The Fall of the Roman Empire by Arther Ferrill essays

The Fall of the Roman Empire by Arther Ferrill essays The Fall of the Roman Empire by Arther Ferrill (1986) provides well written and interesting reading for the non-historian. While Ferrill breaks down many areas of the Roman Empire and it's decline, there are other areas where the author's description of some important details remains sketchy and leaves the reader wanting more information. Ferrill breezes over some very important explanations concerning why the Eastern Empire survived despite the Eastern army suffering the two major defeats of Adrianople and Julian's failed Persian campaign. Ferrill also does not support the argument that the Fall of Rome was the result of a successful conquest of barbarism and religion. He instead maintains that uncomplicated military failures contributed to Rome's decline. The case he presents supports that these were created by political blunders and that enough of the blunders created the misfortune that resulted in the decline of the Roman public spirit. Ferrill's descriptions of the Roman way of life lead the reader to view the people as very cultured, sophisticated and comfortable. Their cleanliness for the time was exceptional and their water system was unique to that historical time. This style of life may have contributed to their idealistic views that all people wanted to work toward a more civilized and productive lifestyle. However, this was simply not true. Descriptions in Ferrill's book somewhat discredit the new breed of a classicist who encourages a Marxist version of Roman history which view that barbarians are just oppressed minorities engaging in justifiable wars of "national liberation." He also argues that men and battles do not much matter and that all history is some sort of inevitable process governed by the class struggle. Ferrill correctly points out that men and battles matter very important within this course of history. The barbarians were strictly barbaric and not worthy of much explanation or compassion for their h...

How to Speak to a Customer Service Representative

How to Speak to a Customer Service Representative At some point, most of us make a telephone call to a companys customer service department. Whether its to place an order or a complaint, dispute a charge, or ask a question, its important to know how to communicate with customer service representatives. In this intermediate-level role-play dialogue, you will get a better understanding of how to interact with a customer service representative. Customer service calls usually follow a standard procedure. The representative will often ask for information such as your address and phone number. After practicing this role-play, you should be able to conduct these types of phone calls with what youve learned. Grab a partner and start practicing. Customer Service Representative: Hello, Big City Electricity, how may I help you today? Mr. Peters: Im calling concerning my electricity bill. Customer Service Representative: May I have your account number? Mr. Peters: Certainly, its 4392107. Customer Service Representative: Thank you, is this Mr. Peters? Mr. Peters: Yes, this is Mr. Peters. Customer Service Representative: Thank you, what can I help you with? Mr. Peters:Â  I think Ive been overcharged for the past month. Customer Service Representative: Im sorry to hear that. Why do you think we charged you too much? Mr. Peters: The bill is 300% higher than last month. Customer Service Representative: Im sorry to hear that. Let me ask you a few questions and then Ill see what I can do. Mr. Peters: OK, Thank you for your help. Customer Service Representative: Of course, thank you for calling this to our attention. Now, how much do you usually pay for your electricity? Mr. Peters: I usually pay about $50 a month.​ Customer Service Representative: Thank you. And how much did we charge on this bill?​ Mr. Peters: $150. I cant understand why.​ Customer Service Representative: Yes, Mr. Peters. Was your usage different in any way?​ Mr. Peters: No, it was an average month.​ Customer Service Representative: Im sorry. There certainly seems to be a mistake.​ Mr. Peters: Well, Im happy you agree with me.​ Customer Service Representative: Ill contact a service representative to come out and check your meter. Whats your address, Mr. Peters?​ Mr. Peters: 223 Flanders St., Tacoma, Washington 94998​ Customer Service Representative: Whats your phone number?​ Mr. Peters: 408-533-0875​ Customer Service Representative: Im terribly sorry about the misunderstanding. Well do our best to change this as quickly as possible. Mr. Peters: Thank you for your help in clearing this up. Customer Service Representative: Of course. Is there anything else that I can help you with today? Mr. Peters: No, thank you. That would be all. Customer Service Representative: Okay. Thanks for calling, Mr. Peters, and I hope you have a good day. Mr. Peters: You too! Goodbye.