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＜Upper-Intermediate＞ Lesson No.31
Equipment Availability Improvement Request from Overseas Client / 海外顧客からの設備稼働率改善要求
０．Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)｜挨拶と導入
0-1 Greetings
Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.
講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。
[Tips / 会話のヒント]
・Can you hear me clearly?
私の声はクリアに聞こえますか？
・How's your day going so far?
今日はどんな一日でしたか？
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)
軽い話題について話しましょう（仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど）
0-2 Introduction
In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?
本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか？
- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.
経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。
- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.
What do you think would be challenging?
経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか？
Situation / シチュエーション
A sales representative provides detailed analysis of low operation rate causes, improvement measures, and preventive maintenance plans after an overseas customer requests operation rate improvement measures.
納入済み設備の稼働率が計画を下回り、海外顧客から改善対策要求があり、原因分析と改善策を詳細説明する場面です。
1. Read (2 min)｜型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう！
1-1 Basic phrases
１．We have assessed the situation and identified...（状況を評価し...を特定した）
２．Let me describe our 3-phase recovery plan...（3段階の回復計画を説明させてください...）
３．We will dispatch our technical team to...（技術チームを派遣して...する）
４．We will establish a preventive maintenance schedule with...（...を伴う予防保全スケジュールを確立する）
５．I appreciate your concern...（ご懸念に感謝いたします...）
６．We are committed to supporting...（...を支援することに尽力している）
７．I will coordinate with our headquarters immediately and confirm...（直ちに本社と調整し...を確認する）
1-2 Essential words
１．apologize（謝罪する）
２．assess（評価する）
３．accommodate（対応する）
４．modify（修正する）
５．elaborate on（詳しく説明する）
６．accelerate（加速させる）
７．mitigate（軽減する）
８．mandate（義務付ける）
９．coordinate（調整する）
１０．overcome（克服する）
2. Try (3 min)｜ロールプレイ練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう！
Situation / シチュエーション（Reference again）
A sales representative provides detailed analysis of low operation rate causes, improvement measures, and preventive maintenance plans after an overseas customer requests operation rate improvement measures.
納入済み設備の稼働率が計画を下回り、海外顧客から改善対策要求があり、原因分析と改善策を詳細説明する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Thank you for coming today. Our equipment utilization rate has been below 65 percent for the past 3 months, which is significantly lower than the planned 85 percent. We need you to explain the root cause and propose concrete improvement measures immediately.
（本日はお越しいただきありがとうございます。過去3か月間、設備の稼働率が65パーセントを下回っており、計画の85パーセントを大きく下回っています。根本原因を説明し、具体的な改善策を直ちに提案していただく必要があります。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to your production. We have assessed the situation and identified 3 primary factors. First, the hydraulic system requires more frequent maintenance than anticipated. Second, the control software needs modification to accommodate your actual operating conditions. Third, operator training was insufficient for this advanced equipment.
（生産に不便をおかけしたことを心よりお詫び申し上げます。状況を評価し、3つの主要な要因を特定しました。第一に、油圧システムが予想以上に頻繁なメンテナンスを必要としています。第二に、制御ソフトウェアが実際の運転条件に対応するための修正が必要です。第三に、この高度な設備に対するオペレーター研修が不十分でした。）
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
I understand the factors, but we are losing approximately 50000 USD per month due to this low utilization rate. Could you elaborate on your specific improvement plan and timeline? We require that the utilization rate reaches at least 80 percent within 2 months.
（要因は理解しましたが、この低い稼働率により月間約50000米ドルの損失が出ています。具体的な改善計画とスケジュールについて詳しく説明していただけますか。2か月以内に稼働率を最低80パーセントまで引き上げることを求めます。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
Understood. Let me describe our 3-phase recovery plan. Phase 1 will be completed within 2 weeks — we will dispatch our technical team to modify the control software and carry out intensive operator training. Phase 2 will take 4 weeks — we will install an enhanced hydraulic monitoring system to detect issues early. Phase 3 will be ongoing — we will establish a preventive maintenance schedule with weekly remote monitoring. This plan should accelerate the utilization rate to 82 percent by the end of month 2.
（承知しました。3段階の回復計画を説明させてください。フェーズ1は2週間以内に完了します。技術チームを派遣して制御ソフトウェアを修正し、集中的なオペレーター研修を実施します。フェーズ2は4週間かかります。問題を早期に検知するための強化された油圧監視システムを設置します。フェーズ3は継続的に行います。週次のリモート監視を伴う予防保全スケジュールを確立します。この計画により、2か月目の終わりまでに稼働率を82パーセントまで加速させるはずです。）
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
The plan sounds reasonable, but I am still concerned about the financial impact. We have already lost 150000 USD over 3 months. Will you compensate us for this loss, or at least provide some form of support to mitigate our damage?
（計画は妥当に聞こえますが、財務的影響についてまだ懸念しています。すでに3か月間で150000米ドルを失っています。この損失を補償していただけますか、あるいは少なくとも損害を軽減するための何らかの支援を提供していただけますか。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
I appreciate your concern. While the contract does not mandate direct compensation for utilization rate gaps, we are committed to supporting your recovery. We propose 3 support measures. First, we will provide all software modifications and additional training at no extra cost. Second, we will extend your warranty period by 6 months. Third, we will offer a 10 percent discount on spare parts for the next 12 months. These measures should reduce your operational costs by approximately 30000 USD annually.
（ご懸念に感謝いたします。契約では稼働率のギャップに対する直接的な補償は義務付けられていませんが、回復を支援することに尽力しています。3つの支援策を提案します。第一に、すべてのソフトウェア修正と追加研修を追加費用なしで提供します。第二に、保証期間を6か月延長します。第三に、今後12か月間のスペアパーツに10パーセントの割引を提供します。これらの施策により、年間約30000米ドルの運用コストを削減できるはずです。）
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Your support measures are helpful, but please make sure that your technical team arrives within 1 week, not 2 weeks. We cannot afford any further delays. Also, I want weekly progress reports submitted directly to me during the entire improvement period.
（支援策は役立ちますが、技術チームが2週間ではなく1週間以内に到着することを確実にしてください。これ以上の遅延は許容できません。また、改善期間全体を通じて、週次の進捗報告を私に直接提出していただきたいです。）
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
Absolutely. I will coordinate with our headquarters immediately and confirm that our technical team departs by the end of this week. I will personally monitor the progress and submit detailed weekly reports to you every Monday morning. We will overcome this challenge together and restore your equipment to optimal performance.
（もちろんです。直ちに本社と調整し、技術チームが今週末までに出発することを確認します。私が個人的に進捗を監視し、毎週月曜日の朝に詳細な週次報告を提出します。この課題を共に克服し、設備を最適なパフォーマンスに回復させます。）
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Good. I count on your commitment. Let's proceed with this plan and achieve the 80 percent target within 2 months. I will communicate this agreement to our management team today.
（よろしい。あなたの約束を頼りにしています。この計画を進め、2か月以内に80パーセントの目標を達成しましょう。本日、この合意を当社の経営チームに伝えます。）
3. Use (4 min)｜ロールプレイ & 実践（空欄補完）
Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
Situation / シチュエーション（Reference again）
A sales representative provides detailed analysis of low operation rate causes, improvement measures, and preventive maintenance plans after an overseas customer requests operation rate improvement measures.
納入済み設備の稼働率が計画を下回り、海外顧客から改善対策要求があり、原因分析と改善策を詳細説明する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Thank you for coming today. Our equipment utilization rate has been below 65 percent for the past 3 months, which is significantly lower than the planned 85 percent. We need you to explain the root cause and propose concrete improvement measures immediately.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
I sincerely ［謝罪する］ for the inconvenience this has caused to your production. We have ［評価する］ed the situation and identified 3 primary factors. First, the hydraulic system requires more frequent maintenance than anticipated. Second, the control software needs ［修正する］ication to ［対応する］ your actual operating conditions. Third, operator training was insufficient for this advanced equipment.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
I understand the factors, but we are losing approximately 50000 USD per month due to this low utilization rate. Could you elaborate on your specific improvement plan and timeline? We require that the utilization rate reaches at least 80 percent within 2 months.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
Understood. Let me describe our 3-phase recovery plan. Phase 1 will be completed within 2 weeks — we will dispatch our technical team to ［修正する］ the control software and carry out intensive operator training. Phase 2 will take 4 weeks — we will install an enhanced hydraulic monitoring system to detect issues early. Phase 3 will be ongoing — we will establish a preventive maintenance schedule with weekly remote monitoring. This plan should ［加速させる］ the utilization rate to 82 percent by the end of month 2.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
The plan sounds reasonable, but I am still concerned about the financial impact. We have already lost 150000 USD over 3 months. Will you compensate us for this loss, or at least provide some form of support to mitigate our damage?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
I appreciate your concern. While the contract does not ［義務付ける］ direct compensation for utilization rate gaps, we are committed to supporting your recovery. We propose 3 support measures. First, we will provide all software modifications and additional training at no extra cost. Second, we will extend your warranty period by 6 months. Third, we will offer a 10 percent discount on spare parts for the next 12 months. These measures should reduce your operational costs by approximately 30000 USD annually.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Your support measures are helpful, but please make sure that your technical team arrives within 1 week, not 2 weeks. We cannot afford any further delays. Also, I want weekly progress reports submitted directly to me during the entire improvement period.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
Absolutely. I will ［調整する］ with our headquarters immediately and confirm that our technical team departs by the end of this week. I will personally monitor the progress and submit detailed weekly reports to you every Monday morning. We will ［克服する］ this challenge together and restore your equipment to optimal performance.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Good. I count on your commitment. Let's proceed with this plan and achieve the 80 percent target within 2 months. I will communicate this agreement to our management team today.
4. Challenge (7 min)｜応用実践
Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.
このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。
Situation / シチュエーション（Reference again）
A sales representative provides detailed analysis of low operation rate causes, improvement measures, and preventive maintenance plans after an overseas customer requests operation rate improvement measures.
納入済み設備の稼働率が計画を下回り、海外顧客から改善対策要求があり、原因分析と改善策を詳細説明する場面です。
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Thank you for coming today. Our equipment utilization rate has been below 65 percent for the past 3 months, which is significantly lower than the planned 85 percent. We need you to explain the root cause and propose concrete improvement measures immediately.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience this has caused to your production. ［状況を評価し、3つの主要な要因を特定しました。］ First, the hydraulic system requires more frequent maintenance than anticipated. Second, the control software needs modification to accommodate your actual operating conditions. Third, operator training was insufficient for this advanced equipment.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
I understand the factors, but we are losing approximately 50000 USD per month due to this low utilization rate. Could you elaborate on your specific improvement plan and timeline? We require that the utilization rate reaches at least 80 percent within 2 months.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
Understood. ［3段階の回復計画を説明させてください。］ Phase 1 will be completed within 2 weeks — ［技術チームを派遣して制御ソフトウェアを修正し、集中的なオペレーター研修を実施します。］ Phase 2 will take 4 weeks — we will install an enhanced hydraulic monitoring system to detect issues early. Phase 3 will be ongoing — ［週次のリモート監視を伴う予防保全スケジュールを確立します。］ This plan should accelerate the utilization rate to 82 percent by the end of month 2.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
The plan sounds reasonable, but I am still concerned about the financial impact. We have already lost 150000 USD over 3 months. Will you compensate us for this loss, or at least provide some form of support to mitigate our damage?
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
I appreciate your concern. While the contract does not mandate direct compensation for utilization rate gaps, we are committed to supporting your recovery. We propose 3 support measures. First, we will provide all software modifications and additional training at no extra cost. Second, we will extend your warranty period by 6 months. Third, we will offer a 10 percent discount on spare parts for the next 12 months. These measures should reduce your operational costs by approximately 30000 USD annually.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Your support measures are helpful, but please make sure that your technical team arrives within 1 week, not 2 weeks. We cannot afford any further delays. Also, I want weekly progress reports submitted directly to me during the entire improvement period.
🧑🎓【Student / Sales Engineer】:
Absolutely. I will coordinate with our headquarters immediately and confirm that our technical team departs by the end of this week. I will personally monitor the progress and submit detailed weekly reports to you every Monday morning. We will overcome this challenge together and restore your equipment to optimal performance.
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Good. I count on your commitment. Let's proceed with this plan and achieve the 80 percent target within 2 months. I will communicate this agreement to our management team today.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try（余力があればやってみましょう）/
5. Real-world application (5 min)｜実務応用
Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。
Situation / シチュエーション
Your customer's equipment utilization rate is below target and they are requesting immediate corrective actions.
You need to explain the root causes and propose a concrete recovery plan with timeline and support measures.
顧客の設備稼働率が目標を下回っており、直ちに是正措置を求められています。
根本原因を説明し、スケジュールと支援策を含む具体的な回復計画を提案する必要があります。
👨💼【Teacher / Plant Manager】:
Our equipment performance is not meeting expectations. Please explain what went wrong and how you will fix it.
（設備のパフォーマンスが期待に応えていません。何が問題だったのか、どのように修正するのか説明してください。）
🧑🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)
Hints / ヒント
１． Explain the root causes identified
２． Present the phased recovery plan
３． Propose concrete support measures
４． Confirm immediate action and reporting
※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6. Wrap-up (2 min) ｜レッスンの振り返り
Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう！
6-1 Comments from student
・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ
6-2 Feedback from teacher
・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント
*6-3 Questions from student (if any)
Japanese translation（日本語訳）
1. Read (2min)（型を学ぶ）｜基本フレーズ
2. Try (4min)（ロールプレイ練習）｜型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう！
3. Use (7min)｜応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
4. Challenge (7min)｜実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう！
5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り
"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”
「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう！」
5-1. Comments from Student
- Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
- Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ
5-2. Feedback from Teacher
- Good points / 良かった点
- Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
- What to review / 復習ポイント
5-3. Question from Students (If any)
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