The Language of Meetings [antikvár]

How to get the best from this book Many professionals—diplomats, agency representatives, and business people—have to take part in meetings which are conducted in English. The language of such meetings follows definite patterns. Even If your English is good, not all of the language of meetings is obvious. This book presents and teaches all the language you need to participate effectively in meetings in English. The language is divided into 12 units. Most of these follow a similar format, and can be studied in any order The first and last units are slightly different: Unit 1 General Language Points You are advised to study this unit first. It identifies, explains, and practises 10 key areas of language use which are particularly important in the language used in meetings. This unit is very like the sort of material you find in a good general language teaching textbook. There are explanations and practices to focus your attention on the important language. Unit 12 Procedure for Formal Meetings There are many kinds of meeting, and different degrees of formality. The most formal is a meeting directed from the chair. The language used in these meetings, particularly by the person in the chair, is very stylised. If you have to run a meeting In English, you simply need a list of the phrases which are used in the different situations which arise during such a meeting. There is a certain amount of special vocabulary, and a long list of standard phrases. These are presented, with notes, in Unit 12. This will only be of interest for people who need to run meetings in English. It can be studied at any time, and is placed last only for convenience. Units 2-11 Each of these units concentrates on a specific language area. You can study the units in any order, so that, for example, if you find it difficult to Interrupt during meetings, you can look immediately at Unit 5. In general the language in the units does not get more difficult as you go through the book. On the other hand, wfiat you are doing with the language does get more difficult. It is more difficult to work out a compromise, which involves negotiating to and fro with another person than it is to present your own argument, or interrupt. You are advised to study the units in the order in which they occur, so that you will slowly be building from simpler situations to more complicated discussions and negotiations. Each of these units follows a similar pattern. It will help you to get the best out of your studies If you understand how each section is designed. Language awareness Before studying a certain area, you are Invited to think of the language you would use during a meeting to achieve certain objectives relying on the language you already know. We suggest you do not write these phrases into the book, but make a note of them on a piece of paper You can do this alone, or, better, with one or two fellow students. It does not matter whether you find "right answers" at this stage. The idea Is to focus your attention on the language you need for a particular part of the meeting. I ; , '-I ' I :;']/. i'i jAL. i"' ' T-J. t'