Conversation 1

Man: So, do you think our tax refunds have been deposited?
Woman: I hope so. I heard it was sent of the 15th.
Man: Yeah, I still haven't been paid for my last job, so I really need it.
Woman: Why haven't you been paid?
Man: The project I was working on has not been completed yet. No one gets paid until it's finished.
Woman: I am sorry to hear that. That must be frustrating.
Man: Yeah, it's really frustrating because all of my work has been completed, but I need the others to finish before I get paid.
Woman: Well, in the meantime, let's hope our tax refund is there.

Conversation 2

Man: How is everything looking with the conference?
Woman: Good, the hotel has been booked, and the invitations have been sent out.
Man: Have the speakers been confirmed yet?
Woman: Yes, all but one has confirmed.
Man: What about the caterer? Food is very important at an event like this.
Woman: A contract has been signed by a local restaurant to provide food, but the menu has not been decided on yet.
Man: Well, if I have my say, I recommend a buffet. Everyone loves that.
Woman: Noted sir. I will look into it.
Man: Great. Thanks for keeping me posted.

Conversation 3

Woman: Hey, where is everyone? I thought the meeting was at one.
Man: It is. The room has been changed. It is now in conference room 5.
Woman: I see. Has everyone been notified. I didn't get a message.
Man: No, it was changed at the last minute. I've been told to stay here and tell people as they come in.
Woman: OK, will I see you up there?
Man: Yes, I will be up shortly.
Woman: OK, see you soon.

Conversation 4

Man: Maria, welcome back. It's so nice to see you again.
Woman: Thanks. I was in the neighborhood, so I thought I would stop by and say hello to everyone.
Man: Well, sadly some of the people you used to work with have been let go.
Woman: Oh, that is too bad. I see that Katie is still here. though. That is good to see.
Man: Yes, she's been transfered to HR.
Woman: Oh, that's good. What about Bob over there?
Man: Oh, Bob, yeah, he's done alright for himself. He's been promoted to VP of sales.
Woman: Well, it's good to see that some things have been for the better. Yes, we've been downsized a bit, but we're still going strong.

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Vocabulary - Key Words and Phrases

Conversation 1

Tax refunds - money returned to a taxpayer after overpayment of taxes.
Deposited - placed in an account, especially a bank account.
Frustrating - feeling annoyed about not being able to change or achieve something.
In the meantime - the period of time while waiting

Conversation 2

Book - to make a reservation, especially for a hotel or restaurant.
Look into - to check something for problems or solutions.
Conference - a formal meeting for discussion, typically among experts in a particular field.
Confirmed - formally agreed to participate.
Caterer - a person or company providing food and drink at a social event.
Noted - An expression showing acceptance of a situation.
Keep me posted - stay informed about updates.

Conversation 3

At the last minute - shortly before the scheduled time.
Notified - told, informed
Shortly - soon
come in - arrive

Conversation 4

Stop by - to visit breifly or unannounced
Be let go - to be fired or laid off from a job.
Done alright for himself - achieved success.
HR - Human Resources, a department responsible for hiring and dealing with employees.
VP of sales - Vice President of Sales
Downsized - reduced in size
For the better - resulted in a postive outcome
Going strong - continuing to do well, despite challenges or changes.