Part One: Warm Up
With your partner(s), make a list of common ways that people relieve stress. Try to think of at least five different methods.
Part Two: Getting Ready to Speak
Listen to a conversation between two people, Allie and Matteo. Then, discuss the following questions with your partner(s). You do not need to write anything.
Transcript
Person 1: Hey Mateo, how's it going?
Mateo: Not great.
Person 1: Oh, what's wrong?
Mateo: I'm just stressed out this week. I've got a lot going on at work.
Person 1: Oh, that's too bad. What's going on at work?
Mateo: Well, we just signed on with a big corporate client, which is great, but they've got rather demanding and short deadlines that we have to follow.
Person 1: That's unfortunate. What are you working on for that client?
Mateo: We'll have to process customs documents so their products can get into the country and into stores. Doesn't sound like much work, but they've got a lot of products that they ship to Canada. All of it takes a long time to do.
Person 1: How long does it usually take?
Mateo: Between a couple of weeks and a month. If it's a large shipment, it's usually a month, and I have to let the client know the earliest possible dates, considering all the documents that have to be submitted to and processed by customs.
Person 1: Wow, you must really need to manage your time well if you've got lots of shipments.
Mateo: Yeah, I do. And if I don't, then it's thousands of dollars wasted for delays. But that's what I usually deal with, so I'll be fine.
Mateo: How about you? How are things with you?
Person 1: To be honest, I'm not feeling that great either. Work's been hard for me too.
Mateo: Oh, so what's been happening?
Person 1: It's been a hectic few weeks. Because of the holiday season, there's been a lot of people coming into the shop. We're super busy. Lots of customers are in a rush to buy presents for their loved ones before Christmas, so I've been dealing with more than a few stressed people.
Mateo: Really? I guess people do get stressed around this time of year.
Person 1: And frustrated. I've had a lot of frustrated parents looking for the perfect presents for their kids or in-laws.
Mateo: I see. And I'm guessing leaving all their shopping until the last minute.
Person 1: Exactly. And most of them take their frustration and stress out on me.
Mateo: That's terrible. I hope things get better. Christmas is almost here, so at least it'll be over soon.
Person 1: I hope things get better for you too. Let's meet up and hang out after the Christmas rush.
Mateo: Sure. I'd like that.
- What is the relationship between Allie and Matteo?
- What is their conversation about?
- Where do you think Matteo and Allie work?
- Does the conversation flow easily and naturally? Why or why not?
Teacher's Note
Answers = 1. friends, 2. stress they’re experiencing at their workplaces, 3. Matteo—shipping department at a manufacturing company, Allie—retail store, 4. Yes, they are able to keep the conversation going by making comments about what each other says and asking follow-up questions.
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