Negotiate a solution
Develop requests, wishes and advice through a focused speaking itinerary.
Speaking task
You booked a hotel room for 12–14 May, but you must travel one week later. The free-change deadline has passed. Record a 90–120 second phone conversation with a hotel receptionist. Take both roles. Give your booking details, request the new dates politely, listen to a possible fee, and propose either a partial fee or a credit for a future stay. End with a specific agreement or a clear next step; do not assume the hotel must accept.
- Vorrei cambiare la data della prenotazione.· I would like to change the date of the booking.
- Potrebbe verificare se c’è un’altra camera?· Could you check whether there is another room?
- Mi dispiace, ma dovremmo applicare una penale.· I am sorry, but we would have to apply a charge.
- Non sarebbe possibile fare un’eccezione?· Would it not be possible to make an exception?
Performance and self-check
Plan the customer’s opening, the receptionist’s explanation, one alternative proposal, and the closing. Use at least three conditional forms for polite requests or offers. Listen to your recording: does each speaker respond to the other, and does the final line make the outcome clear? Repeat with fewer notes.
- Al suo posto, invierei i documenti oggi stesso.· In your place, I would send the documents today.
- Le consiglierei di spiegare il problema per iscritto.· I would advise you to explain the problem in writing.
- Potremmo offrirle un credito per un soggiorno futuro.· We could offer you credit for a future stay.
- Accetterei questa soluzione, purché riceva una conferma.· I would accept this solution, provided that I receive confirmation.