Market Leader – Business
English Course Book
What to study for the exam?
Vocabulary:
o Market Leader Advanced textbook: unit 1-6.
o Working Across Cultures textbook: unit 1-9.
o You do NOT need to study the contents of the texts in this book nor the case studies.
Reading:
o You need to know the content of the texts from Working Across Cultures discussed in your
group.
Writing:
o You need to know how to write a 5-paragraph text. We will of course not ask you about the
theory, but you should be able to apply your knowledge and you will be asked to write a 5-
paragraph text on the exam.
1
,Unit 1 – First impressions
LISTENING AND DISCUSSION
‘You don’t get a second chance to make a first impression.’
Question B
What percentage of communication is said to be non-verbal?
- Between 60% and 90%
How do audiences form a first impression of a presenter?
- From their voice, facial expression, posture and other factors, such as the way they use the
room/space and the way they dress.
Question C
What four aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication does Anneliese talk about?
- She talks about the way you stand (posture), eye contact, voice (modulation and intonation)
and controlling gestures which can distract the audience.
Question D
The way you stand, known as posture, is important. Try to be upright but not rigid. Take charge of the
space and don’t hide behind the table or lectern. Use a remote to ‘liberate you from your laptop.’
Use eye contact to scan the whole room, not just the first few rows.
The way you use modulation and intonation can produce all sorts of light and dark shades in your
voice that add interest and get the audience paying attention. Avoid shouting. Try out the microphone
beforehand.
Control you gestures so that they don’t become a distraction to the audience.
Question E
Mannerism = way of speaking or moving that is typical of a particular person.
Flick = make something move with a sudden, quick gesture.
Fidget = keep moving your hands or feet because you are bored or nervous.
Adjustment = slight movement of something you are wearing so that it is neater or more comfortable.
Question F
What other examples of distracting gestures and behaviour have you noticed in presentations? What
else can distract you?
- Sample answers = fidgeting with pen or papers, jangling coins in a pocket, pacing around,
uhm-ing, and er-ing a lot when speaking.
2
, Question G
Decoding the silent signals
You can also improve your presentation by noticing the messages your audience sends back to you
through their own body language. Check out their reactions to what you’re saying. Are people nodding
their heads in agreement or are they nodding off? If they look puzzled, stop and allow them to ask
questions.
Watch for signals of boredom or misinterpretation. Are they leaning towards you to listen or are they
leaning back with their arms folded? When members of your audience are slouching/ slouched in their
seats letting their eyes wander, it usually means they’re uninterested in what you’re saying. But if
they’re sitting with their arms folded across their chest, staring at you, they may have been offended
by something you’ve said. If you’re paying close attention, you can catch this and clarify your
statement without any negative feelings.
Word Translation
A first impression Een eerste indruk
Non-verbal Non-verbaal
Verbal Verbaal
A presenter Een presentator
Facial expression Gezichtsuitdrukking
Posture Houding
Modulation Stembuiging
Intonation Intonatie
To gesture Gesticuleren, gebaren
Upright Loyaal, trouw
Rigid Star, stijf
Lectern Lessenaar
Mannerism Aanstellerij
To flick Bladeren
Fidget Zenuwachtig bewegen
Adjustment Aanpassing
Fidgeting with pen Bewegen met een pen
Jangling coins Rammelen met munten
Pacing around Ijsberen
Nodding Knikken
Nodding off Wegknippen, afslaan
Leaning towards Naar jou leunen
Leaning Achteruit leunen
Slouching/ slouched Hangen/ liggen
Wander Dwalen
staring Staren
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