Лекция: A modern office

We arrived at Richard's main office in downtown Manhattan. It was on the twenty fifth floor of a skyscraper. I saw a plaque in the lobby that said MEDEQ, Inc. I guessed that MEDEQ stood for MEDical EQuipment. A man operated the elevator.

Before the meeting Richard showed me his office. I was really impressed with the stateoftheart office equipment. I didn't see a single typewriter there. Everybody worked on a PC (personal computer). I had heard that every office worker had a dictionary because English spelling is so difficult. But I didn't see any dictionaries there. Richard explained that there were special computer programs to check spelling. Every PC was connected to a printer to print out — processed documents. There was a copier which made copies in color. The office also had telex and fax facilities. I noticed a strangelooking machine in the corner. Richard explained that it was a paper shredder. I wished we had an office like that in Petersburg!

The office workers were very efficient. They knew how to run every piece of equipment. And they worked very fast. I said I'd like to learn how to run everything too. Richard introduced me to the staff. They were very friendly. He asked them to give me a hand in mastering the office equipment.

Richard introduced me to Mr. Walter Cronin, a senior partner in the firm. All the company executives were there too. I met the heads of the research and development and manufacturing divisions and the director of marketing.

We discussed my stay with the company. Mr. Cronin suggested that I visit all their branches to explore prospects for our future collaboration. I was asked to present a report with my suggestions at the end of my stay. This suited me fine. They were also open minded about my request to visit some hospitals to see MEDEQ equipment in operation. They said that could be easily arranged. Every problem was solved on the spot. I was surprised, but Richard said it was business as usual.