Discussion
　　(three very important topics!!)

(一)

Trade Fair Your company is attending a trade fair in a foreign country for the first time. You have been asked to help with the preparations for the trip. Discuss the situation together, and decide: What travel and accommodation arrangements you will need to make before the trip? Which kinds of business customs in the foreign country would be useful to know about, and how could one find about these before the trip.

　　Candidate A: It is the first time for our company to attend a trade fair in Paris. So we have to do a lot of preparations before we set off. Do you think so?
　　Candidate B: I’ m of exactly the same idea. Firstly, I think we must arrange an appropriate schedule. For example, we should arrive a day earlier to give us time to adjust and acclimatize.
　　Candidate A: I agree entirely. As we know, travel fatigue, climatic changes, jet lag, foreign food, etc. will all have great effect on us.
　　Candidate B: Yes. And then we should book air tickets and reserve accommodations in advance.
　　Candidate A: Yes. I think we should contact the travel agent because it can offer variety of choices and discount.
　　Candidate B: That’s just what I was thinking. Then, we must remind every participant that cultural differences can cause a lot of misunderstandings and even break a deal. So they should learn more about French culture.
　　Candidate A: Can you put things into the perspective?
　　Candidate B: For instance, shaking hands with everyone present, inviting your customers to lunch rather than dinner, avoiding talking business over the main course, etc. are all basic business customs that our participants should bear in mind.
　　Candidate A: I go along with you about that. I think we can invite French people to give every participant lecture to help them familiarize with French culture.
　　Candidate B: Ok, that’s agreed. I’ll present our ideas to the board of directors. Nice talking with you.

（二）

Organizing a PR Event Your company is organizing the press launch of a new model of its car. You have been asked to help with the preparations for the event. Discuss the situation together, and decide: Who you will invite to attend your press conference. What information is needed in the press conference.

　　Candidate A: Our company is organizing a press conference to launch our latest model. We must make careful planning and considerate arrangements to ensure the most satisfying outcome.
　　Candidate B: True enough. I think the first thing we should take into consideration is the people we shall invite to the press conference. What are your views on this?
　　Candidate A: As I see it, we should target most important motoring magazines, national papers, major regional papers and freelance journalists, etc.
　　Candidate B: That’s a good point. When the public reads positive things in their favorite magazine or newspaper, they are the journalists’ own comments and therefore much more powerful than advertising because they aren’t influenced by the organization.
　　Candidate A: Yes. So, our goal is to communicate the quality and image of our cars to the motoring press.
　　Candidate B: Then, how about the information needed in the press conference. Would you comment on this point?
　　Candidate A: I think we should make sure that press information packs are accessible to everyone present.
　　Candidate B: I wonder if you could explain it in more detail.
　　Candidate A: sure. The information packs include, for example, brochures about specifications of our advanced cars, the most attractive pictures reflecting the modern image of our cars, etc.
　　Candidate B: I agree entirely. What’s more, I think welcome information and itineraries for guests should also be prepared in advance.
　　Candidate A: Oh, exactly.
　　（三）Entertaining clients
　　Entertaining Foreign Clients！！！！！
　　Your company is entertaining a group of foreign clients for three days, including one non-working day.
　　You have been asked to plan a programme for the visit.
　　Discuss the situation together, and decide:
　　What kinds of activities would be suitable for the visit
　　What information it would be useful to know about the clients before finalizing the programme 　　
　　Interlocutor: [Select one or more of the following questions as appropriate, to redress any imbalance or to broaden the discussion.]
　　What kinds of arrangements need to be made before foreign visitors arrive? (Why?)
　　Are there any disadvantages for a company in having a visit from foreign clients? (Why / Why not?)
　　Where would you take foreign visitors in your home town? (Why?)
　　Would you enjoy looking after business visitors for a few days? (Why / Why not?)
　　What problem might there be when socializing with foreign business people? (Why?)
　　What are the long-term benefits of establishing personal contacts with foreign clients?