The average Russian is rarely invited to official receptions, for example, at the embassy. But this does not mean that he does not need to be able to answer the question: “What is an audience?” This concept is our object of research today.
Value
Let's start, as always, with meaning. It is difficult to talk about something, while it is not clear what is meant. The explanatory dictionary says that an audience means "an official reception by a high-ranking official." Comes from latin audientia. 
That is, you cannot tell your wife that you are going to a neighbor, because you have an audience there. Just for fun. Although suppose a neighbor is an ambassador. Then could the meeting of people living nearby be called a solemn word? No, and in this case a wonderful definition cannot be used because there is no officiality.
Such are the subtleties.
Synonyms and example from the movie
As the reader understands, there can not be many phrases-substitutions here. A very specific term. But they are. In Russian, there are not enough words without replacements. Here is the list:
- Call on the carpet.
- Official meeting.
- Solemn welcome.
These are obvious substitutions for the definition of “audience”. It is not so difficult to find synonyms if you think carefully. 
Remember how the first part of the movie "The Godfather" begins? Don Corleone hears the request of Amerigo Bonaser, who wishes to punish those who beat his daughter. First, he wants the guilty to respond in all severity of his father’s law and pay with his life. But Corleone, although the leader of the mafia, honors justice and says, since the undertaker’s daughter is alive, the scum should not die. There was quite a bit of controversy, but the main thing is that all this action can be called the apt word “audience”. Is the host party a high official? No doubt, even the shadow world. Is there an official reason? Yes, the daughter’s wedding is a solemn reception. That's right, formal signs are all in stock.
Downward and upward audiences
Of course, almost any definition can express both positive and negative meaning. The same goes for the audience. This is obvious, but it’s worth mentioning anyway.
If a person is invited to a reception at the embassy because he is a well-known journalist or cultural figure, then this is an honor and sets him in a good mood. If the reason is to call the boss, then this is most likely because he does not work well. 
When an initiative comes from a superior, it can be either bad or good, depending on the circumstances of the event. If, on the contrary, a person asks for an audience and wants to report something, it means that the matter really is urgent, because just like that, people usually do not bother their leaders and other powerful people of this world. Of course, someone may call this servility, but we would talk about simple respect.
How to behave on the carpet at the authorities?
After clarifying the meaning of the definition of “audience” (this is quite natural), I would like to receive specific advice on how to behave at a particular reception. For example, at a time when the boss called you in for a conversation. We formulate a number of rules that will allow the reader not to turn gray early and feel at ease in the presence of the leader.
- It is important to evaluate possible errors and come up with at least an approximate explanation. It is imperative that the miss does not depend on the employee and his professional negligence. Of course, first of all, you do not need to be nervous. Panic has not helped anyone yet. If there is no letter of resignation, then everything is not so bad.
- Try to understand the mood of the boss, to penetrate into his inner world. If rational arguments do not work, then it is best to quickly come to your senses and say that the problem is being solved.
- When the crisis is over, you can immerse the leader in the details of the situation, but without thickening the colors and without admitting your guilt, as well as the mistakes of your employees (if any). It’s better to blame everything on the technical difficulties of the system or equipment. If people work in trade, then on the receiving side. But there is one important conditional: it is necessary to speak the truth as far as possible. Lies are easy to verify, and significant problems can arise.
Audience is a serious matter. Even despite recommendations, everything can go at random, but a more or less clear understanding of one’s shortcomings, a cold head and the ability to cooperate can correct even the most hopeless situation.
What should not be done in the chief’s office during the debriefing?
They developed a positive program, but what about the pitfalls? Do not worry, they will not keep you waiting. Common sense dictates the following points:
- Silence is not the best helper in conflict. If an employee is silent and sighs heavily while curses are cast on his head, then he will not last long in the office.
- You cannot refer to personal problems. Everyone has them, so this is not an argument when it comes to professional activities.
- You can not explain the failure of someone else's mistakes, even if they took place. If a person is responsible for the project, then he and no one else are to blame.
In order for the official meeting at the higher level to go well, without a hitch, you need to remain calm.
We have made our contribution. The reader is now not afraid of defining an audience. This is the first step towards self-confidence.