1. Business Arrangements Complied by Ms. Terri Yueh

2. Making Appointments Useful Expressions A: Hello, can we fix/arrange an appointment / a meeting on (Tuesday) at (7:00 p.m.)? B: I’ll (just) get / check my diary. Yes, that would be fine. I’m sorry, but I’m meeting someone / doing something / going somewhere then. How about /What about / Shall we say (Friday) at (7:00 p.m.)? I’m sorry, but I think I need to change our appointment because I have another appointment. Can we reschedule for (Friday) at (7:00 p.m.)? A: OK. I’ll pencil you in. (=I’ll write my appointment with you in my diary.)

3. Changing Appointments Useful Expressions I can’t make (Monday). Something has come up. I’ve got to (do something). How about (Tuesday)? Can we put it off / delay it? We’re going to have to put back /delay our meeting. I’m afraid (Monday) won’t be possible after all. I’m going to be very busy that day. I’m completely snowed under (very busy) on (Monday). Can we leave it open for the time being? I’ll get back in touch / contact you again when I’m available.

4. Sample Dialogue A: Can we arrange a meeting some day next week? B: Sure. Would Tuesday be suitable? A: Hmm. I won’t be able to make Tuesday. I’ve got to go to a conference. Shall we say Wednesday? B: Well, unfortunately I’m afraid Wednesday won’t be possible after all. I’m supposed to fly to Taichung to see an important client, and I don’t think there’s any way I can get out of it. Are you free on Friday? A: Friday? Let’s see. Hmm. Somehow I think I’ve already got something scheduled for Friday. Oh, yes! I have a departmental meeting that day! How about Monday? B: Let’s see. Well, Monday is out of me. I’m expected to attend a meeting of our personnel committee, and it’s very important for me to be there. A: So that leaves Thursday. I don’t have any obligations or commitments on Thursday. How about you? B: Thursday sounds good. Where should we meet? …….