1.

4 BUSINESS SKILLS
Presenting yourself
1.4 Business skills: Presenting yourself

Functional Self-presentation
Lesson outcome Learners are aware of the different stages of presenting themselves and can language 3A Look at these phrases used by Sue in Exercise 2. Match each phrase (a–j) with one
use a range of phrases for self-presentation. of the tips in Exercise 1.
a I really liked what you said about f If you need any help with [tickets for the
[your approach to projects in Portugal]. theatre …], just let me know.
Lead-in 1 Work in pairs. Read the blog about presenting yourself. Which idea in each b I’m happy to start [the introductions]. g So do you [both] work [in local finance teams]?
section do you think is the most important? Why? Add your own ideas to the list
of things to do when presenting yourself. c I’m [Sue], from the [London] office. h I know what you mean!
d Oh really? Me, too. i I joined [Hansens at the beginning of
e My current job is [Head of Financial last year].
8 TIPS for presenting yourself to make an impact Controlling in the UK]. j I’m really delighted to [be part of this team].
First meetings with international colleagues give you the opportunity B Use phrases a–h to complete the personal presentation below.
to present yourself formally and informally. Presenting yourself a the job is quite stressful e I’m based in
effectively can help you build long-term positive relationships. b if you need my help in any way f I used to work on
c the main task was g it’s going to be great working with you again
STEP 1: Be proactive during informal personal introductions d I’m proud to be involved h I’m now responsible for implementing
before a team meeting
1 Approach people proactively and enthusiastically, and present useful
information about yourself. So, my name’s Mike Foley and 1 the New York travel quite a bit; probably 30 percent of my time is on the road
2 Ask questions to show you are open and curious. office. I’ve been with the company now for around five years. to the USA, Canada and Latin American locations. I really enjoy
3 Find common points to build the relationship between yourself and others. I’ve always worked in IT. In the past, 2 the it, but 5 at times. I have to say, I’m really excited
service desk, that was my first job, mainly just for our U.S. to be working on this project. I know a couple of you, and
STEP 2: Build trust during the formal round of personal presentations to the team operations. 3 troubleshooting some of the more 6 . I guess we all understand that this is a really
4 Volunteer to begin the round of personal introductions to create a positive mood in the room. complex issues. Since last year, I’ve been working far more important project for the company, and 7 . Just
5 Build trust in yourself by giving details about your role, expertise and experience. internationally, mainly on projects, as 4 new finally, 8 , don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to
6 Show commitment and say something positive about working with the people in the room in the future. software solutions at Group level. What else? OK, I have to collaborate. Thank you.
STEP 3: Close positively after the team meeting
7 Clearly show interest in what people have said during your first meeting with them. Teacher’s resources: C Prepare a similar introduction about yourself to a new project team using
8 Say goodbye to everyone. Offer support and express positive feelings about meeting again in the future. T extra activities the phrases in Exercises 3A and B.

Listening 2A 1.01 Listen to Sue Jacobs as she introduces herself to two new colleagues, 4A Work in small groups and read the information. TASK
Angela and Martin, just before a meeting for their new project team. Answer Then choose an industry for your company.
the questions.
1 Where does Sue say she works? Professional context
2 Which questions does she ask? You work for a leading company in your industry. You are
3 What does Sue discover that all three have in common? at the company headquarters for a meeting to kick off a
large innovation project. The project aims to bring staff from
4 How does she end the conversation? different levels and countries of the organisation together to
B 1.02 Now listen as Sue and her two colleagues present themselves formally brainstorm new product ideas.
during the meeting. What does each speaker say about the three topics below?
Which personal presentation do you prefer, and why? B Prepare a professional identity for yourself using the template
• responsibility and experience on page 126 and think about how you will present yourself to
• main area of expertise your group.
• thoughts about the project C Go back to your groups and roleplay the three stages of presenting
yourself.
C 1.03 Listen as Sue says goodbye to her new colleagues and answer Step 1: Meet and present yourself informally to the people in your project team
the questions. before the meeting.
1 What does Sue want Angela to send her? Step 2: Present yourself formally to the team during the meeting.
2 What does she offer to do for Martin? Step 3: Say goodbye to your team members at the end of the meeting.
3 How does Sue end the conversation?
D At the end, vote for who gave the most inspirational personal presentation.
D Work in pairs and discuss the questions.
1 How well do you think Sue presented herself across the whole event? Why?
2 Which of the blog tips do you think she used?
3 In your experience, how effective will her presentation style be in different cultural • How successfully have you achieved the lesson outcome? Give yourself a score
contexts? Why?
Self-assessment from 0 (I need more practice) to 5 (I know this well).
14 • Go to My Self-assessment in MyEnglishLab to reflect on what you have learnt. 15

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