Exercise 3.1. Read the text about some of the powerful techniques for making a good main part of a presentation. What are they?
When we are presenting the main part, it can feel unnatural to say the same words over and over again. But it is noticed that repetition really works. It really helps clarify and consolidate the key points. So, try to use repetition. It is an easy technique and it actually makes presenting in English less difficult as you do not have to find different words for the same things.
You can repeat a phrase or a slogan like a mantra. Sometimes it is this mantra that everyone remembers long after the presentation is over. Classical orators used this technique and one of the most famous examples is the Martin Luther King’s speech where he used the “I have a dream” mantra. People even call it the “I have a dream” speech. Mantra has to be precise, to the point and memorable. When you get the mantra right, everybody remembers it.
Remember the Rule of Three. Most experts attribute the Rule of Three to Aristotle’s Art of Rhetoric in which he referred to “three types of speeches” and “three forms of proof”. For example: “In my presentation about trademark law I would like to give you an overview of what trademark law is about, why it’s important, and how we protect trademarks in the marketplace.” Usually a list of three has a sense of completeness. It’s a fairly simple but highly effective technique.
Give real life examples or examples that everybody knows. This really speaks to the audience as they remember things when they relate them to themselves, events or people. Examples bring things to life.
· Complete the following sentences. You may use the information from the text.
1 Repetition really helps _____.
2 Repetition actually makes _____.
3 It is a good idea to repeat _____, so that everyone will _____the presentation.
4 People still remember the Martin Luther King’s speech as _____.
5 Mantra has to be _____.
6 Aristotle referred the Rule of Three to_____.
7 Usually a list of three has_____.
8 Giving real life examples or examples that the audience know is important as they_____.
Exercise 3.2. During the presentation you may use rhetorical questions as they create expectation and a feeling of a dialogue. They are also a useful tool outlining and signposting the structure.
Read the statements below and write a rhetorical question that could go aftereach of them.
Example: We’ve solved the problem. How did we do this?
1 That brings me to the end of my second point. _____
2 To tell the truth I found this quite a difficult task. _____
|
|
|
3 These factors are favorable for the development of economic and trade relations between Russia and China. _____
4 The option of using both schemes in a different ratio is optimum. _____
5 Income fell sharply last year. _____
6 Now let’s move on to why we protect trademarks in the market place. _____
7 Tourist numbers increased suddenly. _____
Exercise 3.3. Complete the sentences from the presentation with the correct form of the verbs from the box.
| bring; say; share; discuss; give; need; move |
1 I’d like to (a)_____ an amazing fact with you.
2 So, let me first (b)_____ you a brief overview.
3 This (c)_____ me to the end of my first point.
4 Before I (d)_____ on, I’d like to recap the main points.
5 I’d like to summarize what I (e)_____ so far...
6 Let’s go back to what we (f)_____ earlier.
7 According to the survey, our customer service (g)_____ reviewing.
Exercise 3.4. Below is a presentation where an expert is talking about effective ways of problem solving. In pairs, answer the following question:
What do you think the effective ways of problem solving might be?
Now, read and listen to the presentation and complete the sentences.
(1)_____what the best way to solve problems is? Today’s topic is (2)_____ who are trying to find the most effective ways of problem solving.
Imagine you have to find an answer to or a way of dealing with a problem, question, difficulty, etc. What would be your first step? (3)_____ to determine one of the ways to solve problems.
In my presentation (4)_____to problem solving. It will take about 15 minutes to cover these points.
In this part of my presentation, (5)_____our study that was done to see if geniuses shared any characteristics or habits. Was there something they had in common with each other that wasn't common in the general population?
One of the things we found was that geniuses all used a methodical, orderly approach when they tried to solve a problem. The following method is just such an orderly approach to problem solving.(6)_____ three major strategies.
|
|
|
First of all, we need to define the problem properly. Come up lots of possible ways to define it and then select and refine the best one. The defining of the problem should take up a good portion of time. This task should be done on paper. Mind you, do all your thinking on paper. This (7)_____.
Coming up with possible solutions. The task of thinking consists of asking a good question, writing it at the top of a piece of paper and then sitting there trying to think of answers to that question, and every time you think of another answer, write it down and keep thinking.
Now, (8)_____ the main issues.
Force yourself to come up with possible solutions. Thinking is hard work. Most people don't do much thinking, but that is the most-needed work right now. Don’t think of problem-solving as something you’ll do in a half-hour. One of the best ways to get great ideas is to stick with the same problem for many weeks. Keep turning your mind to the task and you’ll find new sources of genius within yourself.
After the discipline of sitting and trying to come up with solutions, your mind starts getting accustomed to the purpose and starts working on the problem on its own. Ideas will come to you in the night, while idly daydreaming, while taking a shower, while driving, because you have continued asking your mind for possible solutions.
OK, let me now turn to (9)_____. Putting them in order from the very best one down to the worst one allows you to analyze and reflect new combinations coming to mind. Add those to your list and keep arranging their order. Take your very best ones and put them into action. Or share the ideas with people who can utilize them.
(10)____, to put an idea into action, you need a plan. Go through the same sequence to make a plan of action: what do you need to do?
Now, (11)_____ the main points.
If you want to master the best way of thinking and solving problems, (12)_____, you should make a list of all the tasks that need to be done to bring your idea into existence.
(13)_____ put those tasks in order: what needs to be done first, what would be second, and so on. (14)_____ start in on the first item on your list.
|
|
|
(15)_____, get into action.
What conclusion can we draw from this?
(16)_____, I’m quite certain that using this method, your action is not chosen by chance or desperate. It is planned, methodical, and effective.
(17)_____ about one of the ways of problem solving.
And now I’ll be happy (18)_____ you may have.
Exercise 3.5. ‘Signposting’ phrases are used to help guide the audience through a presentation. Complete this table of useful phrases with phrases from the presentation in exercise 3.4.
| Problem technique | Have you ever wondered what the best way to..? | |
| Explaining why your topic is relevant for your audience | ||
| Stating your purpose/objective | ||
| Presenting the outline/organization/structure of your presentation | ||
| Saying what is coming | In this part of my presentation, I’d like to talk about... | |
| Moving to the next point | This leads directly to my next point. | |
| Summarizing a point | Let me briefly summarize the main issues. | |
| Going back | ||
| Sequencing | First of all, … | |
| Indicating the end of your talk
 Мы поможем в написании ваших работ! |