Shia
How do you say "Hi Maria, Jack referred me to talk with you" in a professional setting?
May 1, 2019 6:30 PM
Answers · 3
I had a little think about it because it occurred to me that from experience people have different ideas as to what speaking to/with and talking to/with mean. After some searches it seems there is a difference in what is more preferable between British and American English. Apparently America use "speak with more than talk with". And In British English talk with/to and speak with/to carry the same meaning. Split 50/50, where one person would think talk to you = a reprimand and another would think speak to you = a reprimand. People talk with each other on a park bench and in everyday situations In Britain. So possibly that is why In British English speaking/ talking with is seen as more friendlier than speaking /talking to. There is an Expression in British English "to give someone a good talking to" = you plan on giving a person a good verbal reprimand. "Hi Maria, Jack has referred me to speak with you about X" where speak and talk In British dictionaries carry the same meaning. But given the expression "a good talking to" may carry bad connations to some older people. If talk to you is used,
May 1, 2019
what you have written is fine. you can add in the word "has" it is optional "Hi Maria, Jack has referred me to talk with you" and you can interchange the word talk with speak "Hi Maria, Jack has referred me to speak with you" You can also say speak or talk to you, this would be used if you were instructed to tell Maria something specific, or tell her about something specific. "Hi Maria, Jack has referred me to speak/talk to you about your late time keeping" Speak or talk with you is a little less blunt it is more suggestive of a conversation. speak or talk to you, although interchangeable can possibly suggest you just wanting a one way conversation. As described above in telling Maria about here late time keeping.
May 1, 2019
Hi Maria, I'm X. Jack suggested that I talk to you "with you" is ok, but would also be used if you were going to reprimand her. Maria, I'm X. Jack said you are the one to talk to about ..... Maria, Jack said you might be able to help me with .... Maria, do you have a minute, I'm X. Jack said you are the one to talk to about .....
May 1, 2019
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