Lesson 4 – Shortage

In this scenario, you will learn to resolve a dispute that has occurred due to an order not properly processed.
The scenario is as follows: Last time B ordered two hundred and fifty boxes of wasabi chocolate cookies from A at an expo, so A sent the order as soon as possible, but A has not yet received the payment from B. Therefore, A seeks compensation from B. A is a food company in the United States, and the company’s sales representative has since returned to the United States after their visit to China for the expo. B is a Chinese importer. In response to this problem, the manufacturing manager in A’s factory contacts the purchasing department manager of B by phone.

This video will guide you through how to resolve a dispute calmly and successfully when there is an unexpected situation relating to your business or the company you work for.

Lesson Objectives

  • Learn how to use honorifics in a situation where you also have to remain assertive
  • Learn how to demand for an explanation without crossing over the rules of business propriety

Lesson Activities

  1. Role-Playing Exercise – With a classmate, practice the dialogue as shown and perform the dialogue in front of an audience! Available in the following downloadable script available in English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Pinyin:
  1. Vocabulary List – Use the vocabulary list to study new vocabulary and use these new vocabulary in new situations!
  1. Application Exercises – When you have familiarize yourself with the basic dialogue, test your new skills in navigating these similar but new situations!