Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Important Websites

Friday, June 18, 2010

Presentations: opening

Presentations: opening

Introduction

In this module, we’ll be looking at some useful words and phrases for giving presentations. We have units on the main stages of presentations and a unit with tips on delivering effective presentations. Let’s start with opening presentations.
Think
Imagine that you are starting a presentation. What phrases might you use?
Listen
Now let’s hear two ways of opening presentations. As you listen, see if you can hear some of the phrases above.

Check understanding
Check your understanding by reading the scripts below:
Clip 1
Ladies and gentlemen, thank you very much for coming along here today. I hope my presentation isn’t going to take too long and that you will find it interesting. The purpose of today’s presentation is to discuss how we can improve internal communications within our company.

Now let me begin by explaining that I’d like to talk about the business case for better communication; secondly, I want to cover different styles and methods; and finally I would like to finish off by talking about some of the basics we need to have in place to deliver good quality, consistent communications across the company. I’d be very happy to invite you to ask questions at the end of the session and I’m sure there’ll be plenty of time for us to discuss some of the points that have been raised.”
Clip 2
“Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for finding the time to come and join me for this presentation this afternoon. My name is Tim Mason, I‘m a retail consultant, and many of you will have seen me shadowing you in your jobs and looking through the accounts and so on in the company over the last week. I’ve invited you here today to have a look at my findings. First, I’d like to have a look at the performance of the company, the sales of the company over the last three years; then I’d like to have a look at our market share in the womenswear market and look at our competitors; and thirdly, I’d like to suggest some improvements in our range of womenswear. At the end I’d be happy to answer any of your questions.
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Telephone: connecting

Telephone: connecting

Introduction

This section features phrases you might hear when you telephone a company hoping to talk to someone.
Think
Imagine you are calling a company and want to speak to someone who works there. Can you think of any phrases you might use, or that you might hear?
Listen
Now listen to two conversations. In the first conversation Richard Davies is calling the marketing department of a company and wants to be put through to Rosalind Wilson. In the second conversation Mike Andrews wants to talk to Jason Roberts in the marketing department. As you listen, see if you can hear some of the phrases above.

Check understanding
Check your understanding by reading the scripts below:
Michelle: Hello, you've reached the marketing department. How can I help?
Male:Yes can I speak to Rosalind Wilson, please?
Michelle:Who’s calling please?
Male: It’s Richard Davies here
Michelle:Certainly.  Please hold and I’ll put you through.
Male:Thank you.
 
Michelle:Hello, marketing.  How can I help?
Male: Could I speak to Jason Roberts please?
Michelle:Certainly. Who shall I say is calling?
Male:My name’s Mike Andrews.
Michelle:Just a second I’ll see if he’s in. Hello, Jason, I’ve got Mike Andrews on the phone for you ... OK - I’ll put him through. Hang on a moment, I’m just putting you through.
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English Makeover

English Makeover

About the series

If you want to change your appearance, you might go for a ‘makeover’ – fresh haircut, different clothes, a new you! If it’s your English you want to transform, perhaps it’s time for a language ‘makeover’! Improve your pronunciation, make advances in grammar and expand your vocabulary.

In this series, learners of English from around the world tell us their language problems. And there's advice for them and you, from experienced teacher of English, Karen Adams.

Part 8

Patricia Pereira (We apologise for some minor variations in the sound of this archive material.)

Part 7

Mohammed Ibrahim (We apologise for some minor variations in the sound of this archive material.)

Part 5

Adela Taleb (We apologise for some minor variations in the sound of this archive material.)