In the world of business and international sports, English is the primary language of communication. Native English speakers (and 1._____________________________________) often assume that everyone else can understand their level of English. But in the international sports world, you may interact with professionals at all levels - executives, managers, staff, etc. - from around the world whose understanding of English requires you to adjust the way you communicate. Here are a few hints that will help you communicate effectively in English 2._____________________________________. Try them out - you may find that you are able to improve your communication skills and deepen your relationships with important colleagues and contacts.
Hint no.1: Monitor your accent
Your dialect of English may not be the same as what a non-native English speaker learned in school. For example, American English speakers should be aware of the differences between American and British English. Even for native English speakers it can be tough to understand other accents so for those that aren't as adverse in English is becomes even harder. Combining words, dropping letters and swallowing syllables can be very difficult for non-native English speakers to understand, 3._____________________________________ and adapt to a basic English when possible.
Hint no.2: Use simple words
In English, there are many words that mean the same thing - some more difficult to understand than others. To avoid confusion, opt for the simplest word. A good example is the word small. Native English speakers would easily understand comparable words such as tiny, miniscule or microscopic. However, non-native speakers may not have learned these advanced synonyms. You can facilitate clear understanding and 4._____________________________________.
Hint no.3: Avoid using contractions
In many languages, native speakers have developed shortened ways of saying common words and phrases. In English, common contractions include don't (do not), won't (will not) and isn't (is not). Many non-native speakers do not understand these shortened forms, 5._____________________________________.Consider the word can't. Non-native English speakers have a very difficult time hearing the difference between can and can't. Using the word can't could easily lead your audience to misunderstand you in a way that communicates the exact opposite of what you intended. Try using the long form of contractions whenever possible.
Hint no.4: Avoid filler
Every language has patterns of speech and local expressions 6._____________________________________.However, for non-native speakers, these patterns and expressions can be very confusing and distracting. Words such as um, like and totally do not clarify statements in any way, 7._____________________________________.These words do not add anything to your messages, so eliminating them from your speech may lead to a lot more heads nodding at your next meeting with an international audience.
Hint no.5: Speak explicitly and clearly
You do not have to over-annunciate each syllable to help non-native speakers understand you. Instead, speak explicitly and clearly. A classic example is the use of yes and no. Many native English speakers say "Uh-huh" or "Nuh-uh" to mean yes and no respectively. The very subtle variations between these two substitutions 8._____________________________________.Instead, native English speakers should simply use the proper word - "Yes" or "No" - in response to simple questions.
(From TSE Tools)
TEXT 3 (B2/C1)
Choose the correct heading A-H for steps 1-7 from the list of headings below.
Write the correct letter in the boxes given below. Remember, ONE heading is extra.
List of Headings
A Practice, Practice, Practice.
B Find a quiet place where you will be alone and free from distractions.
C Act calm, feel calm.
D Build a visual image of the venue and audience.
E Use different tools.
F Immerse yourself in the situation.
G Carry out as much practical preparation as time allows.
H Don't get nervous about feeling nervous.
How to trick your mind into presentation success
Been asked to give a presentation for an interview? Got to speak in front of colleagues at work? Read our psychology expert's tips for mastering presentation nerves
By Steve Sheward
It's regularly cited as one of our greatest anxieties, but for some people there's no escaping public speaking. Unfortunately giving presentations is a key skill required for most careers and often part of the selection process for many jobs.
Most of the time it's the uncertainty that overwhelms us; the prospect of delivering a presentation in addition to being the focus of attention from others ("Will my mind go blank? Will they ask me awkward questions that I won't be able to answer?").
But there are ways to trick your brain into thinking that the forthcoming presentation is a familiar situation by using visualisation technique. Research in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) indicates that using imagery can elicit emotion more readily than language-based thought processing.
You can apply these principles by completing the following visualisation exercise:
| Step 1: |
This should include physically rehearsing the presentation, preferably in front of a critical friend or audience. Focus on delivery, posture, voice projection and use of materials. If you don't prepare adequately, no amount of visualisation will get you through the presentation.
| Step 2: |
If you can't visit before the presentation, company websites and brochures may help with this. If that's not possible you can still use your imagination and teach your mind that the presentation is not an unfamiliar (and scary) situation.
| Step 3: |
Imagine it's the day of the presentation and you're going on to speak – you can do this with your eyes open or shut depending on what works best for you.
| Step 4: |
The important thing now is to add to your visual image by making your mental rehearsal as vivid as possible so that you feel as though you are actually experiencing the situation. To do this you need to work with your five senses:
Sight: Place yourself fully in the situation seeing it through your eyes not just watching yourself. This is an important part of the process to make sure you feel as though you are actually experiencing the situation. Pay attention to what you see: what colours do you notice as you "walk" on to do the presentation? Are the images hazy or clear?
Sound: Try to imagine the voice of the person introducing you. Which direction are the sounds coming from? Imagine the (confident) sound of your own voice projecting clearly and evenly to the audience.
Smell: Perhaps you can smell coffee brewing or the aroma of furniture polish.
Taste: You could imagine sipping water and the calming effect of its coolness against your pallet.
Touch: Imagine slowly and calmly taking your place in front of the audience. Pause for a few seconds to ground yourself. Notice the reassuring feeling of your upright but relaxed posture and how solid you feel with your feet placed firmly on the ground as you begin your presentation.
| Step 5: |
By now you should be fully immersed in the presentation as if you were there. It's important to imagine how you want to feel mentally and emotionally as well as physically. Concentrate on your breathing and make it as calm and regular as is comfortable for you. Notice how soothing it is just to feel your breath entering and leaving your body.
| Step 6: |
If you feel some nervousness in your stomach (often referred to as "butterflies"), don't worry about it. Feeling concerned that you will deliver a good presentation is natural and will actually sharpen your thinking helping you to perform better. Most people find this feeling of concern slightly uncomfortable and mistakenly believe it is a danger signal that something bad is happening. If this sounds like you, try telling yourself that this feeling of concern is uncomfortable but not threatening. Your aim is to get your "butterflies" to fly in the right direction so that you are alert but calm during the presentation.
| Step 7: |
The more you practice delivering the presentation in your mind, the more confident you will feel on the day – because the experience will no longer seem unfamiliar.
Good luck with your presentation.