This blog has been created by the English Language Instructor of second-year Hotel and Tourism Management students of the Cyprus University of Technology and aims at becoming the result of the collaborative effort of the entire class.
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Full meeting
Now watch the full video and use the 'Conducting Productive Meetings Evaluation Form' from your textbook (p. 335) to evaluate the meeting.
How to conduct a meeting - Bad practices
Think about what should be avoided during meetings. Now watch the video and note the bad practices shown.
How to conduct a meeting - The role of the chair
Watch the following video and carefully observe the chairperson of the meeting. Take notes on the chair's words, attitude, and nonverbal communication. Do you think the chair ran the meeting successfully? Why, why not?
Monday, November 14, 2011
Effective Meetings
Watch the video below on how to organize effective meetings. As you watch, complete the notes on the handout provided by your instructor.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
The presentation we watched today was the worst presentation I've ever saw. The presenter evidently showed that he was not adequately prepared or haven't practiced at all prior the presentation that's why his overall behavior, body language movements and facial expressions presented a person that was extremely nervous, stressed and incapable to transfer his knowledge to the audience. Furthermore I've traced grammatical mistakes on the power point presentation, he gave limited or no explanation of the marking points in order to emphasize the importance of the theme presentation and generally was unable to transmit messages or the main idea of the presentation. It was annoying even to notice that during the presentation he either put his hands in his pockets or wear sunglasses showing disrespect to his audience. Generally the presenter fail to perform his job properly.
Andreas Vasiliou
Andreas Vasiliou
Presentation Evaluation
The speaker did many wrongs in his presantation. He is unprepared and seemed very nervuse, uncomfortable. He also did very long paused and did not speak very clear. The backround of persentatio did not help the reader understand what writing. Sometimes the positive of presentation was did questions and take the attentions of audiens. If i doing that presenation i prepare better .
ANDRIA NEOKLEOUS, ANTONIA NIKOLAOU
ANDRIA NEOKLEOUS, ANTONIA NIKOLAOU
Presentation Evaluation
The presenter was unprepared without any of knowledge for his presentation, for example one time he said that the first man who stept on the moon it was in 1968 and after a while he said 1969. moreover he didn't make any practice and as a result he didn't know to spell the names. Also he was so nervous that he didn't make it to finished. he had spelling mistakes and his posture show that he couldn't make it. his slide shows didn't continuity!
Demetra Loizidou
Katerina Liasidou
Maria Prodromou
Demetra Loizidou
Katerina Liasidou
Maria Prodromou
Presentation Evaluation
The speaker was too nervous and he was not prepared well. We can see this from his movements and from the way he speaks. He didn't really know what to say and he was looking at the slide show all the time. There were some spelling mistakes on the slides and he used many useless details. The conclusion wasn't appropriate , because he stopped the presentation because something went wrong with the computer and he didn't know what else to say by his own.
Christina Georgiou, Despo Poulli, Afroditi Antoniou
Christina Georgiou, Despo Poulli, Afroditi Antoniou
Presentation Evaluation
The presenter did not actually know about the theme or the main idea of his presentation. He didn' t prepare enough so he didn't know even the names or the dates. He was feeling uncofortable and nervous and he was doing unnesessary gentures. The top was when he weared his sunglasses. Furthermore, his presentation had spelling and optical mistakes. Also some slides has got many informations at all. Finally, he did not restimulated interest with a smooth ending and focus.
Delivering Oral Presentations - Presentation evaluation
The presentation was so bad. During the presentation he was nervous and he did stressful gestures. Initially the introduction was missing. The slide show wasn't in points and it was so boring. Apart from them the, behind the slides were there pictures so the public can not be read in a satisfactory way. Also the pictures were irrelevant. The speaker was unprepared, because he was read the slides.
Menelaou Chrysanthi
Mama Stavroula
Menelaou Chrysanthi
Mama Stavroula
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Delivering Oral Presentations
Watch the video below and use the evaluation form in your textbook to comment on the presentation. What are the strengths of the presentation? What are its weaknesses? What did you like about it, and what didn't you like about it? What would you have done differently?
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
7 Cs
The 7C´s are very helpful to have a powerful writing! Every letter should be clear, human, helpful and as friendly as the topic allows. Firstly, to be more briefly, your messages need to be clear as they must be effective. The second point is to be concise, say what you need to say and say no more. Remove all words phrases and sentences that surve no purpose. Thirdly, you have a choice in your writing to use concrete or abstract words. Moreover, correctness is writing for the web includes spelling, grammar, punctuation and format. You can also improve the coherence of your message through connecting words and phrases and guide posts. Furthermore, check to be sure that your message is complete and finally be careful of using gender specific language and always use proper titles. That is the courteous.
www.studentwritersguild.com
antonia nikolaou
andria neokleous
christiana ttousiou
www.studentwritersguild.com
antonia nikolaou
andria neokleous
christiana ttousiou
The 7Cs of Business Letter Writng
For all writers the most important people are their readers. If you keep your readers in mind when you write, it will help you use the right tone, appropriate language and include the right amount of details. To success your goal you should follow the seven C principles. These characteristics are very important for writing an appropriate essay. The seven Cs are:
- Clear: Your message need to be clear if you are to be effective.
- Concise: If you want messages to be read by busy people,make them brief. Say what you need to say, and no more.
- Concrete: You have a choice in yout writing to use specific or vague words. Concrete terms are typically more accurate and more believable.
- Correct: Correctness in writing includes spelling, grammar, punctuation and format.
- Coherent: Messages need to hang together. Ideas need to flow from one to the next through smooth transitions.
- Complete: Make sure that your message is complete.
- Courteous: Your message should be possitive building goodwill and focused upon the reader.
www.citesales.com/213-7-Cs-business -letter-writing. html
www.student writers guild.com
Dimitra Loizidou, Katerina Liasidou,Maria Prodromou,Mixalis Diamanti
7c`s in writing
The 7 c`s of effective business message writing are:
- clarity: Have a definite purpose for writing and make sure it is dearly communicated up front.
- complete: Write all the important facts and backround informations to supports the message you are communicating.
- consiseness: Your message should be quick just enough to say what you want.
- conversational: Good business writing sounds like an actual business conversation.
- convincing: You should use a serious tone to paint a believable and convincing picture, whether is your theme.
- courteous: You must be polite.
- correctness: It has correct grammar and actual facts.
Stavri Mama, Maria Ellina, Chrysanthi Menelaou, Mikaella Andoniou
seven C´s in business writing
Effective business letters are built upon foundation of the seven C´s. On your writing you have to be clear having a definite purpose for writing and make sure is clearly cominicate up front. A good business paper should be complete containing all the information the recipents will need. Keep in mind the reader´s knowledge of the subject and their time constraints keep it consice (or short) quickly and easily as possible. Be creative and use a variety of words to enrich your writing. Another point is being considerate. Keep youe reader´s needs in mind as you write ask yourself questions and make your audience be receptive. Most people hate spelling mistakes so try to be Correct double chech your information, spelling and grammar. Last but not least is to be credible as a person. Write to reinforse yoyr message and make it more beleivable. Planning your business letters using the seven C´s will be accepted in every country every culture make you more sophisticated as a person in your job will be done for sure.
based on: http://www.englishsoftware.org/ and http://www.answers.com/
maria anastasiou, xarikleia platwnos, despw poulli.
based on: http://www.englishsoftware.org/ and http://www.answers.com/
maria anastasiou, xarikleia platwnos, despw poulli.
The Seven C´s of Good Communication is:
- Complete: A good business paper should be complete, so you must give all the facts, you must also answer all receiver questions.
- Conversational: Good business writing sounds like an actual business conversation.
- Clarity: Good business writing is clear. It has a definite message, with no confusion about what each sentence is trying to communicate.
- Correctness: It has both correct grammar and accurate facts, successfully communicating your message because all mistakes, whether mechanical or factual, have been sufficiently addressed.
- Conciseness: Properly written business papers anre concise, expressing ideas in just enough words as is necessary.
- Convincing: It uses a serious tone to paint a believable and convincing picture, regardless or whether you ´re persuading a prospect or presenting a report.
- Courteous: Good business writing takes people into account, so it´s neither callous nor insensitive. There´s a prevailing air og courtesy to everyone addressed, regardless of how high or low their jobs titles may be.
Iliana, Klelia, Christina Markou
The seven C´s of Business Writing
The seven C´s in Business writing are listed below
1.Clarity: Basically you have to be clear and accurate in your message, without confusing your audience. Each sentence must be communicative so that everyone can understand the meaning.
2.Correctness: It refers both to grammar correctness and fact accuracy. The message should be without mistakes otherwise it might mislead the audience.
3.Conciseness: Your message should be accurate, you should avoid unessecary information and you should get straight to the point.
4.Conversational: A good business writing sounds like an actual business conversation. You should use proper english in a formal way.
5.Convincing: You should keep a serious tone in order to paint a believable and convincing picture, either you like to persuade your reader, or just present a report.
6.Courteous: In business writing you should take people into consideration, so whatever you do you should be polite and make your reader feel comfortable, regardless of how high or low your job title may be.
7.Complete: The content of the message should be full, accurate, informative and effective so that everyone understands the meaning.
http://www.englishsoftware.org/articles/english-writing/7-business-writing/
Andreas Vasiliou, Anthi Gerolemou, Ivy Nikoletti
1.Clarity: Basically you have to be clear and accurate in your message, without confusing your audience. Each sentence must be communicative so that everyone can understand the meaning.
2.Correctness: It refers both to grammar correctness and fact accuracy. The message should be without mistakes otherwise it might mislead the audience.
3.Conciseness: Your message should be accurate, you should avoid unessecary information and you should get straight to the point.
4.Conversational: A good business writing sounds like an actual business conversation. You should use proper english in a formal way.
5.Convincing: You should keep a serious tone in order to paint a believable and convincing picture, either you like to persuade your reader, or just present a report.
6.Courteous: In business writing you should take people into consideration, so whatever you do you should be polite and make your reader feel comfortable, regardless of how high or low your job title may be.
7.Complete: The content of the message should be full, accurate, informative and effective so that everyone understands the meaning.
http://www.englishsoftware.org/articles/english-writing/7-business-writing/
Andreas Vasiliou, Anthi Gerolemou, Ivy Nikoletti
The seven C´s in business writing.
The seven C´s in business writing are:
1. Clarity: when writing to someone,you need to be clear. Your message needs to be defined.
2. Conciseness: you need to express your ideas, using only the necessary amount of words.
3. Correctness: correct grammar and accurate facts.
4. Conversational: actual business conversation without difficult language and unnecessary ambiguity.
5. Convincing: it uses a serious tone for a believable and convincing picture.
6. Courteousness: means not only thinking about receiver but also valuing his feelings.
7. Completeness: should contain all the necessary information.
Marina Kouali
Lambriani Savva
Froso Georgiadou
1. Clarity: when writing to someone,you need to be clear. Your message needs to be defined.
2. Conciseness: you need to express your ideas, using only the necessary amount of words.
3. Correctness: correct grammar and accurate facts.
4. Conversational: actual business conversation without difficult language and unnecessary ambiguity.
5. Convincing: it uses a serious tone for a believable and convincing picture.
6. Courteousness: means not only thinking about receiver but also valuing his feelings.
7. Completeness: should contain all the necessary information.
Marina Kouali
Lambriani Savva
Froso Georgiadou
Writing for the business world - The seven Cs
Work in groups and search the web for the seven Cs in business writing. Explain them briefly. Don´t forget to mention the website where you got this information from.
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Exercise 3
Communication in relationships is something difficult and not all people have this skill. Whatever involves other people may cause problems and misunderstandings. Every person is unique and until science finds a way to read people’s minds and thoughts, there will always be miscommunication problems. In personal relationships though, things are easier because you get to choose the people you will be involved with. But when it comes to work, things are a little bit more difficult because you are forced to cooperate and communicate with people you don’t know and even worse you may not like. Although, in order to keep your job and be good at it, you have to find ways to communicate with them.
On the post we read the writer points out a few suggestions that may lead you to a great working relationship. An additional suggestion in order to avoid conflicts in the workspace is to avoid "gossiping". It is not a right thing to do, to talk about a coworker with someone else. The person you are talking to may not be as trustworthy as you think and he/she can spread out your confidential conversation. Even worse, your words may be misunderstood and he/she may spread rumors about you. Whatever problem you have with a coworker you should either keep it to yourself or, if it affects your working relationship, discuss it only with him/her.
Another problem that may be caused between coworkers is if they are connected with an out-of-work relationship. Their personal problems or conflicts can be easily transfered into their workspace. In that case they should invent a new code of communication between them so that they don’t let their personal disagreements affect their productivity in work. This way they will be able to preserve a healthy, quite and most important of all, productive environment for all.
Communication is a very important part in everyone’s life. Business communication is important not only because it affects the people who are working in the company, but also its clients. And no company wants disappointed clients. So an effective communication between coworkers is, in my opinion, the key to a successful business.
On the post we read the writer points out a few suggestions that may lead you to a great working relationship. An additional suggestion in order to avoid conflicts in the workspace is to avoid "gossiping". It is not a right thing to do, to talk about a coworker with someone else. The person you are talking to may not be as trustworthy as you think and he/she can spread out your confidential conversation. Even worse, your words may be misunderstood and he/she may spread rumors about you. Whatever problem you have with a coworker you should either keep it to yourself or, if it affects your working relationship, discuss it only with him/her.
Another problem that may be caused between coworkers is if they are connected with an out-of-work relationship. Their personal problems or conflicts can be easily transfered into their workspace. In that case they should invent a new code of communication between them so that they don’t let their personal disagreements affect their productivity in work. This way they will be able to preserve a healthy, quite and most important of all, productive environment for all.
Communication is a very important part in everyone’s life. Business communication is important not only because it affects the people who are working in the company, but also its clients. And no company wants disappointed clients. So an effective communication between coworkers is, in my opinion, the key to a successful business.
exercise 3
According to the writer to resolve miscommunication problems at the workplace you must choose your battles, be open and clear and be proactive. For the first you must avoid battles that dont involve you on your responsibilities. You also be specific about the reason you are fighting this particular battle. So is better to try and limit the complaints and resolve your conflicts one issue at a time. For the second that say that you must be open and clear is mean that you must be open about the issue and listen different opinions about that. Is good idea and make sure that you hearing what you think you are hearing. Final be proactive is one of the 3 advices that writer involves. Is better face to face contact because you understand more the person's reactions and expressions and you know if the person say lies.
In my opinion to avoid communication problems at work you must be specific with the person that you contact and to be co-operate with all.These i think are help you to understand the things better.
Nonverbal Communication
Go to http://helpguide.org/mental/eq6_nonverbal_communication.htm and read the article on Nonverbal Communication. Reflect on the following:
1) What is nonverbal communication?
2) What are the types of nonverbal communication and body language?
3) How can we use nonverbal communication successfully?
4) Is it possible to improve our nonverbal communication skills? If yes, how?
Now watch the following video and complete the houndout on Nonverbal Communication given to you by your instructor:
First exercise!!!
Based on what Jonathan Trenton said on his article, communication is very important in the workplace.
At first, he said that it will be more effective if we compromise and avoid battles. Moreover, we have to limit our complaints and resolve conflicts one issue at a time. Also, we should be open and clear, specific on what to be corrected and listen to different points of view. Furthermore, we should act preemptively instead of re-actively and build a network of trust and reliability. At last, indicated that face to face contact is easier to read someone's reactions and expressions.
In my opinion, to avoid communication problems at work, we could be open to co-operate with others, put goals and try to achieve them. Also, we could be honest about everything that involve work issues and with colleagues!
Monday, September 12, 2011
Ex:3
According to the writter's points communication problems create an uncomfortable enviroment.It has or it will happen to each of us having a misunderstanding with a coworker.If you are willing to resolve those kinds of issues you have to follow some steps. Step one is to choose your battles.By this the writter explains to avoid battles that don't specifically involve you . If it is actually involving you must consider if this "attack" is peronal or to improve work situation.Step two is to be open and clear.The writter suggest to be open about the issue and listen to different points of view.Last but not least step three is beeing proactive . Be a part of a team, suggest ideas and most important listen to other suggestions.By using this steps you will increase the level of communication in your work place.
Personally I believe in the power of body language.By the first look you can clearly see if a person is open to listen to your plans or ideas.By studying body language you will be able to approach the problem and solve it.A second point in my opinion is to have a ten-minute weekly meeting to discuss all problems of the previous week. A little team spirit and willing will make anything possible.
Exercise 3
In any workplace arises miscommunication because of the long hours many people spend working,
the differences between workers, disagreement with the others or the hierarchical structure of the organization.
One way to pass your time at work with a good relationship with other people there is to be respective. This proves that you are open to different thoughts and ideas. It's wrong to judge or criticize whatever the opposite person says.
Furthermore, you have to be genuine. Honesty is the best policy and that builds confidence not only in the person talking but in the listeners as well. It is very easy to differentiate between a real and a fake person. So always be your honest self.
And remember! Don’t ever confine the flow of thought by an insufficient amount of communication.
ExeRcise 3
Communication is one of the most important things for success of business. In order to have a nice communication between our partners at work we should respect other people's opinion and be able to work as a team. Moreover we should help each other and if we have problems in our personal life we mustn't show this at work. Personal is completely different from life at our jobs.
Αlso there must be a friendly environment in the workplace because if there is enmity then the attempt will be lost and the employee would not want to work in this area. For these reasons communication is so important in the workplace. =)
Αlso there must be a friendly environment in the workplace because if there is enmity then the attempt will be lost and the employee would not want to work in this area. For these reasons communication is so important in the workplace. =)
Sunday, September 11, 2011
EXERCISE 3
At workplace the communication with your colleague is very important because you pass most of your day with them. On the other hand is not easy to have a good communication because all people have very differences such as religion, nationality and way of thoughts.
Firts of all the best way to have good communication with your colleague is to speak with them with out thinking about the differences you have between you and them and have positive thoughts about everything that happenss at workplace.
Firts of all the best way to have good communication with your colleague is to speak with them with out thinking about the differences you have between you and them and have positive thoughts about everything that happenss at workplace.
exercise 3
Communication problems can make the work environment uncomfortable. The source of the problem could be everything from personal management styles and educational backgrounds to personality conflicts and cultural differences. communication problems showing why many factor like religions,age.
The most important point for a good communication is to listen what the other people are saying and accept their opinion about the theme. Listening shows admiration and respect.
Also to achieve a good communication at the workplace must working with teamwork. listening to the views of other groups to find a solution.
The most important point for a good communication is to listen what the other people are saying and accept their opinion about the theme. Listening shows admiration and respect.
Also to achieve a good communication at the workplace must working with teamwork. listening to the views of other groups to find a solution.
Saturday, September 10, 2011
Exercise 3
Communication is very important thing at your workplace. But generated many problems about communication in the workplace and must be found the resolve to avoid any conflicts in the work enviroment.
The most imprtant point for a good communication is to listen what the other people are saying and accept their opinion about the theme. Listening shows admiration and respect. Make your communication like " a game of tennis and keep the ball going back and forth ".
Also to achieve a good communication at the workplace must working with teamwork. That is make an effort to meet other people in your workplace and help to understand the nature of people and found the key for a good communication with these people.
sorry for my english guys..!
The most imprtant point for a good communication is to listen what the other people are saying and accept their opinion about the theme. Listening shows admiration and respect. Make your communication like " a game of tennis and keep the ball going back and forth ".
Also to achieve a good communication at the workplace must working with teamwork. That is make an effort to meet other people in your workplace and help to understand the nature of people and found the key for a good communication with these people.
sorry for my english guys..!
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Exercise 3
The workplace is a small example of our society. As we spent more than 8 hours daily it's normal that there will be times to share thoughts, ideas, sometimes personal matters etc, occasionally, you might be overloaded (either from work or family concerns or kid etc) thus behavior problem reflects to other employees. Therefore thoughtless reaction or miscommunication which is not based on open / clear & mutual communication agreement might lead to conflicts and cultural differences influencing even the future decisions. Communication at workplace is considered to be the foundation of a productive environment aiming to maintain the best possible levels of communication.
The writer advises three (3) steps to avoid miscommunication in the workplace:
a.) choose your battle
b.) be open and clear
c.) be proactive
On (a) matter -> the writer advises to "compromise". Try to avoid battles that do not affect you / your responsibilities direct or indirect. Try to measure the importance of a battle and balance the positive and negative issues out of it. Try to avoid complaining and resolve one problem at a time.
On (b) matter -> the writer suggests to listen to other's people problems and express clearly yourselves. It is very important to discuss options and get various opinion in the work environment regardless of the different points of view you might hear. Being a team member is not the easiest thing but open communication depends on it.
On (c) matter -> "Think before act". Be proactive means to be part of team and contribute positive helping others get something from you or others may benefit sharing things with you. Your aim is to built "trust and reliability" among employees. In any case do not pretend that you know everything. Establish a good level of communication with other departments and share ideas and thoughts. Usually the "face to face" contact is almost better for communication as it enables you to read face expressions as well.
More things that could avoid communication problems at work:
- Be efficient, disciplined & professional in your job responsibilities and duties and avoid taking Personal/Family problems at the office otherwise might reflect your communication against other employees or superiors
- Communicate and help newcomers (new company's employees) to adjust themselves in their new business environment.
- If you are emotionally stressed better leave the office
- Try to keep and maintain good level of co-operation with related departments. It will help you develop a better level of communication based on trust and mutual work ethic.
The writer advises three (3) steps to avoid miscommunication in the workplace:
a.) choose your battle
b.) be open and clear
c.) be proactive
On (a) matter -> the writer advises to "compromise". Try to avoid battles that do not affect you / your responsibilities direct or indirect. Try to measure the importance of a battle and balance the positive and negative issues out of it. Try to avoid complaining and resolve one problem at a time.
On (b) matter -> the writer suggests to listen to other's people problems and express clearly yourselves. It is very important to discuss options and get various opinion in the work environment regardless of the different points of view you might hear. Being a team member is not the easiest thing but open communication depends on it.
On (c) matter -> "Think before act". Be proactive means to be part of team and contribute positive helping others get something from you or others may benefit sharing things with you. Your aim is to built "trust and reliability" among employees. In any case do not pretend that you know everything. Establish a good level of communication with other departments and share ideas and thoughts. Usually the "face to face" contact is almost better for communication as it enables you to read face expressions as well.
More things that could avoid communication problems at work:
- Be efficient, disciplined & professional in your job responsibilities and duties and avoid taking Personal/Family problems at the office otherwise might reflect your communication against other employees or superiors
- Communicate and help newcomers (new company's employees) to adjust themselves in their new business environment.
- If you are emotionally stressed better leave the office
- Try to keep and maintain good level of co-operation with related departments. It will help you develop a better level of communication based on trust and mutual work ethic.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
'Communication works for those who work at it!'
Communication is one of the most important skills anyone can have, in business and in life. As individuals, we will be happier and more productive if we can improve our ability to communicate. This post is decicated to that effort. So join the conversation about communication by engaging in the activities below:
1) Go to http://communicationtheory.org/ and reflect on the following:
3) How can we resolve miscommunication problems/confilcts at the workplace? Go to http://tcbdevito.blogspot.com/2011/07/importance-of-communication-in.html#more and reflect on the writer's suggestions. Suggest two more things you can do to avoid communication problems at work.
1) Go to http://communicationtheory.org/ and reflect on the following:
- What does 'communication' mean?
- Why do we communicate?
- How do we communicate?
- What are the general objectives of communication?
- What are the most important barriers to effective communication?
3) How can we resolve miscommunication problems/confilcts at the workplace? Go to http://tcbdevito.blogspot.com/2011/07/importance-of-communication-in.html#more and reflect on the writer's suggestions. Suggest two more things you can do to avoid communication problems at work.
Monday, September 5, 2011
Welcome to the English 240 Blog!!!
Welcome to the English 240 Blog!!! This blog has been created by the English Language Instructor of second-year Hotel and Tourism Management students of the Cyprus University of Technology and aims at becoming the result of the collaborative effort of the entire class. The blog contains material and tasks designed by the instructor, as well as students' activities, feedback and comments. We hope you enjoy navigating our blog!
Looking forward to receiving your comments.
Anna Nicolaou
Special Teaching Staff
Language Centre
Cyprus University of Technology
Looking forward to receiving your comments.
Anna Nicolaou
Special Teaching Staff
Language Centre
Cyprus University of Technology
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