Cheering up Your Co-Worker
Useful Expressions
- It can happen to the best of us.
- It happens sometimes.
- What’s done is done.
- It’s not the end of the world.
- We all have our ups and downs.
- You’re doing a great job.
- Don't let this get you down.
- Don’t let it get to you.
- You can do it!
- You’re the best at this.
- Cheer up!
- Keep it up!
- Keep up the good work.
- Look at the bright side, ...
- That's the spirit!
Dialogue Practice
Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.
Jessica seems a bit down, so James tries to cheer her up. | |
 James | Hey Jessica! Why so glum? What’s wrong? |
 Jessica | I just had a talk with the boss. Apparently, I'm doing a lousy job. |
 James | What? You know that's not true! You're doing a great job! Did he actually say that? What happened? |
 Jessica | Well, he didn't say it, but that's what he meant. He mentioned that I had made a couple of mistakes in my last two reports. And he's right. And I was a bit slow on the last project and failed to meet the deadline. |
 James | Oh, come on! That can happen to the best of us! It's not the end of the world. We all make mistakes sometimes. He just wanted to bring it to your attention, so that you can do even better in the future. |
 Jessica | The thing is, I was having a really tough time at home and I just couldn't concentrate. |
 James | Well, we all have our ups and downs. You know that you are doing great and no one could ever replace you. You're the best at what you do. So don't let something like this get you down. |
 Jessica | Thanks for the support, James. I guess you're right. I just need to focus more and it will be okay. |
 James | That's the spirit! Now, let's go get a drink! You need to get this off your mind. |
 Jessica | You're the best, James! |
Check your understanding:
1.
Why was Jessica in a bad mood?
2.
Why was Jessica not able to concentrate on her work?
3.
What did James suggest they do?
Role Play
Role-play the following situation with your teacher.
Situation
Your colleague had a really bad day at work today and his/her boss reprimanded him/her for the mishaps. Your teacher will act as your colleague. Try to cheer him/her up. You may use the expressions below:
- It happens to everyone.
- Look on the bright side.
- You’re doing great.
- Don’t let it get to you.
Discussion
1.
Have you ever had to cheer up a colleague before? If so, what happened?
2.
How do you deal with mishaps at work?
3.
Is your work environment cheerful and friendly or somber and professional?
4.
Do you get on well with your colleagues? Why? Why not?
