Expert Business Conversation: Business Presentation

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Mr. Evans and Ms. Carter and you will be Mr. Wilson. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
READ

 

Mr. Evans and Mr. Wilson will present their company’s sales and marketing performance to the PharmaCare Head, Ms. Carter.


Good morning, everyone. As a footnote to the first half of this year, Mr. Adams and I are here to present our sales and marketing performance. Should you have questions during our presentation, please do not hesitate to ask.
 
 
Let me start with an overview. Our department deals with individual and corporate customers, both of which require different marketing strategies. As was outlined at the beginning of the term, we are shifting our efforts into securing more corporate customers. Business-to-business dealings are deemed more profitable and cost-effective in the long run.
 

 
As a result of this business decision, our customer base of individuals has been reduced. This is expected. Right now, we are down by about 9%. The actual performance is actually better than the estimate of 15%. Also, we have managed to secure 3 big contracts, all of which are with pharmaceutical firms.
 
 
Although the focus of our business is being shifted to corporate customers, we will continue to cater to individual customers. This will not be as big as before, but it is still necessary to keep us “famous” in the market. To reduce our spending, we will hire marketing agencies to do the marketing for us.
 

 
Thank you Mr. Evans and Mr. Wilson. I’m very impressed with your profound presentation and I agree with your proposals. Kindly coordinate with the rest of the Marketing Department team to sort out the hiring process. Please update me before this week ends.
 

VOCABULARY CHECK
Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.
ANSWER
1. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
 shift (verb)
to change
We need to shift our focus on important business matters.
2. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
 contract (noun)
a legal agreement between two people or organizations
We secured a contract with a high-paying client.
3. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
 profound (adjective)
having a great/deep understanding and meaning
Because their business presentation is profound, their boss agreed to proceed with their proposal.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.
ANSWER

1. When was the last time you presented something at work? How did it go?
Answer: ________________
2. Do you feel nervous whenever you present something in front of people?
Answer: ________________
3. What are the important things to do before doing a business presentation?
Answer: ________________
4. What are the things people should avoid when doing a business presentation?
Answer: ________________
5. What was the best presentation you had ever listened to?
Answer: ________________
6. What was the worst presentation you had ever listened to?
Answer: ________________
7. If you were to make a business presentation, what would be your topic? Why?
Answer: ________________
8. Do you conduct presentations in English at work?
Answer: ________________
9.

What would you do a day before your business presentation?
Answer: ________________
10. Why do you think it’s important for companies to have business presentations?
Answer: ________________