Business English from All Ears English BE 420: Don't Miss the Mark on Business Relationships
Jun 3, 2025
Hosts dive into the significance of accurately interpreting business relationships, using a funny weather anecdote to highlight miscommunication's impact. They explore the idiom 'off base' and its relevance, along with common misunderstandings that can arise in professional settings. The discussion also covers the art of expressing disagreement gracefully and the nuances of language in business meetings. Through role play, they illustrate how preparation and thoughtful communication can enhance connections in the workplace.
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Michelle's Weather Mix-up
- Michelle shared a personal story of dressing for cold weather when it was actually warm, highlighting being "way off base" in her assumption.
- This example illustrates how easily people can misjudge situations based on incorrect assumptions.
How to Use 'Off Base'
- Use "off base" to say someone is wrong about an assumption or perception.
- Saying "way off base" shows a stronger degree of being wrong, but "on base" is not commonly used.
'Off Base' Baseball Connection
- Saying something is off base means being wrong and not aligned, similar to baseball where not being on base leads to getting out.
- Asking "Am I on base here?" is rare but might be a conversational way to check correctness.