The Partys Over - Business English

The Partys Over - Business English Our business English listening exercises have been popular, so weve got another one this week. Even if youre not learning English for business, I think these are great listening exercises that contain useful vocabulary and expressions, and interesting ideas. If youre interested in classes focused on business English, check out our executive English course.This week weve got another scene from Margin Call. Forbes Magazine, a popular business magazine in the U.S., named this one of The best Hollywood movies about real business.In this scene Kevin Spaceys character (the one doing all the talking) is explaining to employees at an investment firm how they are going to sell  investments that will likely have no value shortly after they are sold something considered to be very unethical.  This scene uses several advanced phrases and some vocabulary which Ill define below to help you before you watch the video.VocabularyThe Partys Over: An expression meaning that its time to get serious, t hat an easier time has ended.Turmoil: Disruption, unpredictability.Liquidate: To sell something for cash.Majority Position: To have more than 50 percent ownership of something.Fixed Income MBS: This is a technical term used to describe mortgage backed securities. Very simply, it is a way of buying and selling mortgage loans. You can read a more precise definition here.Fire Sale: When something is sold at a low price, with the intention of selling it quickly.To Go Down: An English phrasal verb that, in this case, means to take place, or to happen.The Ground is Shifting Below Our Feet: Things are changing really quickly.Ok, that should help prepare you. Watch the video below, then try the exercises.1. What could happen to their careers as a result of what theyre doing?  How is the company handling this?2. Why does he reference your mother? What does this tell you about what they are doing?3. Do you think this character believes there is no other way out? What language might make someo ne think hes saying something he doesnt believe?4.  What will happen if they are successful?5. Our talents have been used for the great good. Why do you think he says this? Do you think he means it? Why or why not?Click here to go to our first exercise using a scene from Margin Call.Finally, I know these scenes show business in a very negative way, and I know that making business decisions can oftentimes be fun and positive. For our next business English listening exercises, Ill try to find something more positive.