Bad news: Office English episode 7

Nobody likes to talk about bad news. But sometimes at work, we have to give bad news to our colleagues or employees. Do you know the phrases your boss might use to give you bad news? In this episode of Office English, Pippa and Phil talk about how to understand bad news and deliver it to other people in English. (Cover image: Getty)
To download a free pdf transcript and the audio for this episode, visit our website 👉 www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish...
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Episode 4 - Calls and instant messages 👉 • Calls and instant mess...
Episode 3 - Chasing people 👉 • Chasing people: Office...
Episode 2 - Meetings 👉 • Meetings: Office Engli...
Episode 1 - Work emails 👉 • Work emails: Office En...
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[@bbclearningenglish]

Watch the video and then do our quick quiz! 👇 How can we use these words at work - 'downsizing', 'restructuring', 'streamlining'? 🤔 Tell us in the comments. 😄

[@KaioSantos-fu4mq]

Thanks fella.

[@AmoulaAmoula-mm9ri]

Restructuring is used for re-organising the companie when it losed its money ...etc But streamlinig used for not to made the problem very big , so it has a positive effect on its listeners However dowsizing means people when their lose their jobs in the society or the last when it loses its affers and money

[@milly5678899]

Excellent lesson as always. One euphemism I really hate is "We have to let you go". I find it so hypocritical. Where do you have to let me go? I like best the end of the lesson, starting with letting the person know that there are bad news for them. A very difficult thing to do, but an honest way to say the painful news.

[@bbclearningenglish]

We're glad you enjoyed this episode of Office English, and thank you for sharing your opinion too! You can find more episodes of Office English on our website: bit.ly/4bblVvI

[@AhmedAl-MukhtarAgadarAdkshk]

Thanks for the excellent presentation

[@GlobalEnglish-2025]

This video is helpful; thank you. 謝謝。

[@CarmenGonzalez-xr9de]

Thanks 😊

[@LilyEnglishAudio]

Thank you🤍🤍

[@hoangphuctran9310]

Thanks for the lesson

[@bbclearningenglish]

You're welcome! Make sure to check out the Office English playlist for more useful videos: kzbin.info/aero/PLcetZ6gSk96-PF8EvW5280NI79fUWilWD

[@habibnawazinqilabofficial5097]

Please spell some words for blind listeners. Nice presentation

[@Prashant-v6l]

Hello! How are to all, this lesson is so knowledgeable, please create one more about same these phrasal verbs we will wait for new video. And thanks for given us this video.🙏🏻 "Keep doing"

[@bbclearningenglish]

Thanks for the feedback! We do have a series by Georgie where she explains common phrasal verbs: www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/phrasal_verbs_with_georgie 😊 Give it a watch!

[@Prashant-v6l]

@@bbclearningenglish"Thanks for given as. Have your nice day."

[@joyyyy777]

Unfortunately, we have to get bad news occasionally. Just in case, we need to deal with it.

[@habibnawazinqilabofficial5097]

I listen you in swat Pakistan

[@EnglishVid2]

❤

[@toobatooba5334]

❤❤❤💕

[@salahalselene4957]

❤️📕✍️💪📚📚

[@SondosElfeky-nf5ud]

Iam searshing for british english study partner❤ my level B1,

[@bbclearningenglish]

We have a quiz aimed at B1 level on our website. At the bottom of the page you'll find lots of content we recommend for B1 learners: www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/course/test-your-level/unit-1/session-1 📚

[@Salah_-_Uddin]

What does "news" stand for?

[@sreekanthreddy2051]

@@Salah_-_Uddin north, east, west ans south

[@keithshum8780]

I am facing the restructing from my company. Lucky, there is nothing change on my role. Downsizing is what we can't escape nowadays

[@bbclearningenglish]

That's good to hear! Quick tip - 'luckily' is the adverb you want in your second sentence. 😊