Prime Time 8. Coursebook plus Semester Self-checks, Schulbuch

Speaking Preparation • • Look at the material (text, pictures, advertisements, etc.) closely, mark and underline important points and difficulties and make notes of aspects you want to mention. • • Make up your mind about the topic and collect arguments if the task involves convincing others. • • Add a few linking words/phrases to your notes, so that you can use them when you deliver your talk. Talking • • Your pronunciation should be clear and understandable. Avoid mistakes. Use only words you are sure how to pronounce. A lively intonation and stress in the right places will make your points more effective. • • Show your command of vocabulary and grammar. Use technical terms. Avoid repeating the same words. • • Use structuring vocabulary to make the logic of your thoughts comprehensible. Individual long turn – Spoken production There are different types of speeches, depending on the purpose. In an informative speech , you tell people what you know about a particular topic. In an explanatory speech , you show people how something works or why it is effective. In a persuasive speech , you try to win them over and persuade them to take action. Of course, speeches can be a mixture of these types. Some of the skills you need to prepare and present a speech are similar to ones you use in text production. • • Make a plan of your presentation. • • Do not use a complete written text for your presentation. Use prompt cards for your keywords, notes, comments, facts and figures instead. • • Your presentation should be clearly structured (introduction, main part, conclusion) and your points and prompt cards should be in logical order. • • Language: Organise your points by using connectives, structuring and emphasising words, but in spoken English you may also include conversational elements, like fillers, when you address the audience. Adverbs of comment and degree will make your presentation more lively. You should not use too much informal language, however, because you are talking about a serious topic. • • Voice: Speak loudly and clearly and not too fast. Use short sentences. Don’t sound monotonous and boring. Use stress when you are making an important point. Address your audience and involve them. • • Atmosphere: Smile. Be friendly, polite and self-confident. Remember: You are the expert introducing the uninformed into the secrets of the topic, which is a great pleasure for you. 1. Introduction • • Catch your listeners’ attention e.g. with: –– a provocative statement or question –– a surprising fact or trend –– a new discovery or eye-opening experience –– an anecdote, joke or quotation • • State your aim. • • Outline the structure of your speech. Tip Preparing and giving a successful speech • • What is your purpose? Do you want to inform, persuade or entertain, or all three? • • Think about your audience. Is the topic one that interests them? What do they know about it already? • • Organise your points logically, using connectives to link the parts of your speech. • • Announce what you are going to talk about. Then say it. Then sum up what you have said. • • Speak in a slow, clear, but natural way. • • Stress key words and/or pause at the end of a sentence or after a word you want to emphasise. • • Rehearse your speech. T 169 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv