1. Business English Upper Intermediate U1S09 John Silberstein johnsilb@aol.com

2. Agenda Voluntary Weekly Homework Language of Meetings – General Language Points Market Research

3. Talk about questions first Weekly Voluntary Homework Explanation Purpose: The purpose of the voluntary homework is to increase your opportunities to practice writing in English As an instructor, my challenge is to provide students with worthwhile feedback in a timely fashion. A mandatory assignment should be of a certain level, whereas a voluntary assignment can be quick and easy. This will take less of your time to accomplish and far less of my time to correct and return to you.

4. Talk about questions first Weekly Voluntary Homework Explanation Feedback The homework will be designed to give you quick and continuous feedback, with the aim of increasing your English vocabulary and business writing skills. Feedback is a two way street. You should let me know, if there is something you would like to work on improving.

5. Weekly Voluntary Homework This Week’s Assignment Write an email to your manager requesting a meeting to discuss a coworker who you feel is a bully and consequently, makes you feel uncomfortable at work.

6. Language of Meetings General Language Points Adding “n’t” to suggestions The previous examples all sound more tentative and negotiable if they are grammatically negative. Isn’t that too late. Wouldn’t that be too late.

7. Language of Meetings General Language Points Adding “n’t” to suggestions Now use “n’t” to change these to a negative question 1.Flying would have advantages. 2.Friday would be convenient. 3.We would need another meeting fairly soon. 4.We could ask the UN to finance the project. 5.It would be a good idea to involve the French. 6.We could cancel. 7.We’ve got to increase our offer. 8.They can raise some of the finance themselves.

8. Language of Meetings General Language Points Introductory Phrases Often we introduce our reaction with a word or phrase which tells the listener what kind of comment we are going to make. In particular some phrases warn the listener that disagreement follows. Here are the most common introductory phrases. Which ones are warning. Actually, With respect, In those circumstances, Well, To be honest, In fact, Frankly, As a matter of fact, To put it bluntly,

9. Language of Meetings General Language Points I’m Afraid The most common phrase in spoken English to show that the speaker recognises that their reaction is in some way unhelpful or unwelcome is, “I’m afraid.” It may warn of disagreement, but its general meaner is wider and indicates the speaker see theur reaction as unavoidably unhelpful. “Could I speak with Jack please?” “I’m afraid he’s our of the country at the moment.” “Would next Tuesday be convenient?” “I’m afraid I’m tied up all day.”

10. Language of Meetings General Language Points I’m Afraid Reply to these inquiries using, “I’m afraid.” 1.Can we meet again later this week? 2.Couldn’t we ask the IMF to fund us? 3.Wouldn’t it be a good idea to involve the Americans? 4.Could you guarantee delivery by late September? 5.Do you know the Chairman personally? 6.Have you got last year’s figures yet? 7.Where’s the report? 8.I thought you were going to bring the details today?

11. Marketing Research What is the difference between Market Research and Marketing Research? Market Research is the research of the Market Environment and is a part of Marketing Research.

12. Marketing Research What is Market Research? Market Research is a systematic, objective collection and analysis of data about a particular target market, competition, and/or environment. It always incorporates some form of data collection whether it be secondary research (often referred to as desk research) or primary research which is collected direct from a respondent. The purpose of any market research project is to achieve an increased understanding of the subject matter. With markets throughout the world becoming increasingly more competitive, market research is now on the agenda of many organisations, whether they be large or small.

13. Marketing Research Definition Market research: Identification of a specific market and measurement of its size and other characteristics. Product research: identification of a need or want and the characteristic of the good or service that will satisfy it. Consumer research: identification of the preferences, motivations, and buying behavior of the targeted customer.

14. Marketing Research Methods of Research There are two primary Methodologies: Research based on questioning, Research based on observations.

15. Marketing Research Methods of Research Methods based on questioning: Qualitative marketing research: generally used for qualitative purposes – small sample – can not be applied to larger populations. Not statistically significant. Methods – Focus Groups, in-depth interviews. Quantitative marketing research: generally used to draw conclusions. Used to test a hypothesis. Uses random sampling to make inferences about a large population. Methods – Surveys, questionnaires.

16. Marketing Research Group Activity Break into groups of 3 to 4. Choose a product. Write a 10 question questionnaire with the object being to understand why people purchase that product.