Listening: Listening for Inference, Attitude, & Opinion (Advanced) C1 - Lesson 1: Interpreting Subtle Cues to Understand Complex Attitudes, Emotions, and Relationships

C1 INFERENCE

Reading Between the Lines

ការយល់ដឹងពីអត្ថន័យដែលមិនបាននិយាយ

🎯 Scenario: The Performance Review.
Julian (Manager): Wants to delay a promotion.
Maya (Employee): Expecting a promotion.

J

Julian (Manager)

Analysis: The pause before "comprehensive" and the choice of word (rather than "excellent" or "outstanding") suggests it was adequate, but not impressive. It's "Damning with faint praise."

M

Maya (Employee)

J

Julian (Manager)

Meaning: "Consolidate" is corporate code for "Stay where you are."
Inference: The promotion is denied indefinitely. "Room for growth" implies she is not yet ready.

[Image of corporate hierarchy pyramid]

Decode Corporate Euphemisms:

"Consolidate" To stop moving forward/upward and stabilize where you are. (Meaning: No promotion).

"Solid effort" Good, but not great. Acceptable, but not exceptional.

"Room for growth" A polite way of saying "You still have weaknesses/skills to learn."

"Comprehensive" It covered everything required, but lacked spark or brilliance.

What is Julian's true attitude?

Supportive & Encouraging

He wants her to succeed and is coaching her.

Evasive & Placating

He is avoiding a direct conflict ("Right. Well...") and trying to keep her happy without giving her what she wants.

Task: Write Maya's follow-up email.

Goal: Acknowledge the feedback professionally, but ask for specific metrics for the promotion. Use terms like "Benchmarks" and "Timeline".