Transcription
Welcome to Prospeak English. Let's learn to speak English with confidence.
[bell] Hello everyone. Welcome back to our English conversation series. Today we are practicing a very useful situation. Taking a ride share like Uber or Lyft. I have just requested a ride on my phone to go to the city library. The app says my driver Mark is arriving now in a silver sedan. Watch how I confirm the driver's identity and start the ride safely. Let's listen.
>> Good morning. Are you waiting for a ride, ma'am?
>> Yes, I am. Are you Mark?
>> Yes, that is me. And you must be Sarah, correct?
>> That is right. I just want to check the license plate number quickly before I get in. It ends in 452, right?
>> That is correct. Safety first. I completely understand. Please take your time.
>> Okay. Everything looks good. Thank you for waiting.
>> No problem at all. How are you doing today?
>> I'm doing well, thanks. Just running a few errands. How is your day going?
>> It has been pretty busy so far. Lots of people moving around the city this morning. Is the temperature okay for you back there?
>> Actually, it is a little bit warm. Could you turn the air conditioning up just a little?
>> Of course. I will boost it up for you. Let me know if it gets too cold.
>> That feels much better already. Thank you.
>> You are very welcome. We are all set to go then.
>> Great. The app shows the destination as the Central Library, right?
>> Yes. Central Library on Main Street. We should be there in about 15 minutes.
>> Perfect. I'm in no rush, so please drive safely.
>> Always. Sit back and relax, Sarah. We're on our way.
>> Did you notice how I checked the license plate? It's important to ask, "Are you Mark?" and confirm the car details before entering. Also, notice the driver asked about the temperature immediately. This is common in ride share situations. Next, we'll discuss the route and traffic. See you in the next part.
Welcome back. We are now inside the car and moving towards the library. Often, a driver will ask about the preferred route or the music. This is a good chance to practice giving preferences or agreeing to suggestions. Let's see how Mark and I decide which way to go.
>> So, the GPS is suggesting we take the highway, but traffic looks a bit heavy there.
>> Oh, really? I usually prefer the highway because it is more direct. Is it a big delay?
>> It looks like a 10-minute delay due to construction. I could take the side streets instead. It might be faster.
>> I see. If the side streets are moving, let's go that way. I trust your judgment.
>> Sounds like a plan. I will update the route now. By the way, is the music volume okay for you?
>> It is fine, but do you mind if we turn it down just a little bit? I need to make a quick phone call in a moment.
>> Not a problem. I can turn it off completely if you'd prefer silence.
>> No, having it on low is nice. It is very relaxing music.
>> I usually listen to jazz in the mornings. It keeps the drive peaceful.
>> It is very nice. Do you drive for Uber fulltime?
>> I do this part-time, mostly in the mornings. I enjoy meeting new people.
>> That must be interesting. You probably meet all kinds of people.
>> Oh, absolutely. Every passenger has a different story. It makes the day go by fast.
>> Well, I'm glad I got a friendly driver today. Sometimes they are very quiet.
>> I try to read the room. If a passenger wants to talk, I talk. If they want to sleep, I stay quiet.
>> That is a good skill to have. It makes the ride much more comfortable. Customer service is key, right? Anyway, we're taking the detour now, so it should be smooth sailing.
>> Notice how I used the phrase, "I trust your judgment," when he suggested a new route. This is a polite way to let the driver decide. We also discussed the radio volume politely. In the next video, we will deal with a sudden traffic jam. Don't worry, we will handle it in English.
[bell] Hello again. Even with the best plans, traffic happens. We are now stuck in a bit of a jam. This is a common situation where you might feel anxious about the time. Let's listen to how we talk about the delay and estimate our new arrival time.
>> I apologize, Sarah. It seems there's an accident up ahead. We have stopped moving.
>> Oh no. I can see all the red brake lights. Do you think we will be stuck here long?
>> The app just updated. It says about a 5minute delay. Are you in a hurry?
>> Not a huge hurry, but I do need to meet a friend at the library by 10:30. What time is it now?
>> It is 10:15 right now. Even with this delay, we should make it by 10:25.
>> Okay, that should be fine, then. Traffic is just part of living in the city, I guess.
>> Exactly. It is unpredictable. I appreciate your patience.
>> It is not your fault, Mark. You're doing your best. Is there any way to go around it?
>> We're kind of boxed in right now. I cannot change lanes easily.
>> That makes sense. We'll just have to wait it out.
>> Look, the cars ahead are starting to move slowly. That's a good sign.
>> Oh, yes. I see movement. Hopefully, it clears up quickly.
>> Once we get past this intersection, it is a straight shot to the library.
>> Great. Thanks for keeping me updated. I get anxious when I don't know what's happening.
>> Communication is important. I always try to keep my passengers informed so they don't worry.
>> It really appreciate that. It makes a big difference.
>> We're speeding up now. We'll have you there in no time.
>> Notice how the driver said, "I apologize even though the traffic wasn't his fault." That's very polite. I also asked, "Do you think we will be stuck long to get information?" In the next video, we will arrive at the destination and handle the payment and drop off. See you there.
[bell] We made it. We have arrived at the city library. Now we need to choose a safe spot to get out of the car. We also need to confirm the payment method, although it is usually automatic in the app. Let's see how we end the ride.
>> Here we are. The city library is right there on the left.
>> Excellent. Could you pull up just past the bus stop? It looks safer to get out there.
>> Good. Hi, I will pull over right by that blue sign. How is this?
>> This is perfect. Thank you.
>> Please watch for cyclists when you open the door. I am checking by mirror too.
>> Oh, thank you for the reminder. I always forget to check for bikes.
>> It looks clear now. You are good to go.
>> Great. The payment is through the app, right? I don't need to give you cash.
>> That is correct. It is all handled automatically on your card. No cash needed.
>> Okay, wonderful. I will make sure to leave you a five-star rating. You are a great driver.
>> Thank you so much, Sarah. Ratings really help me out. I appreciate that.
>> You are welcome. Have a safe shift for the rest of the day.
>> Thank you. Enjoy your time at the library.
>> I will. Bye-bye.
>> Goodbye.
>> Did you hear the driver say, "Watch for cyclists?" Safety is the most important part of the arrival. I also confirmed the payment method just to be sure. In the final video, I will review the key vocabulary we learned during this whole trip. Don't miss it.
[bell] Welcome to the final part of our lesson. I am standing outside the library now. Before Mark drives away, let's do a quick recap of the useful phrases we used today. This review will help you remember how to speak confidently in a ride share.
>> Excuse me, Sarah. Before I go, I just wanted to remind you to check the back seat.
>> Oh, that is a good point. Did I leave anything?
>> No, the seat is empty, but I always remind passengers. It is easy to lose a phone or wallet.
>> That is very thoughtful. Check the back seat is a great phrase to remember. Thank you, Mark.
>> You are welcome. So, did you have a good trip overall?
>> Yes, the pickup was smooth and the detour wasn't too bad.
>> I'm glad. Remember, a detour is just a different route to the same place.
>> Exactly. And ETA means estimated time of arrival. We use that when we were stuck in traffic.
>> Right. And don't forget five-star rating. That is the best way to say thank you.
>> I certainly won't forget that. I have already submitted it.
>> Perfect. Well, I have another request coming in. I have to go.
>> Okay. Drive safely. Thanks for the conversation practice.
>> Anytime. Good luck with your English studies. Goodbye.
>> And off he goes. Today we learned words like pickup, reservation, detour, and rating. These are essential for travel. I hope you feel more confident using Uber or taxis in English. Now, please like and subscribe for more lessons. See you next time.