07-07-2012, 11:34 AM
Advanced English Communication Skills Lab Manual
Advanced English Communication.pdf (Size: 886.15 KB / Downloads: 114)
Introduction:
Functional English is usage of the English language required to perform a specific function. This is typically taught as a foundation subject as a good command of
English is often required for academic study and career progression. In some cases, a
particular form of technical English may be required for a particular profession. Such
specialized usage is known and taught as English for Specific Purposes which is Functional
English.
The term “Functional” should be considered in the broad sense of providing learners with the
skills and abilities they need to take an active and responsible role in their communities,
everyday life, the workplace and educational settings. Functional English requires learners to
communicate in ways that make them effective and involved as citizens, to operate
confidently and to convey their ideas and opinions clearly.
Starting a Conversation - General Tips:
Speak with clarity and purpose. Show interest in the conversation.
Reflect before speaking if it's your turn to talk and allow silence to also have its
rightful place in your conversation. Don't be afraid of pauses – use them to change
topics, re-energize the conversation, or to take a short breather even.
It will help if you watch some TV, listen to radio shows, and/or read a lot –
newspapers, magazines, and/or books. Doing this will ensure that you have some idea
of what's going on in the world.
Follow the lead that your listener is expressing. If he or she appears interested, then
continue. If he or she is looking at a clock or watch, or worse, looking for an escape
strategy, then you've been going on for too long.
Interesting and funny quotes or facts can lighten things up, and make way for things to
talk about
Practice better non-verbal skills that are friendly and confident.
Remember, whoever you are talking to, you always have something in common. We
all experience the weather, like good food, and enjoy a good laugh. When in doubt,
just talk to them about what they are there for. For example, if you meet them at a bus
stop, ask them where they are going. If they are from out of town, ask them about their
life at home.
To break the ice, a compliment is always nice.