#13. Task 8: Describing an Unusual Situation & Templates

What this task is: You describe a strange or unexpected situation to someone who cannot see it. You have 30 seconds to prepare and 60 seconds to speak. Your goal is to locate yourself, describe what’s unusual, and ask for specific help.

The CLEAR frame (your one-minute map)

C — Context: who you’re talking to + why you’re calling
L — Location: exact place with landmarks and signs
E — Evidence: 1–2 visible clues that show what’s unusual
A — Action: the specific help you want them to do now
R — Reference: details they may need (unit, order, route, time, ID)

Fill-and-say skeleton

“Hi [name/role], it’s [you]. I’m at [place + landmark].
I see [clue 1] and [clue 2], which is unusual because [short reason].
Could you [action]? My [reference] is [# / time / unit].”

Timing you can trust (60 seconds)

• 0–10s — Context: who + why
• 10–30s — Location: landmark(s), signs, directions (north/south, left/right)
• 30–45s — Evidence: what’s unusual (two concrete clues)
• 45–55s — Action: one clear request (and a backup option if needed)
• 55–60s — Reference: the number/time/unit; quick thanks

Watch the progress bar. If time is tight, skip extra details and give your request.

What to do in prep time (30 seconds)

• Write four cues: Who/Why / Where / What’s odd / Ask + Ref.
• Circle two solid clues you can say in plain words (a sign, a screen, a color, a number).
• Pick an action verb you can say fast: reset, send, guide, confirm, unlock, direct, replace, refund.

Phrase banks (plug-and-play)

Openers

• “Hi [role], this is [name]. I need help.”
• “Hello [name], I’m calling about something unusual here.”

Location markers

• “I’m on Oak Street, beside the blue pharmacy.”
• “I’m at the east entrance, next to the ticket machines.”
• “I’m outside 1200 Main, across from the coffee shop.”

Evidence lines

• “The map shows the old route, and the notice says ‘closed,’ but the doors are open.”
• “The elevator screen is blank, and the alarm light is on.”

Action requests

• “Could you send someone to reset the machine?”
• “Could you guide me from here to [place] by [landmark → turn → landmark]?”
• “Would you unlock the side gate or confirm another entrance?”

Reference details

• “My order is #4726 / Unit 10B / Bus #15, 5:40 p.m.”
• “I’m wearing a grey jacket and standing by the parking sign.”

Closers

• “Please confirm the next step. Thanks for your help.”

Quick language choices that score well

• Specific nouns: gate, ramp, service desk, notice board, platform, keypad, loading bay
• Short cause–effect links: because, so, therefore, as a result
• Polite, direct tone: could you, would you, please, thanks for checking
• No guessing: describe only what you can see; if you must infer, say “it looks like…”

Complete templates (copy and fill)

A) Lost with wrong GPS (call a friend)

“Hi [name], it’s [you]. I’m on Maple Ave, across from a red bakery and next to a small park.
My GPS can’t find your address; the screen shows ‘no results.’
Could you guide me from here? Should I turn left at the park or go toward the library?
I’m in a silver hatchback, plate [ABC 123]. Please confirm the next turn.”

B) Machine not working (call service desk)

“Hello, customer service? This is [name]. I’m at Oak Station, beside the ticket machine closest to the north entrance.
The screen is frozen on ‘processing’ and the printer light is blinking.
Could you send someone to reset it or print a pass at the desk?
My transaction time is 8:12 a.m., order #4173. Thanks.”

C) Locked entrance (call building security)

“Hi security, [name] here. I’m at 55 King St W, east entrance, next to the delivery bay.
The sign says ‘open 8 a.m.’, but the keypad shows ‘error.’
Could you unlock the side door or direct me to another entrance?
I have an ID badge and a courier parcel. Please confirm which door to use.”

D) Misdirected signage (call event staff)

“Hello events desk, this is [name]. I’m by the south gate, beside the green tent.
The arrow for Registration points left, but the crowd is lining up right.
Could you send a volunteer here or confirm the correct line?
I’m wearing a blue cap near the ‘Welcome’ banner.”

Samples you can adapt (~60 seconds each)

1) Friend’s house with bad GPS

“Hi Ana, it’s Mark. I’m on Cedar Street, across from the daycare and next to a bus stop.
My GPS can’t find your unit; it keeps saying ‘no address.’
Can you guide me from here? If I face the daycare, should I turn left toward the library or right toward the bridge?
I’m in a grey jacket by the bench. Please text the building code and the floor. Thanks.”

2) Broken ticket machine

“Hello, customer service. This is Priya. I’m at Lakeview Station, near the north entrance.
The ticket machine froze after payment, and the receipt didn’t print.
Could you reset the machine or print my pass at the desk?
My receipt email shows 8:12 a.m., order #4173. I’m waiting by the route map.”

3) Locked campus door

“Hi security, Jason here. I’m outside Building A, east side, by the loading bay.
The sign says ‘open at 7’, but the keypad flashes ‘error.’
Could you open the side entrance or send me to another door?
I’m carrying a delivery for Room 210, and the contact is L. Tang. Please confirm.”

Before → After (tighten your message)

Vague place → precise location

• Before: “I’m near the building.”
• After: “I’m at the east entrance, next to the ticket machines, across from the parking sign.”

Emotions only → concrete clues

• Before: “This is weird.”
• After: “The screen is frozen and the printer light is blinking.”

No ask → clear action

• Before: “So yeah, that’s it.”
• After: “Could you send a technician or print a pass at the desk?”

Common mistakes (with quick fixes)

• Telling a long story → Keep it now + here; give two clues.
• No landmarks → Add one sign and one fixed object (gate, map, desk).
• Asking for five things → Make one request (+ one backup).
• Guessing causes → Describe what you see; if needed, say “it looks like…”
• Ending without a next step → Ask them to confirm.

Two quick drills

Drill 1 — 30-second locator:
Write 3 items: landmark, sign, direction (left/right/north). Say them in one sentence.

Drill 2 — 60-second CLEAR:
Speak: Context → Location → Evidence → Action → Reference. Record and check if your request is clear.

Micro-checklist before you speak

• Who you are + why you’re calling
• Exact location with two landmarks
• Two visible clues that show what’s unusual
• One clear request (+ optional backup)
• A reference (time/order/unit) and a polite close