1. Abbreviations.
Match the abbreviations to the definitions. This exercise is in two parts. Scroll down to see the second part.
Part 1
Part 2
Now listen and repeat the abbreviations and the words that they stand for.
2. Abbreviations.
Listen and put the abbreviations in the order that you hear them. Listen again and repeat the abbreviations.
3. Comparing presentations: Body language.
Watch segments (with no sound) of two different presentations. Indicate which presenter does the following:
4. Comparing presentations: Content and general effect.
Watch and listen to the complete presentations. Two different presenters are giving the same presentation. Select the statements that apply to each presentation.
5. Presentation 2.
Watch Presentation 2 again and choose the brief that it corresponds to.
You can see the complete brief here.
Presentation brief 2
There have been complaints from wholesale customers about fluctuating prices of the Cookie Jar company's products. A representative of Cookie Jar is giving a presentation to these customers to explain the background and action taken to avoid further fluctuations in the cost of its products. The causes for the fluctuations are in note form below, along with information on the company’s proposed solutions and action taken.
| Cause | Solution / Action |
| Fluctuations in the price of raw materials | Implement seasonal price guarantees from providers for more stability of costs |
| Change in the ingredients and proportions used in the production of different products | Improved flavour and nutritional qualities and more eco-friendly practices, e.g. reduction of food miles, can be used as USPs |
| Increased transport costs because of inefficiency | Improve batching and scheduling, for more cost-efficient transport, reducing number of deliveries |
Points to cover in the representative's presentation:
- Apologise for fluctuations
- Present background to situation
- Propose solutions and explain action taken
- Conclude and encourage continued support and business
- Invite questions
6. Signposting in Presentation 2.
The phrases below are taken from Presentation 2. Put them in the order that you think they occur in the presentation, then watch the video again to check your answers.
7. Signposting: Different functions.
What function do these phrases from Presentation 2 have? Match the phrases to the functions. This exercise is in two parts. Scroll down to see the second part.
Part 1
Part 2
8. Sentence completion.
Write in the missing words to complete sentences from the presentation. Then, listen and repeat the sentences. The function of each sentence is indicated in brackets.
9. Pronunciation: Word stress.
Focus on syllables and word stress and practise saying longer words. Put the words in the correct column.
10. Pronunciation: Phrasing and intonation.
Your presentation will be easier for listeners to understand if you use short pauses and variations in tone to phrase and add emphasis to what you say.
There are short pauses in these sentences from the presentation. Select the word before each pause, check your answer and then listen and repeat the sentences, copying the intonation that you hear.
11. Appropriate style.
Read the complete presentation by choosing the most appropriate options. Then listen and follow the presentation. Practise reading the presentation aloud.
Now listen and follow the presentation.
12. Making things possible.
Look at the example from the presentation.
This will mean a more cost-efficient use of our transport system.
We can describe how things are made possible by using the verbs enable and means. Compare the different patterns these verbs follow. For example:
This enables me to have more free time. verb + noun + infinitive with to
This means I can have more free time. verb + clause
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first.
13. Rhetorical questions and answers.
Look at the examples.
How can we deal with that? Well, our solution here is to put into practice an improved batching and transport schedule.
How can we guarantee customer satisfaction? Well, we can do this by improving our after-sales service.
We can describe how to do something using noun + be + to + infinitive, and by + -ing.
The answer is to reduce the price.
You sell more by reducing the price.
Put the words in order to complete the answers to the questions.