Skip to main content

BEC Sample Speaking Answers


Cambridge BEC Business English Ceritifcate

Meetings
You work for a large company. Your meeting is to consider the regional sales conference to be held next autumn. You have the following points on the agenda:

- conference location (somewhere attractive and enjoyable)
- length of conference
- suggestions for entertainment of delegates during conference

Meeting attendees: Susan (Head of Human Resources), Mark (General Manager), Paula (Logistics Manager), Ralph (Sales & Marketing Department)

Sample Answer

Mark: Well, thanks for coming today, we have a lot to discuss so we best get started right away. The aim of this meeting today is to set out a plan for organizing the regional sales conference in October. We need to decide on a location or venue for the event, how long it’s going to be, and also what entertainment or other events we might like to include as part of the conference. Let’s start by having a quick analysis of last year’s conference and maybe we can then get a better idea of what we would like to do this year. Ralph can you take us through how things went last year? The high and low points and anything we should take into account for this year?

Ralph: Thanks mark, okay well, last year's conference was considered to be a success in terms of the sales and marketing content, although quite a few delegates commented on the choice of venue and the lack of evening entertainment, especially as it was a three day event. I’d like to propose something straight off. I think this year we should try to fit everything into two days but include some sort of evening activities as well as look at a more impressive venue. Any questions?

Paula: Where was the conference held last year Ralph?

Ralph: We held it in the High Peaks Hotel, close to here. It’s a good hotel but I think the delegates expected something a bit more exclusive or exciting as it’s only once a year everyone gets together for these events.

Paula: I see, well, I've recently been contacted by a new venue organizer here in town who manages a full service conference and venue company that can provide a wide variety of venues, fully equipped and with most other functions and necessities required for all types of conferences. Maybe we should look at some of their suggestions and get a better idea of what we could do in terms of location and budget. I agree with Ralph, that if it’s only once a year and it’s for the whole region it should be something pretty impressive to keep sales staff motivated and looking forward to it.

Susan: I’ll work out the number of delegates we’ll be expecting this year and I also think I can help with some suggestions for evening activities. We’ve been running a series of integration activities recently in various departments and the company we use are very creative and deliver good events which the staff have all enjoyed, in fact we had some really positive feedback on the last event, which was a team building weekend. I’m sure we could include something stimulating and fun within a reasonable budget.

Mark: Well, that a good start. We seem to have touched on all the points I wanted to for this initial meeting. So, just to recap. Susan, you’ll come up with attendance numbers and ideas for extra activities, maybe two or three different options if you can. Paula, you’ll do some initial research on venues and location, what’s available and what we could do within the budget we have assigned, and Ralph, I’d like to ask you to come up with the conference itinerary showing how we can condense everything into two days. Obviously we’ll have to take the extra activities into account, but if you can present us with a draft of the conference schedule at the next meeting, that would be a great help.

Okay, if there’s nothing else for the time being, I suggest we call it a day and lets meet again at the end of next week to look at things in closer detail.

I’ll have my secretary confirm the day and time with you all in the next couple of days. Thanks again for coming, and your contributions and I’ll see you all next week.
How to Get Promoted at Work

How to Get Promoted - Quick & Easy Guide for Fantastic Results!

Discover how to get promoted at work. Tips on how to position yourself as the best candidate for a promotion at work.

Business Topics to Write About

Unique Business Topics to Write About | What you need to know

Feeling stuck on your business essay? Look no further! Explore our list of business topics, from entrepreneurship to finance, and get inspired!

Leadership Interview Questions

Leadership Interview Questions

Leadership Interview Questions and Answers - 5 Leadership Questions You MUST Know How to Answer in an Interview - Essential Interview Skills

Types of Job Interviews

Types of Job Interviews

What to expect in 9 different types of job interviews. How is each different? What to expect in job interviews - how to succeed and impress hiring managers/recruiters.

Business Report Writing

How to Write a Business Report

Report Writing, How to write a business report. Situation Report, Recommendation Report, Yardstick Report, Periodic Report, Investigative Report.

Memo Writing Questions and Answers

Memo Writing Questions and Answers

How to write better memos! Memo writing questions and answers. How to format a memo. Ensure your memos are clear, accurate, and effective!