car rental desk is a good spot, as is waiting (with an arrival sign) at the customs exit area. Be alert for gate and terminal changes.

Open Dialog: Barbara is welcoming you on a visit to her corporation. Complete your part of the conversation using these sentences.


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That would be very interesting. I’m pleased to meet you, I’m ….. Sorry I can’t, I have another appointment. No, I’m afraid I don’t. Yes, it is. Thank you. Yes that’s right. That’s very kind of you.

Barbara

:

Good morning. My name’s Barbara.

You

:

……………………………….

Barbara

:

Welcome to Jakarta. This is your first visit, isn’t it?

You

:

Well, would you like to come and see around the plant?

Barbara

:

………………………………..

You

:

………………………………..

Barbara

:

Now, our arrangements for tomorrow: we have a meeting at 8.30 with the Sales Department. Do you know how to get there?

You

:

You can see it here on the map. Turn right at the entrance and it’s the first build ing on the left.

Barbara

:

And in the afternoon, would you like to see our R&D department?

You

:

………………………………..

Barbara

:

What a pity! Perhaps next time. Well, I’ll drive you back to

your hotel. You

:

Don’t mention it, it’s a pleasure. You’re staying at the Holiday Inn, aren’t you?

Consider culture when giving gifts

Giving business gifts is another potentially dangerous area when it involves foreign clients. What are considered traditional gifts and gifts wrappings in your co untry may result in an unintended social offense, due to the customs and practices of your foreign visitors. One of the things you should try to do is to select gifts that distinctly reflect your country unique gifts that are welcomed as being “different.” This is an often overlooked element of the gift giving process, yet it is the personal touch that separates your choice from all the others. Examples include a local wine, art from local artists, a Scottish wool, Irish linen, American Indian Jewelry, Japanese cameras, etc.


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A cautionary note. Keep the sex of the recipient in mind. There are “male” and “female”

gifts. And, remember, we are speaking her about business gifts. Even though you know a client has a certain preference, such as for a particular perfume, don’t mix business gifts with those which you would give in a more personal situation. Listed below are guidelines and warning to help you select the right gifts and know which gifts to avoid – for live major cultures. If you frequently receive visitors from a region not listed here, make up your own list of do’s and don’ts to serves as a reminder to yourself

and for anyone handling theses responsibility in the future. Also not these guidelines are appropriate whether you are hosting a foreign visitors for selecting a gift or your boss to give his host in a foreign country.



Giving gifts to Arab businessmen

- Gifts for children are appropriate. Gifts for wives are not - Do not provide any gifts at initial meetings. They may be viewed as bribes. Later, when it is appropriate, you may do so, but only when others are presents. - Books are appropriate, as are gifts intended for uses in an office. Products from Germany and the United States are highly regarded. - Avoid items which depict animals, since certain animals are considered bad luck - Never give liquor as a gifts - Consider how ell you know the person and if you are dealing in their country of yours. Arab businessmen sometimes act differently depending upon whether they are visiting or at home - Use caution when admiring something belonging to an Arab. If you praise something, it might be given to you



Giving gifts to Latin Americans

- Many products are unavailable or heavily taxed in Latin America. For example, if your are dealing with and engineer, a pocket calculator might be appropriate - Defer gift giving until specific business is completed, unless some special circumstances are involved.


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- Beware of gifts or colors that are considered bad luck, including items which are black or purple, handkerchiefs, and knives. - While business shouldn’t be conducted over lunch with Latin Americans, it is an appropriate time for gift giving. - Non personal gifts for wives are acceptable. Toys for children are also popular. 

Gifts for Chinese Businessmen

The Chinese business community views the giving to gifts quite formally. Many gifts are prohibited by law. Read as much as you can about Chinese rituals so that you are wellinformed about this sensitive area. - Don’t give currency - Don’t give elaborate gifts. Small mementos, items associated with your company, office accessories and similar inexpensive yet useful products are appropriate. - Gifts may be presented as part of the concluding comments at dinner meeting, in the context of giving a gift to all the Chinese in the group. Other than this method, gifts should be presented privately.



Giving gifts to Europeans

- While each country has its own particular customs, in general the gifts practices for European associates are the same. Gifts about be based upon the nature of your relationship and should reflected an understanding of how they should be received by the recipient. This is much more important than cost. - If business deadlines involve staying at someone’s home, silver is a good choice for expensive appreciation. - Use caution when giving flowers. For example, Germans consider red roses as something personal, for lovers. In France, chrysanthemums are used in funerals and for mourning. Neither of these is suitable a business gift. In Great Britain, gift giving is more the exception than the rule, although flowers are an accepted from of expressing a personal touch, particularly if one has been invited to a home. - Chocolates and liquors are quite acceptable. - Thoughtful gifs include those which appeal to the intellect and gifts having historical significance. [English For Secretary]

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- Thoughtful gifs include include those which appeal to the intellect intellect and gifts having historical historical significance. - Keep gift gift wrapping simple. A card with a personal personal note should be included. Perfume Perfume for the businessman’s wife is generally inappropriate unless requested by the husband.



Giving gifts to businessmen from the United States

- Many American business business are subject subject to regulatory regulatory scrutiny scrutiny and laws, laws, such as those whose whose stock is traded on the stock exchange, firms holding government contracts or subcontracts, etc. Accordingly, the American business community is very concerned with business dealing which create an impression impression of o f bribery or corrupt business practices. Some firms send notices to all their suppliers asking that they refrain for many gifts giving whatsoever. - Promotional gifts gifts of normal normal value are considered acceptable. These include include logo pens, calendars, coffee cups and traditi trad itional onal office “gadgets.” - The “business lunch” is almost universally accepted in American business. Theater tickets, tickets to sporting events and a round of golf are also viewed as part of the traditional nominal exchange at most companies. They do not fall into the negative category of “gifts.”

- Monetary gifts should never be offered. - Remember that the United United States is a nation of many many different cultures. cultures. It also also has its its own distinct regional differences, generally grouped by location, that is, the north, the south, east coast, west coast and mid-west. The more you can learn about these difference, the better prepared you will be. - If a gift gift is appropriate, generally the Christmas season is is the time to present present it. It is a good good practice to avoid personal gifts. The more traditional business gifts at Christmas Christmas include wines, liquors, and fruit baskets or baked goods.


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We can be extremely to our boss by completely handling arrangements for meetings and conferences. These can range from coordinating a staff meeting for our department, to formal stockholders’ meeting, to a series of training seminars.

The success of these meetings will depend in large part on how are handle the planning and coordinating.

Steps to a successful agenda

1. Set up a meeting file. That way, certain information and plans we’ll be using for every meeting can be researched and recorded once, and then merely updated periodically for new meetings. One of those things is a meeting agenda. The agenda is an outline of what is to take place at the meeting. There is no right format. The agenda can be quite informal, informal, simply summarizing the topic to be addressed at the meeting (and considered by the participants prior to the meeting). Or, it can be formal, formal, itemizing activities for each hour of the day. 2. Distribute the agenda in advance. Often, people attending meetings haven’t any idea as to what they are really going to be involved in until they get to the meeting. Then, if they are lucky, they’ll find a copy of t he agenda when they arrive. By distributing the

agenda in advance, we help prepare the attendees – and insure their active involvement. 3. Identify action items. If the meeting is for the purpose of setting out strategies, then make sure that the agenda lists those items which must be acted upon. For example, votes to be taken, assigning a team leader, etc. 4. Agenda input. Certain types of meetings are built around the needs of the attendees. They may, in fact, be called in response to requests from those who will be attending.


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If that in the case, it is useful to ask for suggested agenda topics or to circulate a draft agenda, asking for comments and input.

Selecting the meeting schedule

One of the biggest mistakes made by meeting planners is not giving enough attention to the schedule. Here are two key points to keep in mind if we are helping our boss select the schedule. 1. Check the calendar. Just because our boss says “set up the meeting for a Monday” doesn’t mean that our problems are solved. Make sure that be fore we send out that meeting notice that the office won’t be closed due to a holiday or plant shutdown, and

that the date does not fall at a time when many people are taking a vacation. 2. Watch for conflicts. Quite a bit goes on during the average business day. Before we set a meeting date, try to confirm that our date will not conflict with anything else that might be scheduled, such as a meeting of top management. Since the notice or agenda announcing a conflicting meeting may not yet have been circulated, we should ask around about the plants of others. And while it is impossible to select a date and time that will suit everybody, it is still a good idea to ask prospective attendees what dates are best for them. We can do this by sending out a memo, listing a meeting date along with two alternates, and asking them to return the memo with their choices checked.

Choosing the right meeting room setup

It may seem unimportant, but the fact is that whatever seating arrangement we choose for our meeting will have a strong impact on the way the participants will interact and the degree to which they will relax, listen and learn. If our boss asks us to take care of the seating arrangements for a meeting or conference, ask him if he has a particular arrangement in mind. If he doesn’t, ask him what kind of mood or atmosphere he wants to establish. We have to consider a number of factors before making our choice, including: 

Number of participants



Relationships of participants to one another



Level of familiarity with one another


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

Type of meeting (discussion, presentation, lecture)



Whether we wish to encourage or discourage interaction

Matching the room size to our meeting purpose

Even something seemingly as simple as deciding where the meeting will be held has the potential for affecting the success of a meeting. For instance, using a large room for a meeting of a relatively small number of people tends to create an impersonal atmosphere. If the purpose of the meeting is, for example, to meet with a customer for the purpose of resolving disputes of long standing, we would want to create a more intimate atmosphere, where voices would not seem amplified or harsh. On the other hand, too small a room could create a stifling effect, making the attendees feel uncomfortable. Meeting room strategy also includes planning for adequate lighting, comfort, provisions for breaks, the use of pads, writing instruments, and name plates or name tags. These and other considerations also dictate how the group will interact and will affect the outcome of the meeting. For large meetings, an adequate sound system is the highest priority.

Our part in hosting the meeting

Whenever our boss is running a meeting, we can certainly expect to be asked to help host it. After all our hard work in helping to plan the event, hosting can be a fun experience. It gives us the opportunity to meet people we may have been dealing with only over the phone. Use the following guidelines as our checklist: 1. Make sure that the room is set up as ordered. Get there early enough there will be time to make any changes that need to be made. 2. Place pads and pencils on tables. 3. Handle refreshments. For small meetings, this may mean taking orders for coffee, tea, etc. At meetings in hotels and conference centers, it would mean making sure the hotel delivers what has been ordered and at the right time. 4. At large meetings, training programs or conferences, prepare and distribute name tags as part of opening registration. 5. Attend to any calls and personal needs that may arise during the meeting. 6. Extend greetings to attendees upon arrival. [English For Secretary]

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7. “Circulate” during refreshment breaks. This will give attendees the opportunity to ask for assistance if they need any. But do it as subtly as possible – remember we are working, not socializing.

Our other responsibilities will vary depending upon the type of meeting. Our boss may want us to hand out materials during the day, collect questions for a question and answer session, or take meeting notes. We may be called upon to read the minutes of the last meeting. If the meeting is a large one, get help in advance. Don’t try to do more than you are able to handle efficiently.

Meeting Agenda

Name of group

Date

Title of meeting

Starting

Called by

Place

Purpose

of

Background

bring

Desired

Group

Order of agenda items [English For Secretary]

meeting

materials

Please

Manger/ Chairperson

Time

out comes

Recorder

members

Time allocated Page 68

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

TRAINING PROGRAM AGENDA Monday, October 20, 1998

1. 8:30 a.m. ……………..

Registration of Attendees

2. 9:00 a.m. …………….

Opening Remarks and Introductions Mr. John Doe, Course

Director 3. 9:15 a.m.

…………….

New Purchasing Techniques Mr. John Smith

4. 10:15 a.m.

……………

Refreshments

5. 10:30 a.m. ….………… Review of Purchase Order Conditions Williams Able, Attorney 6. 12:00- 1:30 p.m. ………..

Luncheon

Honorable G. Washington, Keynote Speaker 7. 1:30 p.m.

…….……….

Workshop Sessions Gold and Blue Room

8. 3:15 p.m.

……………..

Refreshments

9. 3:30 p.m.

……………..

Company Strategy for the 1990s Mr. Frank Jones, sr. Vice

……………..

Meeting Ends

President 10. 4:00 p.m.


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MEETING Meeting is a media of coordination and communication. In further definition , meetings

are an important setting for oral communication and are used for a variety of purposes: 

To provide information to a group of people



To report on some activity or experience



To co-ordinate and arrange activities



To obtain assistance



To put forward ideas or grievances for discussion



To create involvement and interest

Types of meeting: Formal meetings 

A preplanned, structured meeting



A prepared agenda



A quorum must be present (the minimum number of people who should be present in order to validate the meetings)



A specified amount of notice must be given to members



A formal record of each meeting must be kept

Informal meetings 

They are not restricted by the same rules and regulations as formal meetings



They may be short and announced only a short time before they are held and usually on company promises



Strict agendas may not be used, especially in brainstorming or discussion sessions



A record of what took place may not be kept

Meeting can be divided based on:

Purpose; meeting is used to provide information, solve problem, take decision. Planning; meeting is divided into formal and informal Periodic; meeting consist of periodical meeting and specific meeting Participants; meeting covers vertical and horizontal Urgency; meeting includes regular and important [English For Secretary]

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Talking the Minute

At the large formal meeting, it is profitable that an elected officer of the organization or some other designed person will take the minutes of the meeting. The proceedings may also be recorded on tape for future reference. However, it is possible that you will be asked to take the minutes. Regardless of who takes notes, the final typing of the minutes is very likely to be one of your responsibilities. If you know that you are to take the minutes, prepare for this assignment carefully. First, check previous minutes in the files, second consult another secretary who has taken minutes at similar meetings, third confer with your boss concerning the procedures and form he would like to have followed. The minutes serve as the official record of the proceedings of the meeting, the name of the presiding officer and a list of those present and those absent. Discussion should be summarized, not recorded in full. However, resolution and motion should be fully recorded in their proper order, together with the names of those who introduced the motions. The minutes are usually duplicated and copies are sent to each person present at the meeting, to members who could not attend the meeting and to other designated individuals. They are usually kept as permanent record, sometimes in a minutes book. Papers presented are often attached to the final typewritten copy. The minutes are signed by the person who took them and sometimes also by he presiding officer. In addition to typing the notes and minutes of meetings. You may be asked to assist your employer in preparing announcements concerning action taken at the meeting and typing letters of appreciation or congratulation. You may also be asked to prepare publicity release about action taken and officers selected or appointments made at the meeting. Your careful attention the follow up details is just as important as your care in making the arrangements for the meeting. There are many models in taking the minutes and the following are one of examples of taking note and agenda as well as taking the minutes. Minutes are written record of what took place at a meeting. Minutes should be written in the past tense using third person and repo rted speech.


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Notice and Agenda

Company’s name… Title of meeting… Notice section state… Venue, time and date… Opening ordinary business… Final ordinary business…

AURORA HOLDINGS WELFARE COMMITTEE The monthly Welfare committee will be held in the Taylor’s Off ice at 16.30 on Tuesday 21

October 2006 AGENDA 1. Apologies for absence 2. Minutes of last meeting 3. Matters arising (Will Thomas) 4. Staff Restaurant (Jim Cage) 5. Christmas and dance (Wendy) 6. Any other business 7. Date of next meeting


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Minutes of meeting AURORA HOLDINGS WELFARE COMMITTEE MINUTES OF A MEETING OF THE WALFARE COMMITTEE HELD IN THE CHAIRMAN”S OFFICE ON TUESDAY 21 OCTOBER 2006 AT 16:30. PRESENT:

Eileen Taylor (Chairman) Jim Cage Wendy Thomas Georgia Thomas 1. APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Apologies were received from Anthony Long who was attending a business conference. 2. MINUTES OF LAST MEETING

Ten minutes had already been circulated and the Chairman signed them as a correct record. 3. MATTERS ARISING

Will Thomas reported that he and Georgia had visited Renee Simpton in hospital on 16 October to deliver the committee’s basket of flowers and good wishes for a speedy

recovery. Renee said that she hopes to return to work on Monday 4 November and will be able to attend the next committee meeting. 4. STAFF RESTAURANT

Jim Cage distributed copies of the accounts for the half year ending 31 July. He pointed out that a profit of $1300 was made over the first 6 months of the year. He suggested that some of this be used to buy a new coffee machine as the present one is old and unreliable. It was agreed that he would obtain some estimates and discuss this further at the next meeting. 5. CHRISTMAS DINNER AND DANCE

Miss Wendy Sheppard passed around sample menus which had obtained from hotels. After discussion it was agreed that arrangement should be made with the Marina hotel


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for Saturday 21 December. Miss Sheppard agreed to make all the necessary arrangements. 6. ANY OTHER BUSINESS

There was no other business. 7. DATE OF NEXT MEETING

It was agreed that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday 20 November at 19:00 ………………… (Chairman) ………………… (Date)

ET/ST 30 June 2006 There are suggestions for being interviewer and interviewee:

1. Your name, address and telephone number 2. The title and reference number of the job 3. Your date of birth 4. Your marital status 5. The name of present/ last employer 6. The address of present/ last employer 7. Your hobbies and leisure interests 8. The sports you play 9. Details of the job you have had 10. The languages your speak, read and write 11. Details of examinations you passed at school 12. Details of professional diplomas or degrees you have gained 13. Details of training courses you have attended 14. Details of you achievements and responsibilities in your working career 15. Your suitability for the job advertised 16. You reasons for applying for this job 17. When you are available for interview 18. Details of you present/ last job 19. Your current/ last salary [English For Secretary]

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20. The salary you would expect to receive 21. The names and addresses of two or three referees

Question on the job and the organization

1. Why do you want this job? 2. Can you work independently? 3. What qualities do you look in your boss? 4. Would you work overtime if necessary? 5. When could you start working? Question on the secretary’s role

1. What are differences between a private secretary and a personal assistant? 2. What qualities should an effective secretary posses? 3. What qualities do you think are most importance? 4. What are the most important functions of the secretary’s role? 5. Could there be a conflict between a secretary’s loyalty to her boss and firm? 6. What has been the most difficult situation you have ever had to deal with in the Office?

Question on ambitions

1. Why did you take up a secretarial career? 2. What did you hope to be doing in five year’s time? 3. Would you consider yourself suitable to enter management? 4. What do you look for in your job?

Question on interest and hobbies

1. What do you do in your free time? 2. How long have you been interested in your hobby/ sport? 3. Are you attending any part time classes?


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THE INTERVIEW (example) PM : Personnel Manager MM : Marketing Manager HB : Hillary Beacham

PM

: Come in, ah, good morning Miss Beacham. Thank you for coming

HB

: Good Morning

PM

: Please sit down

HB

: Thank you

PM

: Can I introduce you to Alice Everett, our Marketing Manager

HB

: How do you do?

MM

: How do you do?

PM

: And I am Sheila Polson, the Personal Manager. So, Miss Beacham, did you find us easily this morning?

HB

: Yes, it’s an easy route from where I live in Sou thtown

PM

: And do you have your own car?

HB

: Yes, I have

PM

: Good. Can we check on a few of your personal details? You were born in 1953, is that right?

HB

: Yes, 3rd September 1953 to be exact

PM

: And you are single

HB

: Yes I am

PM

: OK Can we move on to your education now? You’ve got f our O levels including English Language?

HB

: That right

PM

: Thank you very much, Miss Beacham, Allice, would you like to continue?

MM

: Yes, certainly, Miss Beacham, can you tell us a little bit about where you have worked before?

HB

: Well, my last job was with format


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MM

: And You were a PA there?

HB

: Yes, that right

MM

: And when did you start with them?

HB

: Two years ago

MM

: I see, So why did you decide to leave?

HB

: Well, Perhaps you heard that company went into liquidation earlier this year

PM

: So what did you like about this job?

HB

: Well, my job was PA to the marketing Manager. What I enjoyed most was coming into contact with customers and suppliers both face to face and on the phone

MM

: And where did you work for ideal Systems?

HB

: For ten years, as a secretary

PM

: And why did you leave that job?

HB

: Well, I felt that I needed a change, I think I had learnt all I could there.

MM

: going back to format. What did you work for there?

HB

: A man called Peter Smith. Smith. Do you know him?

MM

: We’ve met. OK, that’s enough on work experience. Do you have any word

processing experience? HB

: Yes, as secretary at ideal system I used a word processing system designed by the company. It was called “word”

MM

: And what about at Format? That was also a computer company, wasn’t it?

HB

: Yes, that’s right

MM

: Show much experience do you have of working in computer companies?

HB

: Well, two years at Format and ten at idea system. Oh and I also had some work experience with a software company while I was at collage

PM

: What secretarial qualifications did you get while you were at college?

HB

: Well, I’ve got two secretarial qualifications. I ‘ve got RSA stage II Typing

PM

: So your typing should be pretty good?

HB

: Well, in fact I didn’t do much typing at Format. I ‘ve got RSA in shorthand

PM

: And which qualification exactly?

HB

: The RSA 100 … so 100 words per minute


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PM

: Fine. And one final question. If we decided to offer you the job, when could you start?

HB

: Oh, I could start immediately, immediately, or as soon as you wanted me to

PM

: Fine. I think that’s everything. Have you you got any question?

HB

: Well, I would like to know ….


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All business letter typically include 7 elements:(1) heading,(2) date,(3) inside address,(4) salutation,(5) body,(6) complimentary close,(7) signature signature block 1. HEADING Heading/letterhead shows organization’s name, full address, phone number, fax number. Some organization (bank, trading) often include their branches. 2. DATE US standard is: June 14, 2002 (without st, nd, rd) or 14 June 2002 (no comma) British standard is:14th June 2002 3. INSIDE ADDRESS Identifies the recipient of the letter: If you know the surname

Mr. J. E. Smith Smith International Industries Ltd Liverpool L22 OPL

Position known

Sales Manager Beverly Hills Toys 3460 Rhodeo Drive Beverly Hills, California 90123

Department known

The Accounting Department Beverly Hills Toys 3460 Rhodeo Drive Beverly Hills, California 90123

Company only

Soundsonic Ltd. 800 Superior Aveneu Cleveland, Ohio 44144


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4. SALUTATION Dear Sir

To address a man whose name you don’t

know. Dear Sirs

To address a company.

Dear Madame

To address woman (single/married)

Dear Sir or Madam

To address a person of whom you know neither the name nor the sex

Dear Mr. Bowl

If you know the name. Look: don’t write Dear Mr. John Bowl nor Dear Mr. John.

5. BODY This section is your message. Almost all letters are single-spaced.

6. COMPLEMENTARY CLOSE Begin with

Close with

Dear Sir/ Dear Sirs/ Dear Madame/ Dear Your faithfully Sir Madam Dear Mr. Smith

Yours sincerely

Note: Americans tend to close even formal letters with Yours truly or Truly yours, Sincerely, Cordially , which is unusual in the UK in commercial correspondence, but

a latter to a friend or acquaintance may end with yours truly or Best wishes.

7. SIGNATURE BLOCK Always write your name after your handwritten signature. This is called the signature block. Yours faithfully, → using comma is optional T.Lovette

T.Lovette (Mrs) Here is example of a business letter using standard elements. [English For Secretary]

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World Talent Agency 2314 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90021-1654 (213) 695 2864 August 14,2002

Mr.Richard Garcia Director of Franchises Snack Shoppes 2344 Western Avenue Seattle,WA 98123 Dear Mr.Gracia, Last Monday, my wife and I were on a way home from a long weekend, and we stop ate snack shopped for a quick sandwich. A sign on the cash register gave your address in the event customers were interested in operating a franchise of their own somewhere else. We talked idea all evening and into the night. Although we talked about changing jobs-I’m an administrative analyst for a utility company and my wife sells real estate- the thought of operating a franchised business had never occurred to us. We’d always thought in items of starting business from scratch. However, owning a Snack Shoe can talk you them before pipe is an intriguing idea. We would appreciate your sending us full details on owning our own outlet. Please include the names and telephone numbers of other Snack Shoppe owners so that we can talk to them before we make any decision to proceed further. We’re exited about hearing from you. Sincerely, Peter Simon

Peter Simon


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Additional Letter Part: 1. Addressee Notation 2. Attention Line 3. Subject Line 4. Second-page Heading 5. Initial 6. Enclosure Notation 7. Copy Notation 8. Mailing Notation 9. Postscript

1. Addressee Notation

Letters have a restricted readership or that must be handled in a special way should include such addressee notation as Personal, Confidential , or Please Forward. This appears a double space above the inside address. 2. Attention Line

An alternative to including the recipient’s name or position in the address is to use an ‘attention line’

Soundsonic Ltd.

800 Superior Avenue Cleveland, Ohio 44144

Attn. Mr. Harry Porter Or Attn: The Director of Marketing

3. Subject Line

The subject line lets the recipient know the glance what the letter about. It appears bellow the salutation: against the left margin, indented as the paragraphs in the body of the letter, or centered on the line. Sometimes the subject line is placed [English For Secretary]

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above the salutation. Usually it uses Re: or Subject: (meaning ‘concerning’ or ‘in the matter of’).

4. Second-page Heading

If the letter is too long and an additional page is required, use a second page heading. In any case, the second-page heading bears the name, page number, the date of the letter; you can also include a reference.

Ms. Melisa Baker May 10,2002 Page 2

Or Ms. Melisa Baker, May 10,2002, Page 2 Or Ms. Melisa Baker

-2-

May 10,2002

Leave 2 blank lines between the second-page heading and the body. If a paragraph must be continued on a second page, make sure at least two line of that page appear on the first and the second page. Also, the closing line of business letter must never appear alone on an continued page. AT least two lines of the body must precede the complimentary close or signature line. And finally, don’t hyphenate the last word on a page.

5. Initial

Because it can happen in a business that one person may dictate a letter and another person may type/ produce it, initials (initials) are used to show who helped prepare the letter. It appears at the left margin.

English For Secretary

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RR/AM (Rhonda Rogers is the person making the draft, Amanda Morgan is the preparer)

6. Enclosure Notation

It appears at the bottom of a letter, 1 or 2 lines below the reference initials.Some common forms: Enclosure

Enclosures (2)

Enclosure: Resume Photograph

Attachment

7. Copy Notation

Copy notation follows reference initials or enclosure. It indicates who’s receiving the courtesy copy (cc), or photocopier (pc), or copy (c).Copy notation may include the position.

Cc: David Wentworth

cc: Head of Management Dept.

Pc: David Wentworth

pc: Head of Management Dept.

c: David Wentworth

c: Head of Management Dept.

Copy to David Wentworth

Copy to Head of Management Dept.

8. Mailing Notation

You may place a mailing notation (such as Special Delivery or Registered Mail ) at the bottom of the letter, after initials or enclosure.

9. Postscript


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Letter may also bear postscript: afterthought to letter, messages that requires emphasis, or personal notes. Postscript is usually the last thing on any letter and may be preceded by: PS: Anyway, postscript usually indicates poor planning, so generally avoid them.

Page 1 Beverly Hills Toys

2341 Hollywood Boulevard Hollywood, CA 90021-1654 (213) 695 2864 August 14, 2002 CONFIDENTAL

The Toy Trunk 356 Emerald Drive Lexington, KY 40501 Attn: Mr. Clifford Harson ,

Dear Mr. Harson, Re: Contract no. 27-3456 You should receive your shipment of Barbie and accessories within two weeks, just in time for the holiday shopping season. The merchandise is being shipped by United Parcel Service. …………….

Page 2 Mr. Clifford Harson August 14, 2002 Page 2 Next month, you will be receiving our spring catalogue. Notice the new series of action figures that will tie in a TV cartoon featuring King Arthur and The Knights of the Round Table. As a special introductory incentive a 15 percent discount on all items in this line until the end of January. Sincerely, Rhonda Rogers English For Secretary

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Ms. Rhonda Rogers Customer Service Representative CH/AP Enclosure Cc: Everest Cunningham, Marketing Manager Special delivery PS: Please send your order soon.

CONTENTS OF THE LETTER First Paragraph 

The first sentence or paragraph of a letter is an important one since it sets the tone of the letter and give your reader his first impression of you and your company.



In the first paragraph you will thank your correspondent for his letter (if replying an inquiry) ,introduce your self and your company if necessary, state the subject of the letter, and set out the purpose of the letter.



Here are two examples: Thank you for enquiry dated 8 July in which you asked us about our range of cosmetics. As you have probably seen in our advertisements in fashion magazine, we appeal to a wide age-group from the teenage market through to more mature women, with our product being retailed in leading store throughout the world.

Thank you for your letter of 19 August which I received today. We can certainly supply you with the industrial floor coverings you asked about, and enclosed you will find a catalogue illustrating our wide range of products which are used in factories and offices throughout the world.

Second Paragraph

This is the main part of your letter and will concern the points that need to be made, answers you wish to give, or question you want to ask. It is the middle paragraphs of a letter that planning is most important, to make sure that your points are clearly made, fully and in a logical sequences. English For Secretary

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Third Paragraph 

When closing the letter you should thank the person for writing, if your letter is a reply and if you have not done so at the beginning. Encourage further enquiries or correspondence, and mention that you look forward to hearing from your correspondent soon.



Here two examples: Once again thank you for writing to us, and please contact us if you would like any further information. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

We are sure that you have made the right choice in choosing this particular line as it is proving to be leading seller. If there is any advice or further information you want to, we shall be happy to supply it, and look forward to hearing from you.

SOME KINDS OF LETTERS:

LETTERS OF INTRODUCTION, FOR BUSINESS ASSOCIATES OF THE FIRM 

We have great pleasure in introducing to you, by this letter, Mr. Mark Gillow, a director of the firm Times Flooring, Ltd., who are business associates of ours. Mr Gillow is visiting Paris to establish new connections and we should greatly appreciate any assistance you may be able to give him, which will be considered as a personal favour to us.



It gives us great pleasure to introduce to you the bearer of this letter, Mr James Gilbert, a partner in the firm Massey, Worthington & Co. who are our accountants and auditors. Mr. Gilbert is visiting London to study the new plan on the spot, and we should be most grateful if you would give him the benefit of your advice and experience, also any introductions that may be of the help to him. Needless to say we shall regard this as a very special favor, and shall be only too pleased to reciprocate if you will give us that opportunity at any time. Note :


Page 87

In the matter of introductions there is, of course, the letter given to a representative of a firm; in this case it is probable that a circular letter will be sent out also, enclosing a copy of the letter that the representative will have with him.



Letter introducing a new Export Manager We have appointed Mr. Arthur White to the position of Export Manager for our firm and we have given him a letter of introduction to you, which he will present when he visits Delhi in the near future. We attach a copy of the letter. Mr. White has wide experience of the markets in India and he will discuss with you the latest developments in our production methods. You may have complete confidence in his advice.



Letter enclosed with the above This will introduce to you Mr Arthur White, our new Export Manager, who is visiting our customers in Sweden. He will tell you about our latest fabrics and will be glad to help you with any technical information you may require. Or : The bearer of this letter is Mr. A. White In reply to the above the following could be written:



We shall be very glad to see your new Export Manager when he is in this country, and we hope he will take an early opportunity to pay us a visit. Representatives may also be sent to visit customers or suppliers in connection with offers or complaints:



Announcing the visit of a representative of the firm for purposes of inspection. As our Export Manager is now in Europe and will be visiting Spain next month (we have written to ask him) (we have telegraphed to him) to get in touch with you and arrange to inspect the goods at your warehouse.



Mr. Greening, who is our Buyer for Europe, will visit your warehouse and inspect the goods as soon as he arrives.

 LETTERS OF CONGRATULATION


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From the purely business angle a letter of congratulation is often required; an executive of a firm may have received so me honour, or attained an important position, and should be congratulated. It is important to remember that in Britain honours are conferred by the Sovereign twice a year, at the New Year and at the time of the Sovereign's official birthday in June. There are a good many business people among the recipients of such honours, which are given for services to the country. The following arc suitable phrases for such letters : 1. It was with great pleasure that we learnt of your success 2. May we congratulate you on your success ... 3. We wish to express our great pleasure on hearing of your…. 4. It was with great pleasure that we red in the papers that you had received the (name of honour conferred) and we want to congratulate you at once. 5. We were delighted to read in the papers that you had rece ived the…. 6. We should like to say that we feel it is a fitting reward for your work. 7. May we say that we think no one has done more to deserve this reward. 8. We want to send you our very good wishes 9. May we express our sincere good wishes.

LETTERS OF SYMPATHY, CONDOLENCE

These are usually called for on the death of an executive of another firm; they are always difficult letters to write and much depends on how well the sympathizers know the people they are writing to. Again , such letters can be written from the angle of business rather than personal association. It is not the custom in Britain to send out long announcements of deaths. A notice is put in the appropriate column of such papers as The Times, and in the case of companies the Chairman, in his report for the annual general meeting of shareholders, mentions the death or retirement of any members of the Board of Directors. However, letters would be written to regular business associates and especially to any who knew the director personally.


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Something on the following lines would be written by the Secretary of the company 

Letter announcing the death of a Chairman You will, I know, be very sorry to hear of the sudden death of Sir James Brown, for thirty years Chairman of this company and a son of the founder of the business ... The following phrases would be suitable for the reply expressing sympathy:



We were deeply grieved to hear (to learn) of the sudden death of the, Chairman of your company ...



It was a great shock to hear the sad news of Sir James Brown's sudden death.



We are writing immediately to express our sincere sympathy.



We want to express our heartfelt sympathy ...



All who knew him well remember his many kindness and his helpful advice.



Please (convey) (express) our sympathy also to his family. A rather formal phrase is:



Please accept the expression of our deepest sympathy.

 INVITATIONS

There are many occasions on which firms issue invitations, as do societies of various kinds. There are social gathering for the members of the staff, especially during the Christmas and New Year season, and there are also official banquets as well as other activities. The invitation is a formal one and printed cards are sent, usually with the ; following wording:

Ex. 1: The Chairman and Directors of Mar joy Ltd.

request th e pleasur e of your company at a Banqu et to be held at the Gr eat H all , Western A venu e, Bour nemouth at 8.30 p.m. on F ri day, 20th October, 1998.


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R.S.V.P. Evening Dress

to the Secretary.

R.S.V.P. (=Repondez s’il vous plait’) is always printe d on such formal

invitation; the wording on the" left ensures that full 'evening dress' is worn by everyone. Sometimes wording on the left indicates the type of ‘entertainment’ provided for the

guests; when this done the wording such as 'at a Banquet to be held' would be omitted. As an example, meetings are frequently organised for the early evening, between 6 and 8 o'clock, and in the bottom left-hand corner the word 'Cocktails' is printed. The name of the company may be left out and printed at the top, or the bottom of the card. The answer to such formal invitations is in the third person; the guest uses notepaper with the address already die-stamped at the head, or writes in his address, but no name and address of the firm appears, neither is the salutation ‘Dear Sirs' used nor the ending ‘Yours faithfully'. In fact the reply would look like this.

Ex 2:

30 Ferndale Road Bournemouth

Mr John Smith thanks the Chairman and Directors of Marjoy Ltd. for their kind invitation to a Banquet to be held at the Great Hall, Western Avenue, Bournemouth at 8.30 p Friday, 20th October, 1998, which he has much pleasure in accepting.

(There is no signature to this letter) If Mr John Smith is obliged to refuse the invitation, the wording of the last two lines would be: … but regrets that he is unable to accept owing to a prior

engagement on that (day) (evening) Informal, personal invitation are, of course, written and answered in the same way as other private correspondence. English For Secretary

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 HOSPITALITY 

A letter from an overseas customer, announcing a visit. (Note that the letter is written in the American style.)

Gentlemen : We have the pleasure to announce that our Technical Director, Mr Daly, is planning to visit you early in October next, the purpose of which visit will be to study on the spot, with your valuable assistance and co-operation, various questions of importance, including of course our joint program for research. It will be very helpful for him to exchange ideas about the promotion of the business, and meetings could perhaps be arranged with various authorities may be interested in the constructional projects we have in view. Your kind suggestions will be highly appreciated. You will be informed in advance of the exact day on which Mr. Daly will arrive in England. Meanwhile, with kin regards to your Directors, we are. Very truly yours. When he returns to his own country, after the visit proposed in the above letter, Mr. Daly will write a letter of thanks for the hospitality received. This can be an official letter from his firm but a much more personal and friendly letter can be written, on the following lines:



A letter of thanks for hospitality ( See letter before ) (Private address of the American writer, or the address of his office but without the firm's name.)

8 June 1998 Sir Walter Drake KC.M.O. Chairman The Drake & Sons Engineering Co. Ltd. BRISTOL 5 English For Secretary

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England.

Dear Sir Walter Back now in my own country I wish to thank you most warmly for your very excellent hospitality extended to me. The opportunity to meet yourself and your directors is something I had long looked forward to, and I can only hope / now that one day I may be able to receive a visit here from you. I very much appreciated your kindness and that of Mr. James Frobisher in showing me round the new plant. I thank you once again, and am, Sincerely’

J. DALY (A more formal letter of thanks could be addressed to the Secretary of the company, asking him 'to convey' the thanks of the writer to the Chairman and directors)

 LEGAL MATTERS

In the case of small firms various matters are dealt with by the 'Secretary on the instructions of, and after discussion with, the directors; in larger firms these matters would be the concern of the Accounts Department, in other words of the Chief Accountant, or Accountant, also after discussion with the directors. Among cush matters would be any legal action to be taken in the case of non-payment of debt, default in carrying out-a contract, ar a dispute of any kind involving the firm. The directors of a company do not act without the advice of the company's solicitors, and all contracts and agreements entered into are first approved by the lawyers. It is sometimes necessary to ask solicitors in another country to act on the firm's behalf, and the following type of letter might then be written: 

Letter to solicitors, asking them to act for the firm Your name has been given to us by Green, Black& Green, our solicitors in Luton, and I am writing ar the request of my Directors to ask if you would be good enough to act on our behalf in the matter of non - fulfilment of a contract by ... (name


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given) of your city. The precise facts of the case are set out in the enclosed copy of the document and attached statement by niy Directors. We hope you will be willing to undertake the case for our company, and as the matter is rather urgent your ear'y reply will be greatly appreciated. (This letter would be signed by the Secretary of the company, and the name of solicitors might be obtained from the Embassy of the contry in which the legal action will be brought, or from the Board of Trade in London.)

Responding a Want-ad:

An advertisement /ad offering a job (want-ad) can invite different responses: 1. Candidates should write an application letter supported by the resu me. Candidates can prepare the documents required then they might send them by mail, e-mail, or if required by the employer, they will come in to the company with the documents. 2. Candidates should write for an application form. Candidate can prepare a letter giving some brief details about them, then ask for the form. 3. Candidate can contact the employer by telephoning. If they are considered to be the prospective ones, the employer will send them an application form.

Purpose

The purpose of your application letter is to get the reader interested enough to read your resume. Always send these two document – application letter and resume – together because each have unique job to perform. Before you read an application letter, learn something about the organization you’re applying to. Imagine yourself in the recruiter’s situation and show how your background and

talent will solve a particular company problem or fill a need. The more you can learn about


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the organization, the better you will be able to capture the reader’s attention and convey your

desire to join the company. Find out the name, title, and department of the person you’re writing to. Reaching and

addressing the right person is the most effective way to gain attention. Avoid phrase such as ‘To Whom It May Concern’ and ‘Dear Sir’.

Application letter can be solicited (in response to an announced job opening) or unsolicited (one sent to an organization that has not announced opening).

Adopting the AIDA Approach

The AIDA approach when writing your application letter: attention, interest, desire, action .

Getting Attention 

One way to spark attention in the opening paragraph is to show how your strongest work skills could benefit the organization. A 20-year-old college student in her third years of college might begin like this: When you need a secretary in your export division who can take shorthand at 125 words a minute and transcribe note at 70 in English, Spanish, or Portuguese, call me



Mentioning the name of a person know to and highly regarded by the reader is bound to capture some attention: When Janice McHugh of your franchise sales division spoke to our business communication class last week, she said you often need promising new marketing graduates at this time of year .



Reference to publicized company activities, achievements, changes, or new procedures can also be used to gain attention: Today’s issue of Detroit News repots that you may need the expertise of computer programmers versed in robotics when your Lansing tire plant automates this spring .



Instead of using an attention-getter, a solicited letter written in response to a job advertisement usually opens by identifying the publication in which the ad ran and then describes what the applicant has to offer:


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Your ad in the April issue of Travel & Leisure for a cruise- line social director caught my eyes. My eight years of experience as a social director in the travel industry would allow me to serve your new Caribbean cruise division well .

The opening paragraph can also state your reason for writing and the position you are



applying for: *Please consider my application for an entry-level position in technical writing. *Your firm advertised a fleet sales position (on August 23, 2002, in the Kompas). With my 16 month of new car sales experience, won’t you consid er me for that position?

Another way to state your reason for writing at the opening of your letter:



Subject: Application for bookkeeper position

Building Interest and increasing Desire

The middle section of your application letter presents your strongest selling points in terms of their potential benefit to the organization. If your selling points have already been mentioned in the opening, don’t repeat them.

Mention your key qualifications with supporting evidence that indicate you can do the job. Show how your studies and your work experience have prepared you for this job. Be careful not to repeat the facts presented in your resume; simply interpret those facts for the reader. Starting that you have all the necessary requirement for the job is rarely enough to convince the reader, so back up your ability by presenting evidence. Instead of this

Write this

I completed three college courses in Using the skills gained from three business communication, earning A in semesters of college training in business each course, and have worked for the past communication, I developed a collection year at Imperial Construction.

system for Imperial construction that reduced its 1999 bad-debt losses by 3.7 percent, or $ 9.902 over those of 1998. Instead of using timeworn terminology,


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the new system’s collection letter offered

discount incentives for speedy payment.

Toward the end of this section, refer the reader to your resume. You can do so by citing a specific fact or general point covered in the resume: You will find my skills as an asset. As you can see in the attached resume, I’ve bee working part time with a local publisher since my sophomore year, and during that time, I have successfully resolved more than a f ew ‘client crises’ .

Motivating Action

The final p aragraph you’re your application letter has two functions: to ask the reader for specific action and to make a reply easy. In almost all cases, the action you ask for is an interview. Don’t demand it. Try to sound natural and appreciative. Offer to come to the employer’s office at a convenient time, or if the firm is some distance way, to meet with its nearest representative. State your phone number and the best time to reach you, or by mentioning that you will follow up with a phone call in a few days. Refer again to your selling points. After you have reviewed my qualification, could we discuss the possibility of putting my marketing skills to work for your company? Because I will be on the seminar early next month, I would like to arrange a time to talk then. I will make a phone call in the late of this month to schedule a convenient time when we could discuss employment opportunities at your company

The following is the application letter of Glenda Johns. She manages a snapshot of her qualifications and skills without repeating what is said in her resume.

Glenda Johns

Home: 457 Mountain View Road, Clear Lake, IA 50428 (515) 438 5254 College: 1254 Main Street, Council Bluff. IA 51505 (712) 438 5254 June 16, 2002 Ms. Patricia Downings, Store Manager English For Secretary

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Wall Mart 480 South Oak Iowa Falls, Iowa 50126

Dear Ms. Downings, You want retail clerks and managers who are accurate, enthusiastic, and experience. You ant someone who cares about customer service, who understands merchandising, and who can work with others to get the job done. When you are ready to hire a manager trainee or clerk who is willing to work toward promotion, please consider me for the job. Working as clerk and then as an assistant department manager in large department store has taught me how challenging a career in retailing can be. Moreover, my AA degree in retailing (include work in such courses as retailing, marketing, and business information system) will provide your store with well-rounded associate. Most important, I can offer Wall Mart Iowa Falls store more my two years of study and filed experience. You will find that I am interested in very face of retailing, eager to take on responsibility, and willing to continue learning throughout my career. Please look over my resume to see how my skills can benefit your store. I understand that Wall Mart prefers to promote its managers from within the company to, and I would be pleased to start out from an entry level position until I gain the necessary experience. Do you have any associate position opening up soon? Could we discuss my qualification? I will phone you early next Wednesday to arrange a meeting at your convenience.

Sincerely,

Glenda Johns Glenda Johns

Enclosure Compare with Glenda’s resume (n ext page ).

Because she is a recent graduate, she describes her resume beginning on her re levant skills. CURRICULUM VITAE / CV Resume is a structured, written summary of a person education, employment background,

and job qualifications. English For Secretary

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The fact is that resume is a form of advertising designed to s timulate an employer’s interest in meeting you and learning more about you. A good resume inspires the prospective employer to call and ask you to come in for an interview. Thus, the objective in writing your resume is to create interest rather than to tell the reader everything about you. In fact, it’s best to only hint at some things and leave the reader

wanting more. That way, the potential employer will have reason to call you for an interview.

Preparing a Resume

In preparing a resume, you need to consider two main point: 1. Tailoring the Content 2. Controlling the Format & Style

1.

Tailoring the Content

Think in terms of an image you’d like to project. Are you academically gifted? a

campus leader? a well-rounded person? a creative genius? a technical wizard? If you know what you have to sell, you can shape the elements of you resume accordingly. Don’t exaggerate, and don’t alter the past or claim skills that you don’t have, but don’t well on negatives, either.

By focusing on your strengths, you can convey the desired impression without distorting the fact.

2.

Controlling the Format & Style

If you resume doesn’t look sharp, and if you don’t grab the reader’s interest in the first few lines, the recruiter won’t read it long enough to judge your qualification.

To give your resume a sharp look: 

Use a clean typeface on high grade



Letter size bond paper (white)



Leave ample margin all around



Be certain any corrections are unnoticeable



Avoid italic typeface that can be difficult to r ead



Use a quality laser print er


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In general, try to write a one-page resume. Absolutely avoid using the word ‘I’, instead start your phrases with active and

impressive verbs such as these: Instead of this 





Responsible

Use this

for



Developing

a

new

filling

development a new filling

system that reduced paperwork

system.

by 50%.

I

was

in

charge

of



Handled

all

customer complaints and

complaint

all ordering problems.

product order discrepancies.

Won a trip to Europe for opening

the

most

new

customer accounts in my



and

customer resolve

all

Generated the highest number of new customer accounts in my department.

department.

The elements of a resume are: Name and address

The first thing the employer needs to know is who you are and where you can be reached. Many resume headings are nothing more than name and address centered at the top of page.

Career Objective or Summary of Qualifications 

Starting your objective or summarizing your qualifications helps the recruiter categorize you. If you state your objective, make sure that it’s effective and be as

specific as possible about what you want to do. For example: o

A software sales position in a growing company requiring international experience.

o

As an alternative to starting your objective, you might want to summarize your qualifications in a brief statement that highlights your strongest points, particularly if you have had a good deal of varied experience. Look the example:


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Ten years of experience in commission selling with track record of generating new customer leads through creative advertising and community leadership positions.

Education

List the name and location of each school, the term of your enrollment (in month and year), your major field of study, significant skills and abilities you’ve developed in your

coursework, and your degrees or certificates you’ve earned. If you are still in school, education is probably your strongest selling point. So, present your educational background in depth, choosing facts that support your objective. Give this section a heading such as ‘Education’, ‘Professional College Training’, or ‘Academic Preparation’. Anyway, educating is usually given less emphasis in a resume after you’ve worked in

your chosen field for a year or more. If work experience is your strongest qualification, save the section on education for later in resume and provide less detail.

Work experience, skill, and accomplishments

Tailor your description to highlight the relationship between your previous responsibilities and your target field. Call attention to the skills you’ve developed and the progression from

jobs of lesser to greater responsibilities. When describing your work experience, you’ll usually list your jobs in chronological

order, with the current or the last one first. Include any part-time and intern positions even if the jobs have no relation to your current career objective. Employer will see that you have the ability to get and hold a job, which is an important qualification in itself. Don’t try to make your role seems more important by glamorizing your job title,

functions, or achievement. Use the phrase ‘to present’ to denote current employment. If a job was part-time, say so. If samples of your work might increase your chances of getting the job, insert a line at the end of your resume offering to supply the on request. Yo u may put ‘references available upon request’ at the end of your resume. List your references on a separate sheet and bring

them to your interview. English For Secretary

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In short, the work experience section lists all the related jobs you’ve had: 

Name & location of employer



What the organization does (if not clear from its name)



Your functional title



How long you’ve worked there



Your duties and responsibilities



Your significant achievement or contributions

Include miscellaneous facts that are related to your career o bjective: 

Command of other languages



Computer expertise

Actives and achievements

Your resume should also describe any volunteer activities that demonstrate your abilities. List projects that requires leadership, organization, organizat ion, teamwork, and cooperation. coo peration. Emphasize careerrelated activities such as ‘member of o f the Student Marketing Association’.

List skills you you learned in these activities, and explain how these t hese skills are related to the pation in jobs you’re applying for. Include speaking, writing, or tutoring experience; partici pation athletics or creative project; find-raising or community-service activities; and office held in academic or professional organizations.

Personal Data

Provide only the personal data that help you get the job. Expert advises that you leave personal interest off your resume unless they would enhance the employer’s understanding of why you would be the best candidate for the job.

For instance, a travel company offering a job for a tourist guide will welcome the applicant starting his/ her personal interest in outdoor activities. Expert also recommend that you exclude salary information, reason for leaving jobs, names of previous supervisors and other identification code. Save these items for the interview, and offer them only if the employer specifically request t hem. English For Secretary

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Example of Resume: Glenda Johns

Home: 457 Mountain View Road, Clear Lake, IA 5028 (515) 438 5254 College:1254 Main Street, Council Bluff, IA 51505 (712) 438 5254 OBJECTIVE

Retailing position that utilizes my skills. RELEVANT SKILLS 

Personal Selling/ Retailing 

Led housewares department in employee sales for spring 1988.



Created end-cap and shelf displays for special housewares promotion.



Sold the most benefit tickets during college fund-raising drive for local community center.



Public Interaction 

Commended

by

housewares

manager

for

resolving

customer

complaints amicably.  

Perform in Summer theater production in Clear Lake, Iowa.

Managing 

Trade part time housewares employees in cash register operating and customer service.



Reworked housewares employees schedules as assistant manager.



Organized summer activities for children 6-12 years old for city of Clear Lake, Iowa-including reading program, sport activities, and field trips.

EDUCATION 

AA Retailing Mild-Management (3.81 GPA / 4.0 scale), Iowa Western Community College, June 1988.


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

In addition to required retailing, buying, marketing and merchandising courses, completed electives in visual merchandising, business information systems, principles of management, and business math.

WORK EXPERIENCE 

Assistant manager, housewares, at Jefferson’s Department Store during off -

campus work experience program, Council Bluff, Iowa (fall 1997-spring 1998). 

-campus Sales clerk, housewares, at Jefferson’s Department Store during off -campus work experience program, Council Counc il Bluff, Bluff, Iowa (fall 1996-spring 1997).



Assistant director, summer recreation program, Clear Lake, Iowa (summer 1996).



Actress, Cobblestone Players, Clear Lake, Iowa (summer 1995).

LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

tha t you are the prospective candidate. Exercise: Respond the ad bellow by imagining that You can pretend to be so by showing your qualifications you can properly imagine.

SALES-ACCOUNT MANAGER

MidCity Banking company is seeking an Account Manager to sell and coordinate our programs to major accounts in the Chicago market. The candidate should possess strong analytical and selling skills and demonstrate computer proficiency. Previous sales experience with major account level assignment desire. A degree in business or equivalent experience preferred. For confidential consideration please mail application letter and resume to Steven Crane, Director of Sales, Midcity Banking Company, 133N. Railroad Avenue, Nortlake IL 60614. Write a letter for an application Form

If you write to inquire an application form, you can give some brief details about yourself, then ask for the form. It is worth remembering, at this point, that your letters, in these cases, are not for the positions themselves, but are for interviews. These examples can also be used for unsolicited application, i.e. when applying for a post that has not been advertised.


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

I am 23 years old, was educated at an economics college which I left 23 April 2002 having taken Degree in Management.



I graduate from (college/ university) in (date) with a (diploma/ degree) in (subject mentioning any special topics that would be relevant to the position).



At present I am employed by (name of firm) where I deal with.

There is no need to give any more information at this stage, so the letter can be c losed: I would be grateful if you could send me an application form, and if in the meantime you need any further details about, I would be happy to supply them. Would it possible for you to send me an application form and further details? Can you please send me an application form and any other relevant details?

Fill-up the application form below Application form post:

Merchant Hill Plc Merchant Bank 11-15 Montague Street, London EC1 5DN

Surname:

Forname (s):

Age:

Date of birth:

Material status:

No of children:

Address:

Sex:

Tel daytime

Tel evening:

Education

School/ Univ/ college

Age:

From

To Address Secondary Higher


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Employers Name and address

From

Language Fair

To

Fluent

Position and duties

Good

English French Mandarin Japan

Hobbies/ activities

Have you any of the following skills? (tick appropriate box) □ Typing ……….wpm □ Shorthand …………wpm

□ Word processing □ Bookkeping □ Accounts □ Telex □ Driving license □ Filling

When will you not available for an interview? ……….. Date: ……………

Signature: …………


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A business, whether small or large, relies upon company personnel to strengthen the public image created by the public relations department. In all of a secretary's dealing with the public she represents the organization If she provides prompt and pleasant customer service, she creates goodwill for herself and her company. A secretary is responsible for maintaining a business like atmosphere. With a pleasant smile and friendly greeting she communicates goodwill. Therefore she must practice good public relations techniques. If these techniques ate used wisely and well, she will provide a good image to the company clients or customer which is useful for the success and progress of the company. A customer or client who has been greeted pleasantly by a secretary when he entered the office will surely also expect a pleasantly spoken goodbye when he leaves, takes only a moment for the secretary to smile nod goodbye, yet the departing individual will be favorably impressed and remember the friendly gesture by saying “good bye pleasantly. Public relations techniques are as follows; a pleasant smile, a friendly goodbye, an appropriate greeting, suitable conversation, pleasant tone of voice, good listening ability attentive attitude, efficient work habits, good manners.

A. READING I.

II.

Obstacle words: -

Relies upon

= mengandalkan

-

To strengthen the public image

= memperkuat citra pada masyarakat

-

Discourteous

= kurang sopan

Reading text:

A business, whether small or large, relies upon company personnel to strengthen the public image created by the public relations department. In all of a secretary’s dealings with the English For Secretary

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public, she represents the organization. If she provides prompt and pleasant customer service, she creates goodwill for herself and her company. If she is discourteous with a customer, she does not. A secretary is responsible for maintaining a businesslike atmosphere. With a pleasant smile and a friendly greeting she communicates goodwill. Therefore she must practice good public relations techniques. Her business will be good or poor depending on a very large part upon her use or lack of use of it. Public relations techniques a secretary can apply are as varied as her workload. What one secretary does to exude goodwill might appear foolish if done by one of a different personality. Some public relations techniques are: a pleasant smile, a friendly goodbye, an appropriate greeting, and suitable conversation, pleasant tone of voice, good listening ability, attentive attitude, efficient work habits and good manners. If these techniques are used wisely and well, they will provide a good image to the company’s

clients or customers who are useful for the success and progress of the company. A customer or client who has been greeted pleasantly by a secretary when he entered the office will surely also expect a pleasantly spoken goodbye when he leaves. It takes only a moment for the secretary to smile and goodbye, yet the departing individual will be favorably impressed and remember the friendly gesture. At the conclusion of these activities, the secretary should say “goodbye” pleasantly.

III.

Comprehension questions: 1. How does a company get a good image with the public? 2. What does a secretary do to create goodwill for herself and the company? 3. What must a secretary do if she wants to be a successful and professional secretary? 4. Why must a secretary practice good public relations techniques? 5. What are the results if these techniques are used wisely and well?

IV.

Vocabulary: Image

= gambaran; citra

To create

= menghasilkan; menciptakan

To represent

= mewakili

V.

Prompt

= cepat; segera

To maintain

= mempertahankan; memelihara

Businesslike

= bersikap bisnis

Effort

= usaha

To reflect on ….

= memberikan gambaran tentang ….

To exude

= mengeluarkan; menyinari

Foolish

= bodoh

Attentive attitude

= sikap memperhatikan orang lain

Gesture

= gerakan

Friendly gesture

= sikap bersahabat

Discussion po ints: 1. What is your idea of a good secretary’s public relations techniques? Explain. 2. A secretary must have a pleasant smile, a friendly goodbye, a suitable conversation, an attentive attitude, etc. is each one of these important? Why?

B. STRUCTURE REVIEW Modals Auxiliaries: Would and Should I.

The Form Would and should are followed by verb without to.

II.

The Function Would express: a. Insistence = kemauan keras e.g : I tried to stop him from smoking everyday but he wouldn’t listen. b. Characteristic habits in the past = kebiasaan pada waktu lampau. Disini “would” artinya sama dengan “used to”.

e.g : On Sundays Hasan would get up early and go fishing. He would spend English For Secretary

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the whole day by the river and in the evening he would come home with stories about the fish he had nearly caught. (terjadi setiap Minggu dalam waktu lalu). c. Nonfactual or unreal conditional at present (= yang artinya menyangkal dari keadaan sebenarnya. Lihat penggunaan Simple Past Tense). e.g : Harun would smoke too much if I didn’t stop him. (arti sebenarnya

Harun tidak merokok berlebihan karena saya menyeto pnya). Should (= ought to) expresses: a. An obligation (= anjuran yang tidak mempunyai kesan memerintah dan

tidak

harus

dijalankan)

dan

logical

necessity

(=

anjuran/keharusan yang masuk akal) e.g : You should do as your father says (Anda sebaiknya mengerjakan seperti yang dikatakan ayah). They should be home by now. It’s already late (mereka seharusnya sudah berada di rumah karena hari sudah malam). b. Personal reaction to events (= reaksi kita terhadap sesuatu kejadian/pernyataan), after certain expressions like : it is a pity that, I’m surprised that, etc.

e.g : It’s a pity that Triyono should resign from his job. I’m surprised that the cleverest students in my class should

fail in his final exam on filing.

III.

Exercises : a. Instruction : In the following sentences, identify (= tentukan) the most suitable meaning of would and should. e.g : If Aryanto were here he would know how to use this color printer. Would = non factual or unreal condition. There should be a switch somewhere. Oh yes, here it is. Should = logical necessity The doctor says that I should do some exercise but I’ve really been too lazy. Should = obligation


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1.

You shouldn’t leave a child alone while you are at work.

2.

That hat doesn’t suit you; you should buy another one.

3.

We should get up early tomorrow so we can see the sun rise between the mountains.

4.

It’s better that he should hear about the pro motion from you.

5.

I would take the robber to the police if I were you.

6.

He was determined that his children would go to the best school available.

7.

You shouldn’t leave your books lying on that table. Some one will

pick them up. 8.

He recommended that the troublemakers in the factory should be dismissed (= dipecat).

9.

It’s absurd that women should be paid less than men for doing the

same work. 10.

When he went out he left the radio on, so that his parents would think that he was still in his room.

b. Instruction : Change the following ordinary sentences into more polite ways by using would. e.g : Will you be so kind as to keep an eye on my house while I’m away?

1. Do you mind opening the door for me, please? 2. What do you want to drink, coffee or tea? 3. Will you please help me carry this luggage? 4. I will be very grateful if you can send the leaflets by airmail. 5. Do you want to come to Tini’s graduation day with me?

C. VOCABULARY I.

On handling the mail -

Mail

= surat-surat; barang kiriman melalui pos

-

To mail

= mengirim


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-

Incoming mail

= surat-surat masuk

-

Outgoing mail

= surat-surat keluar

-

Mailbag

= kantong pos

-

Mailbox

= kotak surat; kotak pos

-

Mailman

= pengantar surat; tukang pos

e.g : Mail consists of personal mail and company mail = Barang kiriman melalui pos terdiri dari surat-surat pribadi dan surat-surat perusahaan. In a company we have to deal with incoming mail and outgoing = Di suatu perusahaan kita harus menangani surat-surat masuk dan suratsurat keluar. In a small company one person deals with the mail = Di suatu perusahaan kecil satu orang menangani surat-surat. In a large organisation there is a special mail room = Di suatu organisasi besar ada satu ruang khusus untuk menangani surat-surat.

-

To deliver

= menyampaikan (surat, pesanan, dsb)

-

Delivery

= penyampaian; pengantaran (surat)

e.g : Incoming mail is delivered by the post office as part of a normal delivery = Surat-surat masuk disampaikan oleh kantor pos sebagai bagian dari pengantaran keliling surat-surat.

-

Handle the mail efficiently

= menangani surat-surat secara efisien

e.g : It is essential that the mail is handled efficiently so that correspondence is rapidly available for distribution = Perlu sekali suratsurat ditangani secara efisien supaya surat-surat itu dengan segera siap untuk dibagi - bagikan.

- Registered mail or recorded delivery = surat tercatat e.g : As soon as the mail arrives, sign the registered or delivery items = Segera setelah pos tiba, tanda tangani surat pengantar (dari surat-surat tercatat) English For Secretary

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-

To distribute

= membagikan

-

Distribution

= distribusi; pembagian

e.g : Some firms like their mail to be distributed straight away to each department = Beberapa persahaan menghendaki surat-sarat dibagi bagikan langsung ke setiap bagian (departemen)

-

To check

= mencek; meneliti

e.g : All letters are checked if all the enclosures are in fact enclosed = Semua surat diteliti untuk melihat apakah setiap lampiran benar-benar telah terlampir.

-

To weigh

= menimbang

-

To frank

= memberikan perangko cap

e.g : Letters and packages are weighed and stamped. Or franked by machine = Surat-surat dan paket-paket ditimbang dan dibubuhi perangko atau dicap perangko dengan mesin.

-

Envelope

= sampul; amplop

e.g : Be careful to remove letters the envelope; you could leave important documents inside if you aren’t caeful = Hati-hatilah mengeluarkan

surat-surat dari sampul; Anda dapat meninggalkan dokumen-dokumen penting di dalam sampul bila Anda tidak hati-hati.

-

To attach; to enclose

= melampirkan

-

Enclosure

= lampiran

e.g : Attach all enclosures to the back of the letter = Lampirkan semua lampiran di belakang surat.

-

Date stamp


= cap tanggal

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e.g : some firms require a record of all incoming mail to be kept in a special file or book = Beberapa perusahaan mengharuskan suatu catatan dari semua surat masuk disimpan dalam arsip atau buku yang khusus.

-

Remittance

= pengiriman uang

e.g : Correspondence which contains remittance is recorded in a special book = Korespondensi yang terdiri dari pengiriman uang, dicatat dalam buku khusus.

II.

Exercises: a. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word taken from the given list. Incoming mail

mailmen

deals with

postage

outgoing mail

mailbox Mail room confidential

1. In an organization there may be a special ….. where several people handle the distribution of the mail. 2. In a small office one person ….. all mail. 3. In residential areas we usually find a ….. in front of the house. 4. Nowadays there are many …. who deliver the mail to residential areas in the city as well as to the villages. 5. In a small firm …. Can be posted by a clerk but the registered or recorded delivery items with have to be taken to the post office to be handled. b. Rewrite the sentences using the appropriate word in parentheses. 1. As soon as the mail arrives, (sort out, open, keep) the items marked “private or confidential”.

2. When you open the letter and you find enclosures, attach the enclosures to the (back, front, inside) of the letter. English For Secretary

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3. When you receive letters, you should (keep, distribute, mail) them straight away to each department. 4. Make sure that the mail has the correct amount of (postage, money, payment) before you mail it. 5. You have to check all the letters to see that all the (mail, money, enclosures, payment) is/are in fact enclosed.

D. DIALOGS I.

Making Preparation for a Meeting

Situation

:

Tuan Brown adalah direktur salah satu perusahaan minyak di Jakarta. Dai akan mengadakan rapat rutin. Untuk itu Tuan Brown meminta Santi (sekretarisnya) untuk mempersiapkan segal sesuatu yang diperlukan untuk rapat. Karena Tuan Brown akan menjemput Tuan Thomson (seorang rekannya dari Amerika) di airport, maka Tuan Brown menginstruksikan Santi meminta Tuan Tobing, wakilnya, untuk membuka rapat terlebih dahulu. Ini adalah percakapan antara Tuan Brown dan Santi. Mr. Brown

: Santi, we are going to have our regular meeting at two o’clock tomorrow.

Santi

: Yes, Sir. I have ordered the office boys to prepare the room for the meeting.

Mr. Brown

: Good. Now you have to prepare all material needed.

Santi

: Yes, Sir. I have prepared the agenda, note books, and other important material.

Mr. Brown

: Good. I know that you would have no problems in preparing everything.

Santi

: Is there anything else that you want me to arrange, Sir?

Mr. Brown

: Yes, tomorrow morning. I have to meet Mr. Thomson at the airport and take him to his hotel.

Santi


: What time will you go to the airport, Sir?

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Mr. Brown

: The plane arrives at eleven o’clock, and I must be there in

good time because this is his first visit to Indonesia. Santi

: If Mr. Thomson goes through immigration and customs smoothly. I think you still have enough time to get to the office before the meeting begins, Sir.

Mr. Brown

: I am afraid we will be rather late because I will first have lunch in the hotel with Mr. Thomson.

Santi

: So, if you aren’t here at two, what do you want us to do?

Mr. Brown

: If I’m late, please ask Mr. Tobing to start the meeting first.

They can read the minutes of the last meeting, and start discussing the first item on the agenda. Ask him also to explain my absence and that I will join them as soon as possible. Santi

: Yes, Sir. I will inform them before the meeting.

Mr. Brown

: Thank you, Santi.

Santi

: You’re welcome, Sir.

a. Comprehension questions : 1. What will Santi do in connection with the meeting tomorrow? 2. Why does Mr. Brown tell Santi to ask Mr. Tobing to open the meeting? 3. What does Mr. Brown have done before the meeting tomorrow?

b. Vocabulary : Regular meeting

= rapat rutin

Prepare

= mempersiapkan

Arrange

= mengatur

Customs

= pabean

To fetch

= menjemput

My absence

= ketidak hadiran saya

Immigration

= imigrasi

c. Discussion points : English For Secretary

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1. As a secretary you are ordered to make preparations for a formal meeting. What will you do? 2. Besides preparing material for the meeting, what other jobs should be done by a secretary at the meeting? Explain.

II.

Taking Notes At a Meeting

Situation

:

Mary adalah seorang Sekretaris di Bank of America di Jakarta. Dia orang Amerika. Di kantornya ada Anita, seorang Indonesia, yang baru saja bekerja sebagai Sekretaris Junior. Mary akan mengikuti rapat untuk mencatat notulen rapat bagi atasannya, Tuan Andrew, General Manager. Oleh karena itu Mary mengikuti rapat. Ini adalah percakapan mereka. Anita bertanya tentang cara membuat notulen. Mr. Andrew

: Mary, I have a manager’s at two o’clock. I want you to be there with me to take the minutes. Tell Anita to take care of the office while we are at the meeting.

Mary

: Yes, Sir.

Mr. Andrew

: If there is a call for me, tell her to take the message.

Mary

: Yes, Sir. Anita, I’m going to take the minutes at the manager’s meeting this afternoon. So you will be in

charge of our office. When there is a call for Mr. Andrew, take the message. Anita

: Take the minutes? What do you mean by that?

Mary

: Anita, to take the minutes means to make notes of things discussed and the decisions made at a meeting. Afterwards, you type out the minutes. So that there is a record of what has happened at the meeting.

Anita

: I see. But how do you make the notes?

Mary

: You listen carefully to the things under discussion. You note down the topic or subject. Then you wait till they make a decision on the matter, and you write that


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down as completely as you can. If some body brings up a point, you take that down too. Anita

: That sounds like a difficult thing to do.

Mary

: Yes, it’s very difficult when you do it for the first time. But the more often you do it, the easier it will be for you. As they say: “Practice makes perfect”.

Anita

: This meeting that you have to take the minutes of, is it a big meeting?

Mary

: Oh, yes, it is! All the branch managers will be there. It is what we call a formal meeting.

Anita

: What’s the difference between a formal and informal?

Mary

: Well, a formal meeting is usually planned before, to be held at a certain place, on certain subjects. An informal meeting can be suddenly without any planning when there is a need to discuss something.

Anita

: I see. Thank you for the explanation.

Mary

: OK. Now I have to go to the meeting. Remember to take down any messages for Mr. Andrew or for me.

Anita

: Yes, I will, Mary.

Mary

: OK. I’ll see you after the meeting.

Anita

: See you.

a. Comprehension questions: 1. Sometimes a secretary has to take the minutes of a meeting. Can you explain how it is done? 2. What do you do after you taken the minutes of the meeting? 3. Are Mary and Anita close? Explain! 4. What is the difference between a formal and an informal meeting? Explain! 5. What is Anita expected to do while Mary is away from the office? Why is it necessary for Mary to say that? English For Secretary

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b. Vocabulary: Sounds like

= agaknya; kedengarannya

To take care of

= mengurus

To inform

= menginformasikan

The minutes of meeting

= notulen rapat

To look after

= menjaga; mengawasi

Decision

= keputusan

c. Discussion points: 1. Explain the importance of the minutes of a meeting. 2. If a Junior secretary is ordered to take care of the office, what things does she do?

III.

MAKING AN APPOINTMENT

Situation

:

A Miller is secretary to Mr. Brown. When someone rings up to make an appointment to see Mr. Brown, she consults his diary. Mr. Bram:

I wonder If I could see Mr. Brown for about a hour on Monday morning?

An Miller:

Mr. Brown is attending a seminar at nine o’clock, I’m afraid,

but he’ll be free in afternoon . Mr. Bram:

Well what about Tuesday afternoon?

An Miller:

Mr. Brown is briefing the training staff at half past two, I’m afraid, but he’ll be free in the morning.

Here is Mr. Brown’s diary :

September 4 Monday 9.00 a.m Attend seminar

7th Thursday 10.30 a.m Hold committee

meeting 5 Tuesday English For Secretary

8 Friday Page 119

22.30 p.m Brief training

3.00 Show visitors round

6 Wednesday

9 Saturday

September 11 Monday

14th Thursday

9.30 a.m inspect training

11.00 a.m discussion with

Engren area 1.00 p.m lunch with

12 Tuesday

15 Friday 2.30 p.m Fly to Denmark

13 Wednesday

16 Saturday 17 Saturday

2.00 p.m speak at management conference

IV.

CANCELING AN APPOINNTMNET

Mr. Hans is out of the office, he is in the Sales Section when an important potential customer telephones to cancel an appointment. His secretary, Betty, has to deal with the situation. Caller

:

…………………………………?

Secretary

:

Yes, it is

Caller

:

…………………………………?

Secretary

:

No, I’m afraid he isn’t. This is his secretary speaking, can I help you?

Caller

:

………………………………….

Secretary

:

Oh I see

Caller

:

…………………………………

Secretary

:

Oh good. He’ll be glad to hear that. Well, we look

forward

to

hearing

from

you,

Mr………………

Goodbye and thank you for your calling. English For Secretary

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V.

ARRANGING AN APPOINTMENT

Situation

:

Marisa wants to make an appointment to see Sheila this week. Fill in Anne’s

half of this telephone conversation. Marisa

:

Good morning. Can I make an appointment to see Sheila, please? She knows I’m coming this week.

Anne

:

……………………………………

Marisa

:

Thursday, if possible. Is she free in the morning?

Anne

:

I’m afraid ……………………

Marisa

:

Well, what about Tuesday?

Anne

:

I’m sorry. She ………………………..

Marisa

:

no, I can’t meet her for lunch to day or on Wednesday.

Anne

:

……………………………………….

Marisa

:

Well, I’m free in the morning, but I’m entertaining some

customers in the afternoon. Anne

:

………………………………………….

Marisa

:

Oh well then, I suppose it must be next week.

Having a well-constructed set of files, current and up-to-date, is almost always taken for granted …. Until things go wrong. If, however, we take steps now to organize an efficient

filing system, we can eliminate many headaches for ourselves in the future. As we focus on filing, remember that what we are dealing with is more than paper …

it is an asset of the company! For example, the files may be needed to avoid tax problems with government authorities in future years. They may be used to help the company prosecute or defend a legal action. Or they may be used to help get new business and demonstrate past performance. Understanding the importance of the record and documents we are responsible for filing helps we maintain a positive attitude about the t ime we have to spend on it.


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Reducing our filing workload

Our first step in developing a filing system that works well for us is to determine what should and should not be filed to begin with. Use the following rules as our initial guide. Also discuss the matter with our boss, so we can develop additional guidelines to reduce the avalanche of papers. Rule 1: Try to keep our desk as clean as possible. Once we start building piles of papers on our desk, it is hard to find anything and important items get lost. Rule 2: Establish a specific schedule for filing. For example, we might set aside a half day once every two weeks or one day a month just for filing. Concentrating on the task will enable us to work more efficiently. It will also give us the opportunity to recognize duplicate pieces of correspondence, which can be thrown away instead of double-filed. Rule 3: Set up a “hold” file for papers not important enough to file away now. If our boss wants us to decide for ourselves which correspondence, incoming items, memos and reports may be tossed out, then set aside a regular time (once a month or every two weeks) to go through our “hold” file. Look through everything and throw out every items which is now “dead” or no longer needed.

If our boss wants to make the save-or-toss-out determination himself, then give him the contents of our “hold” file on a regular basis ( again, monthly, or twice a month) so he can

go through everything quietly in one sitting. We could go through it together; or he could review the pile on his own, tossing items no longer needed and marking the rest for us to either file or bring to his attention for dictation. Rule 4: If we are working for more than one boss, have a separate work tray for each. This will reduce the amount of papers we have to go through if we need to find something. Also set up a separate “hold” file for each boss-and make sure we know how each one wants us to

handle it. Rule 5: Keep an “in basket” either on our desk or near it. That way, we don’t have our boss or anyone else dropping papers all over our desk. If we wish, we can also have baskets for “out” and “typing” and “filing”.

Rule 6: Welcome technological changes. More and more businesses are replacing typewriters with some type of computer. The information which used to be stored in files is now saved on disks. Don’t resist making the change, if we are g iven the opportunity.


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Filing correspondence on a computer disk is certainly more convenient, but even on a disk the “files” of correspondence, reports, memos and lists do take up space, and do become

obsolete. Set aside a regular time for removing outdated files from our disk. Some secretaries store all correspondence only until their bosses have signed and approved the final draft. Others store correspondence until their bosses periodically review the list of files and decide which ones may be removed. Rule 7: Never stop searching for ways to improve our system. Check frequently with ot hers to see why things are being retained in files and if there is a better way to solve the problems that they are being used for.

Inconsistency causes confusion

In many companies there is no written procedure as to how the filing system works. Here is a typical problem. Two purchase orders have been received from the Robert Smith Company. One secretary files one order in file folder “R” for “Robert”. Another secretary files the other in folder “S” for “Smith”. We can see the inconsistency. What we need here is

a procedure document that specifies whether we should file by first or last name. That way, there is no “wrong way”.

This example leads to another filing problems – locating files via cross references. Everyone in business encounters this problem at one time or another. A customer calls the company. This customer has done quite a bit of business with the company over the years and has issued hundreds of orders during that time period. Now the customer wants information concerning one of those orders and gives the order number to the secretary, assuming that she will be able to pull the records quickly and give him an immediate response. Going to the files, however, the secretary discovers that the order number is of no value, since the company maintains its files only by customer name. now she is faced with an impatient customer who deserves quick and courteous service, and she will have to go through each order one at a time until the proper one appears. What is the solution? A cross reference system whereby each alphabetical file is tied to an order number file. In fact, this really demonstrates two types of filing methods, alphabetical and numerical.


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Pros and cons of the most popular filing systems

File and record systems are the heart of business. There are several types of systems commonly used. The most popular ones are: 1. Alphabetical 2. Numerical/job 3. Geographical 4. Chronological 5. Decimal As an office professional, it is part of our job to understand how each system works. That way we are in a position to help our boss by suggesting improvements, if needed, to the way our system currently operates. Equally as important, our knowledge will mean that we can work with minimal direction, freeing our boss for other work.



Alphabetical files

File cabinets are usually prepared so that they have index guides to divide the letters. Folders are then inserted either by name or subject. At first, we should file names or subjects for each alphabet letter in the same folder. For example, place purchase orders relating to Acme Company, Albright Company, Action Engineering and Associated Consultants in one file folder marked “A”.

However, once we have five or more pieces of correspondence for the same company, we should set up a new file just for that company. By waiting until a few pieces of correspondence exist, we save the trouble of having folders which contain only one piece of paper. Also, by keeping the number needed to start a separate file low, (in this case five) we won’t end up with a master ”A”

folder containing too many mixed files. Once we have several separate files for companies beginning with “A”, filed in alphabetical order, our “A” file will be our file for miscellaneous “A” companies. We’ll

then follow the same procedure for the rest of the alphabet, separating files when we accumulate several items for one company, and keeping the rest in miscellaneous alphabet letter files.


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Filing alphabetically (as well as numerically) can also mean subdividing the file drawer through the use of “separators”. Separators are tabbed guides which identify letters

of the alphabet, headings and subheadings.



Numerical/job files

Using a numerical file works best if our company identifies job efforts by a work order system, purchase order or any kind of identifying number. The numerical listing refers us to the file name, and makes an excellent cross-reference document. For example, the Acme Company has been in the construction business for 30 years. Starting with its first project, each contract was assigned a “job number”. The filing

system was simple, which is a key to having a good system. A job index log is used and each job number assigned is issued the next number in the sequence. The first job is given number 1. The job number file is kept in an index card file of standard index card. We can go to the index and, with the number, find the details of every job company has ever had.



Geographical files

This type of filing system is based upon location. The locations themselves might be filed alphabetically, or numerically, by sales region. The geographical file tells the company how much work is coming from a certain area. It is, therefore, particularly useful for tracking and recording sales-related information. Just as with the numerical/job method, the geographical file works well as a crossreference system. It’s also well suited to being maintained on index cards in a card file.

The type of information appearing on it might include the name of the salesperson, the sales district, city or town, region, company listings and other related information. To keep the data manageable, consider using codes for certain items, such as location of cities.



Chronological files

The chronological file (often referred to as the “chrome file” is one of the key

types of business files you can have. Unlike the other files, it does not replace any system. Instead, it is a separate, second file. English For Secretary

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Our chrome file will consist of a copy of every letter, memo, report, that we have typed for our boss, along with copies of company notices which our boss might want to keep, all filed by date. It’s best to separate our files into monthly folders so they don’t

become too unwieldy to work with. If we are working for more than one boss, make up a separate chrome file for each one. This is especially important if they give you personal correspondence as well as company work to do. Once we have a chrome file, if we or our boss needs to find anything, we can locate it quickly as long as we have some idea of when it was done. For example, suppose it is January. Our boss wants a memo he wrote about a problem dealing with a customer, but it isn’t able to remember the customer’s name. If he knows (or if we remember) that the problem came up “about six months ago”, we can go through the chrome files for June

and July. If the date is reasonably accurate, we should come up with it.



Decimal files

The decimal approach is similar to that found in libraries. The files are classified into no more than 10 main categories or headings. These headings are each assigned a three-digit number, starting from the 000 series and ending with the 900 series. These, in turn, are given two-digit subheadings within the series, beginning with the number 10. For example, say that our subject for the 200 series is ”Computers”. We may then

assign a subheading number 30 for software programs. In the system, computer software programs would be found in 230. We can continue dividing and create sub-headings, broken down into single digits, tenths and so forth.

Developing the best system for our needs

Whenever we are developing a filing system or revising one, keep in mind the needs of the people involved. This may mean conducting interviews with those who generate information, as well as those who use it. Find out how long records must be kept, both for business and legal purposes, such as tax authorities. That way we can develop a disposal plan, and eliminate files which no longer any use.


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Handbook ESP for Secretary

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