Business-Speak at The Apprentice #1
Following hot on the heels of The 10 Worst Business Phrases of All Time and The 8 Worst Written Business Phrases of All Time, we begin a new series on The Apprentice, focusing mainly on the contenders’ communication skills.
Series 7 is under way. The first episode on the current series was shown on 10 May. Catch up on the first two episodes of The Apprentice. Then, come back and join the debate here.
Allegedly, the Alan Sugar’s apprentices have been selected from the country’s top minds and sharpest entrepreneurial figures. And, what do we get? Read on.
Spoiler Alert: the first two episodes, including who got fired, are discussed below. And, you can read more on BBC – The Apprentice.
Don’t tell me the sky’s the limit, when there are footsteps on the moon.
Surely, we think, they’re joking. I think the less drivel-spouting contestants may be able to survive the barrage of drivel by adopting some of Sarcastics Anonymous. It’s a simple strategy (oh no, there’s another buzz-word!).
Either that, or I volunteer to run a five-minute workshop, to help contestants understand the concept of a metaphor.
Edward, who was fired in episode 1, seemed a likeable-enough guy, yet his mouth seemed to run away with him. I counted three instances of the following phrase, within as many minutes.
You’ve just got to roll with the punches.
And, in defence of his action throughout that week’s task…
Not only am I the youngest in the team, I’m the shortest…
The others up for firing in the episode remained strangely controlled, revealing only the briefest of smirks.
His failure? It came down to an inability to express himself clearly or succinctly. Lord Sugar is known for curtailing pontificators, mercilessly.
Alex was fired in episode 2. I blame the Welsh sideburns – that’s all I have to say on the matter.
Most bizarre moment
Edna’s gloves distracted from what she was trying to say throughout her pitch.
Star of the show so far: Jim Eastwood
At Sensei Towers, our money is on the man from Cookstown, Jim Eastwood. He’s referred to variously on the hilarious Apprentice Twitter streams as SoupMan, or as Allen prefers, JediJim. Follow the brutal – but entertaining – live tweeting on The Apprentice.
Noobs may find the following useful:
PM Project manager.
“Group hug!” Let’s indulge in some corporate bonding for the cameras.
OK, guys, let’s strategise We need to figure out what the heck we’re doing before the car reaches the market stall. Oh, we’re here.
Roll with the punches. Keep your chin up, even when you know you’ve in way over your head.
Are you following? If so, have you formed any opinions yet on who might win? Or, who might be fired next? Answers on a comment below.
Image credit: jamescronin.
‘Allegedly, the Alan Sugar’s apprentices have been selected from the country’s top minds and sharpest entrepreneurial figures’ – come on – there obviously wasn’t much of a choice! My money is on Jim. Who else can convincingly talk himself out of the ‘firing line’. The expression on their faces was legendary – even Sir Alan was secrety impressed. I hope Jim’s tactical game pays off, as to date, the other ‘numpties’, sorry contestants, aren’t convincing me they possess any entrepreneurial spirit! Cringe value HIGH! Can someone please provide the men with shaving sticks – too much face hair – again Jim seems to be the only groomed man amongst them – points make prizes!
Hi Alex… hence the word, allegedly.
I’m pretty astounded by the behaviour indicating a poor level of enterpreneurial skills, presentation and communication skills in particular.
Jim’s success the evening he ducked the board room firing squad was inspired! Very neatly done. I think he’s one to watch.