Discussing Temperature Preference with a Colleague
Two or more colleagues are sharing an office or workspace and one person finds the current temperature uncomfortable, initiating a discussion about adjusting it.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
chilly
Means a little bit cold, like in a room where the air feels cool but not freezing. Use it to describe mild cold weather or indoor temperature politely.
draft
A current of cool air coming into a room, often from a window or door. It's common in offices and can make people feel uncomfortable.
freezing
Extremely cold, so cold that it feels like ice. Use it to express how cold your body parts feel, like fingers, in an exaggerated but natural way.
thermostat
A device that controls the temperature in a room by adjusting heating or cooling. It's useful to know when asking to change the AC or heat in shared spaces.
nudge
To move something slightly or gently. In this context, it means to adjust the thermostat a little bit, showing a careful approach to change.
appreciated
Means thankful or grateful for someone's help. Use it to express thanks politely, like after someone adjusts the temperature for you.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Hey Michael, is it just me, or is it a bit chilly in here?
This is a casual way to start a conversation about temperature. 'Is it just me' means 'Am I the only one feeling this?' It's useful for politely checking if others agree before suggesting a change. Great for office talks.
Now that you mention it, I was thinking the same thing.
This agrees with someone and shows you had the same feeling. 'Now that you mention it' means 'After you said it, I realize.' Use it to build agreement in discussions, making conversations smooth.
Do you mind if we adjust the thermostat a little?
A polite request for permission to change something. 'Do you mind if' is a common structure for asking without being direct. Useful in shared spaces like offices to respect others' comfort.
Not at all, go for it.
This means 'I don't mind at all, please do it.' 'Go for it' encourages action. It's a friendly way to give permission quickly, perfect for casual colleague interactions.
What do you think, a couple of degrees warmer?
Asks for opinion while suggesting a small change. 'A couple of' means about two, and 'degrees warmer' specifies the adjustment. Use this to propose ideas collaboratively in group decisions.
I'll just nudge it up slowly, so it's not a sudden change.
Explains a gentle action to avoid discomfort. 'Nudge it up' uses 'nudge' for slight increase, and 'so it's not' shows reason. Helpful for describing careful adjustments in shared environments.
Thanks, Sarah. Much appreciated.
Expresses gratitude simply. 'Much appreciated' is a polite idiom for 'I'm very thankful.' Use it after someone helps, like adjusting temperature, to show good manners in professional settings.