Speak Now 4 - Video Script

SPEAK NOW 4 VIDEO SCRIPTS
UNIT 1 The New Roommate

Maria: Hi... Kate, right? Im Maria.
Kate: Nice to meet you in person.
Maria: Come on in... take a look around.
Kate: Wow, this place is really nice! Big, and light... and so neat!
Maria: Yeah, Im kind of a neatnik.
Kate: Oh, I know what you mean. Im totally the same way.
Maria: Really?
Kate: Yeah, I just cant stand it when people leave their stuff all over the place, or, you know,
leave dirty dishes in the sink.
Maria: Thats great to hear! So, have a seat. Can I get you anything to drink?
Kate: Oh, no thanks. I stopped for coffee on the way here. So, how long have you been looking
for a new roommate?
Maria: Oh, for a couple of weeks or so. Ive talked to about five people, but no one has seemed
quite right. So, in your profile you said youre new to the city, right?
Kate: Yeah, I lost my job a few months ago. I couldnt find another job near where I lived, so I
decided to take a job in a different city. At first I was pretty upset about losing my job, but then I
got a lucky break. Losing my job was one of the biggest challenges Ive ever faced, but it turned
out to be the best thing that ever happened to me.
Maria: Well thats great! Im still looking for a job. Im not really sure what I want to do
Kate: Im sure youll figure it out.
Maria: Yeah. I hope so. So, did you live with roommates before, or your parents, or...
Kate: Yeah, I lived with a couple of roommates. I got along great with one of them. But the
other... well... she was basically a nice person, but we were just really different.
Maria: Oh? In what way?
Kate: Well, like I said, Im really neat, and she was pretty messy. And she was noisy... you
know, she was always watching TV and talking on the phone and having her friends over. She
just really got on my nerves.
Maria: Oh no! I cant stand messy people. Did you hear about the woman who sued her
roommate?
Kate: No. What happened?
Maria: Apparently, the woman had asked her roommate to clean up. She never did. The house
got so messy that the woman sued her roommate.
Kate: What a nightmare!
Maria: Yeah, I hear you. Im lucky... my old roommate was wonderful. The only thing that
bugged me about her was that she was always late.
Kate: Oh, I hate it when people are late! I always try to be on time. A lot of times I arrive at
places early, actually.
Maria: So, it sounds like were the perfect match! When can you move in?
[Later that day ]
Maria: Okay, so Tom, youre not going to believe this...
Oxford University Press. Permission granted to reproduce for classroom use.
Page 1 of 11

Tom: What happened?
Maria: Well I just got home, and Kates not here, and...well, just take a look at this.
Tom: Wow. Oh, no.
Maria: Yeah! Kate said she was really neat! What am I going to do?
Tom: Well, uh, you might want to consider the direct approach. You know, just confront her
about it when she gets home.
Maria: I dont know... Do you really think thats a good idea? I mean, she just moved in. Im
not sure how shed react... it could be pretty awkward.
Page 2 of 11

UNIT 2 Tom and Kate
Tom: Hey, Alex. My friend Anna just opened a cafe and is having a little get-together there. How about
joining me??
Alex: Huh? Oh, Im not really in the mood to go out tonight. I think Ill just stay in and read or
something.
Tom: Are you sure? I just dont get why youd want to stay home all alone.
Alex: Come on, you know me... Im kind of a homebody.
Tom: Give me a break, Alex. Youre no homebody. Its Anna, isnt it? You dont really like her, right?
Alex: Oh... well... shes smart, and creative, and everything... but she just seems kind of... I dont know...
mean.
Tom: Oh, yeah, I used to think that too. But then I realized that shes just really sarcastic. And you know,
sometimes she can actually be kind of sweet.
Alex: Maybe I should get to know her better. But not tonight... Im pretty beat...
Tom: Okay. Well, swing by if you change your mind.
[At the coffee shop]
Kate: Excuse me, but you look really familiar. Have we met before?
Tom: Uh, Im not sure.
Kate: Well, how do you know Anna?
Tom: Oh, were old friends. We grew up together. How about you?
Kate: Annas my exercise buddy. We run together, and sometimes we play tennis. So... maybe I know
you from work... what do you do?
Tom: I work for an advertising firm.
Kate: Oh, really? Thats so cool! How did you get interested in that?
Tom: Well, Id always loved watching commercials and looking at ads.
Kate: Really? Me too! I used to record all my favorite commercials!
Tom: No wayyou know, Im starving. Are you up for getting a bite to eat?
Kate: Sure, great idea. What kind of food are you in the mood for?
Tom: Uh...well...uhwe could go for shabu-shabu?
Kate: Oh, well, actually, Im not really crazy about cooking my own food at a restaurant.
Tom: Oh, thats no problem, Im up for anything...what kind of food do you like?
Kate: Well, this might seem kind of boring, but what I really love most is pasta.
Tom: Youre kidding! Pasta is just about all I eat!
Kate: Wait a minute.... now I know why you look familiar. Arent you Eric Martinos old roommate?
The one who eats nothing but pasta?
Tom: Yeah, I am. But how did you know that? Have weKate: Hes my brothers best friend. Hes posted lots of pictures of you on Facebook... and he always
used to complain that all you ever cooked was pasta.
Tom: Wow, small world!
Kate: Hey, lets text him a picture of the two of us. Thatll surprise him!
Page 3 of 11

UNIT 3 Roommate Trouble
Maria: Good morning, Kate.
Kate: Good afternoon, you mean. You slept past noon!
Maria: I did? Wow. Well, I was up half the night. Ive been really worried about climate change, so I
decided to reduce my carbon footprint. And I was reading all these blogs by people who have changed
their lifestyles. I guess I spend too much time online, huh?
Kate: Yeah, probably. So... carbon footprintI should know this, but I dont really get what carbon
footprint means.
Maria: Oh, well, it means... I guess... the impact that everything you do has on climate change. You know,
global warming.
Kate: Oh, right. Well, Im impressed.
Maria: Like for example, we use way too much electricity. We dont really need to have the lights on
during the day. And dont you think we should use candles instead of lights at night?
Kate: Oh. You have a point, but wouldnt that be bad for our eyes?
Maria: Oh, no, I dont think so. Not if we have enough candles. I think we have someyeah, here they
are. I mean, if everyone used candles, it would make a huge difference! See! Its like turning on the
lights.
Kate: Uh... right
Maria: And we really could do a better job of recycling. You know, paperboard can be recycled.
Kate: Oh. Paperboard... what exactly is paperboard?
Maria: This is paperboard.
Kate: UmI think there was some cereal left in that.
Maria: What have you been up to all morning?
Kate: Me? Oh, well, Ive decided to try to be more productive because Ive been feeling pretty stressed
out lately... So now Im getting lots of stuff done! Im organizing all my papers... Im listening to
music Im chatting online Im doing laundry... Im learning Portuguese... and now talking to you
all at once!
Maria: Great... Good for you.
[Later that day]
Tom: So, how are things going with your new roommate?
Maria: Oh, nothings really changed. Kates not a bad person, but shes just so messy! Her clutter is
everywhere... I just cant stand it. And she makes so much noise!
Tom: Thats a really tough situation.
Maria: Yeah. Anyway, how are things with you?
Tom: Really good, actually. I met this woman at Annas cafe opening, and we really hit it off. I think
were going to get together this weekend.
Maria: Really? Thats great! Whats her name?
Tom: Kate.
Maria: Another Kate? I guess thats a really popular name these days, huh?
Page 4 of 11
UNIT 4 Alexs Presentation

Maria: Hey, Tom. Hows it going?
Tom: Oh, things are great... really great. Come on in.
Maria: So, playing a game, Alex?
Alex: No, actually Im preparing for a presentation I have to give at work tomorrow. Im really nervous
about it.
Maria: Oh, whys that?
Alex: Well, first of all, I cant stand public speaking. Ive never presented to such a large group before.
And to make it worse, my boss is going to be there.
Maria: So... whats wrong with that?
Alex: Oh, havent I told you about my new boss? Well, lets see... shes a really difficult person... shes
really controlling and critical.
Maria: Well, at least you have a boss.
Alex: Huh? What do you mean?
Maria: Oh, I still havent found a job.
Alex: Really? Thats too bad. What field do you want to get into?
Maria: Well, long term, I hope to have a management job... Im pretty good at motivating people. But my
short-term goal is just to get an entry level job so I can get some experience. Anyway, enough about me.
Do you want some help with your presentation, Alex?
Alex: Sure, that would be great... maybe I can rehearse it and you can give me some feedback?
Tom: Sounds good. Go ahead.
Alex: Ok, just a minute. So, here goes: Hello, everyone. Um... today Im going to talk about our, um, new
software. First, um, I want to talk about the exciting features of the software. Next, well, um, explore the
ways in which our product is better than the competition. Proposing a worldwide sales and promotion
strategy. So, um, our product has some really, um, terrific features. For example, umTom: Wait a second, Alex, can I interrupt?
Alex: Uh, sure.
Tom: Well, that wasnt bad, but do you mind if I give you some tips?
Alex: Oh, please do.
Tom: So, the first thing you need to do is take your time. We couldnt really understand most of what
you were saying.
Maria: Yeah, Alex! You can totally do this. Dont rush your presentation.
Alex: I see. I have to speak more slowly, right?
Maria: Yes. And its important to make eye contact with your audience. You were looking at your
computer the whole time.
Alex: Yeah, that makes sense. I need to look at the people Im talking to.
Tom: Right. And try not to say um so much. And one other thing; could you say more about what you
actually achieved? I mean, you want to impress people, right?
Alex: So, um, youre, um, saying I need, um, to focus, um, on our um, successes?
[Three hours later]
Alex: Notes, notes, notesWeve been practicing for three hours... dont you think my presentation is
good enough?
Maria: Well to be honestits not perfect, but you still have time to work on it, right?
Alex: Oh good! Can I try again? Youre really great at motivating people, Maria.
Maria: No, no, no. Im not that great at it. And maybe management isnt for me after all.
Alex: Okay, guys, youre not going to believe this. I just got a text from my boss. She said shes decided
to give the presentation herself!
Page 5 of 11
UNIT 5 Marias Big Break

Tom: Hi, Maria.
Alex: Hey Maria.
Maria: Hi, guys.
Tom: Want to join us?
Maria: Yeah, sure, thanks. So, hows it going?
Alex: Oh, not bad. Of course Im under a lot of pressure at work, as usual. Im terrified of
missing deadlines.
Maria: Your boss still getting on your nerves?
Alex: Yeah, and I have a lot of deadlines coming up.
Tom: Maybe you should try some relaxation techniques.
Alex: Relaxation techniques?
Tom: Yeah, I always feel better after I do some deep breathing. We can try it right now. Ready?
Okay, breathe in....breathe out....breathe in...breathe out...feel better?
Alex: Wow, I do! That really works! Thanks! So, how are things with you, Maria? Hows the
job search going?
Maria: Oh, I dont know. I have a feeling Im never going to get a job. I had three interviews last
week, and I havent heard back from any of the companies.
Tom: Really? Why is that, do you think?
Maria: Well, it seems like Im either overqualified or underqualified for all of the jobs. I mean, I
either have too much experience or not enough.
Tom: Oh, thats too bad. So, what would your ideal job be, anyway?
Maria: If I could do anything? Well, this is kind of embarrassing, but... Id actually love to be an
actor. Ive always dreamed of that.
Tom: Really? I never knew that! So why dont you do it?
Maria: Well, acting is hard to get into, you know. And I dont have much experience. I wish Id
been in some plays in high school, but I took school really seriously... I studied all the time.
Tom: Oh...so do you wish you hadnt studied so hard?
Maria: Well, not exactly, I guess... but I wish Id gotten involved in some other activities, too.
Alex: But its never too late, right? What are you afraid of?
Maria: Uh...failure? And Im nervous about being broke.
Tom: But seriously, I think youd be great! Why dont you start small... like try out for a play at
a local theater?
Alex: I could never do that... Im terrified of public speaking.
Maria: I guess I could...but I wouldnt get paid.
Alex: But it would be a start, right?
Maria: Yeah... but Id still need a day job.
Alex: Uh-huh. But at least if your day job were boring, youd have something to dream about.
Cafe worker: Excuse me, Im sorry to interrupt...
Maria: Oh, thats okay.
Cafe worker: But were actually filming a commercial here in a little while. We need to ask you
to leave the cafe...unless youd like to be extras in the commercial, of course.
Alex: Extras?
Page 6 of 11

Cafe worker: Yeah... the producer said theyre looking for some people to just sit here and drink
and talk. Youd even get paid for it!
Page 7 of 11
UNIT 6 The New Alex

Alex: Get this. You know how we have those clients visiting at work next week?
Tom: Uh-huh.
Maria: Yeah.
Alex: Well, my boss and I were supposed to take them out to dinner on Wednesday night. But
this morning, she walks into my office and tells me she cant make it after all. So now I have to
take them out to dinner myself.
Maria: So...
Alex: So, what am I supposed to talk about all night? I mean, we shouldnt just discuss work the
whole time, right?
Tom: Right, of course not. But couldnt you just talk about things that everyones interested in?
You know, music, movies...
Alex: Oh, come on. I dont know much about any of that popular culture stuff.
Tom: Well just talk about music that everyone knows, like Morning People.
Alex: Who?
Maria: Youve got to be kidding! You havent heard of Morning People?
Alex: Well, no... Im more into classical music.
Tom: Right. Well, I think youd like Morning People. Their music is really mellow, and their
lyrics are usually kind of provocative. Want to listen to some?
Alex: Yeah, sure... maybe a little later.
Maria: So... shouldnt you get up to speed on some popular new movies?
Alex: Yeah, I guess.
Maria: Well, Tom and I saw Yesterdays Gone last week. It was great... a real nail-biter.
Tom: Yeah! Its about this guy who loses his memory. When it starts out, hes walking around
the city, totally confused. And then he meets this...
Alex: Uh, Tom?
Tom: Yeah?
Alex: Why dont I just go online and look up the plot? That way Ill remember it better.
Tom: Oh, sure, OK.
Maria: So... where are these clients from?
Alex: Oh, Brazil.
Maria: Brazil? Ive heard Brazilians are pretty fashionable dressers.
Alex: Are you saying...yeah, I know, Im not exactly a trendsetter.
Tom: Well, it might not be a bad idea to get a few new clothes...
Alex: Youre probably right. But I dont follow the fads. I mean, whats considered trendy right
now? I really have no idea.
Tom: Kate is really into fashion. In fact, last week she helped me pick out some new clothes.
Want to see them?
Alex: Sure, why not? Whats considered trendy right now?
Maria: Hmwell, the current trend is to keep things simple. Nothing over the top.
Maria: Wow! Looking pretty chic, Tom! Kate has good taste. So, speaking of your Kate, are we
ever going to meet her?
Alex: Yeah! We still have to meet her. We also have to meet your roommate, Maria.
Tom: Its just that shes been really busy at work lately. Ill introduce you to her sometime soon.
Page 8 of 11

Maria: Yeahsoon. Thats if were still roommates.
Alex: Alright...I gotta go. Looks like I need to do some shopping!
[At the office]
Alex: I heard you were looking for me?
Kate: Yes. Hey, Alex. Nice outfit.
Alex: Oh, you like it? Thanks!
Page 9 of 11

UNIT 7 Alex Woos the Clients
Tom: Whats up, Alex?
Alex: Huh? Oh, Im just doing some research.
Tom: Really? What kind of research?
Alex: You know our Brazilian clients are coming tomorrow, right? So I really want to impress
them. Im reading this article on how to woo clients.
Tom: Oh? What does it say?
Alex: Well, it says its really important to have a firm handshake. If you have a weak handshake,
you might be seen as a poor leader.
Tom: Uh, Im afraid that was a little too firm.
Alex: Sorry.
Tom: So, how else do you woo clients?
Alex: Well, youre supposed to copy their gestures like if they fold their arms, you fold your
arms.
Tom: Oh, I see. Youve been practicing, havent you?
Alex: You noticed?
Tom: Uhyeah.
[At the office]
Kate: Uh, Alex?
Alex: Yes?
Kate: Have you made dinner reservations for tonight?
Alex: Oh, was I supposed to um, no, not yet um so should I stick to a budget, or do you
think it would be appropriate to splurge a little?
Kate: Oh, I think it makes sense to splurge, dont you? These are important clients, so you
should take them somewhere really nice.
Alex: Sure, thats a good idea. Uh, could you recommend a good place?
Kate: How about Luigis?
Alex: Okay. Good idea. Ill call them right now. Yesyes, I can waityes, Id like a
reservation for three people for tonight7:30 if possiblethe name is Alexgreat, thank you.
[Later that day...]
Kate: Were so glad to be able to work with you in person. So, to get started, why dont you tell
us a little about your goals for your visit?
Luisa: Certainly. Well, first of all, Id like to become more familiar with your company and the
services you offer. Yes, and Id like to give you some more details about the project were
planning, and talk about how we might collaborate on it.
Page 10 of 11
UNIT 8: Big News

News anchor: Today, the government approved major budget cuts. Officials announced plans to
reduce spending on early childhood education.
Maria: Unbelievable. Education should always be prioritized. Money we invest in educating
young kids now will be cost-effective in the long term.
Alex: Hold on. What did you say about cost-effective?
Maria: Oh, I meant that spending money on educating young kids now will save us money in the
future. For example, studies have shown that if children get a good education, theyll be less
likely to commit crimes when they get older. So, whats your opinion on that, Alex?
Alex: Well, the way I see it,
Tom: Wait! Quiet, guys theyre talking about the game!
Alex: What game?
Tom: Shhh! Yes! Fluminense beat Flamengo in a blowout.
Alex: Oh, really? Thats great. So anyway,
Maria: Oh, here it is again! My favorite commercial! Have you guys seen this?
Alex: Just a second. Did you really say you have a favorite commercial?
Maria: Oh, yeah, its so funny. A bunch of people are in an elevator, and this guy walks in
eating some potato chips, and then they all start singing the potato chip jinglesee, look! Look
at that!
Alex: Hey, Tom, do we have any potato chips? Im starving.
Tom: Hold on, Alexthis story looks interesting
News anchor: In other news, a robber broke into a Cortland home last night and stole some
valuable jewelry. A woman who was walking by the house witnessed the crime and called the
police. The police were able to catch the thief, and arrested him at the scene of the crime. The
owner of the jewelry, billionaire Lucas Urbanski, rewarded the witness with a check for one
million dollars. He said that the jewelry had great value to him it had belonged to his
grandmother and he wanted to thank the woman for saving it.
Alex: A million dollars for reporting a crime?!
News anchor: And now we have a live interview with the witness. Hello? Are you there?
Kate: Yes hello!
Alex, Tom, Maria: Its Kate!
News anchor: So, what are you going to do with all that money?
Kate: Well, the first thing Im going to do is quit my job.
Alex: Yes!
News anchor: Thats everyones dream, right?
Kate: Then Im going to get my own apartment I have a great roommate, but Ive always
really wanted my own place.
Maria: All right!
News anchor: Oh, your poor roommate
Kate: Oh, and Im going to go on a shopping spree and really splurge Ill probably get my
boyfriend the new TV hes been wanting.
News anchor: What a lucky guy!
Tom: Way to go, Kate!
Page 11 of 11

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SPEAK NOW 4 VIDEO SCRIPTS

UNIT 1 The New Roommate