Reading Out a Short Thank-You Email After a Client Visit
A colleague reads his thank-you email after a client visit out loud — and stumbles over "eventually", which does not mean "eventuell".
Tip: listen to the episode twice before you start the test. · Worksheet (PDF)
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Comprehension test
Listen first, then answer. No penalties — every explanation points to the moment in the conversation.
So: '___ we could meet again in September.'
If you have any questions, please don't ___ to contact me.
Transcript
Key phrases
Language notes
In this episode an account manager reads his thank-you email after a client visit out loud while a colleague checks it: thanks, reference to the visit, attachment, closing formula, personal sentence. You learn the structure of a perfect follow-up email — and why "eventually" never means "eventuell" (level B1).
"Eventually" is a promise, not a maybe
Felix's sentence "Eventually, we could meet again in September" was meant to express "eventuell" — but says the opposite: "eventually" means something will certainly happen, just later ("The project was difficult, but eventually we succeeded"). If you mean "eventuell", you need "perhaps", "possibly" or "maybe". In business the difference is delicate: a non-binding suggestion accidentally becomes a firm commitment.
The blueprint of a thank-you email
Felix's email follows the proven four-sentence pattern: thanks with a concrete reference ("thank you for taking the time … your production site"), a link back to what was agreed plus the attachment ("As discussed, I have attached …"), an outlook ("Perhaps we could meet again in September") and a closing formula ("please don't hesitate to contact me"). Short is a strength here: a thank-you email that fits on one screen gets read — a long one gets skimmed.
Personal beats perfect — and fast beats late
Sandra's most important advice is not a grammar tip: a single personal sentence ("I hope the trade fair in Barcelona goes well") turns a standard email into relationship building — it proves Felix listened during the visit. The second rule is the time window: follow up within twenty-four hours, while the visit is still fresh. And the final step belongs to the email: put the September follow-up in the calendar immediately.
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Frequently asked questions
What language level is this episode for?
Level B1 (CEFR). The email and the conversation use common business English from sales; all eight key phrases are explained bilingually.
How do I write a thank-you email after a client visit in English?
Four sentences are enough: thanks with a concrete reference ("Thank you for taking the time …"), what was agreed plus the attachment ("As discussed, I have attached …"), a non-binding outlook ("Perhaps we could meet …") and the closing formula ("Please don't hesitate to contact me"). Send it within twenty-four hours.
Is there a transcript to read along?
Yes, the full transcript with German support notes is on this page — listen first, then take the test, then read along.
Where can I practise business emails in English live?
In the online business English courses from Simmonds Language Services (englisch-lehrer.com/online): live lessons with real teachers on Zoom, for companies and individuals across Germany — since 2004. It starts with a free consultation.
Are the voices real?
Episodes are produced with high-quality AI voices (Hume) and editorially reviewed by our trainer team — the same method as our interactive lessons.
Want to practise these phrases in a real conversation?
The podcast trains your ear — in our online lessons you practise the conversation yourself, with real teachers. For companies across Germany since 2004.