Tag: video

Is Your Voice Holding You Back?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

We’re guilty of judging people based on how they sound. We’ve also made fun of some along the way. Let’s find out how people perceive voice in general and how we can make some improvements.

Click the link below to read the article. Watch the video as well to get extra information on how your voice can hold you back.

http://www.bbc.com/capital/story/20150302-when-your-voice-is-a-turnoff

 Discussion Questions:

1. Why do some people want to change their voice?
2. What is vocal fry and what do you think about it?
3. Have you ever been annoyed by anyone because of the sound of their voice?

Flying Food

B1 – Intermediate

In order to attract new customers, entrepreneurs should know how to make their clients interested in what they have to offer. They can invest in a really amazing location, in hardworking staff, or even in state-of-the-art equipment just like in a restaurant in Singapore.

Click below to watch the video then answer the activities to practice your comprehension.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/witn/ep-150211

 Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think of this restaurant?
2. Have you been to a similar establishment?
3. Would you like to be served by a “drone”?
4. Tell me about an exciting restaurant experience you’ve had.

Video: Does Playful Equal Productive?

C1 – Advanced

Rat race. Dog-eat-dog. Just two idioms that have been used to describe today’s corporate world. One design company, however, has decided to follow a growing trend among high-performing companies, that of fostering creativity through a less stressful office environment.

But can work and play truly co-exist? The employees at Pearfisher seem to think so. Watch the video, then come back to weigh in with your thoughts.

This office has a giant ball pit for its employees

Discuss:

1. What do the terms “rat race” and “dog-eat-dog” mean? Do these describe your workplace?
2. What big-name companies mentioned in the video have taken a different tack by designing creative spaces for their employees?
3. Based on the video, explain the “power of play.”
4. Would you prefer working in a “non-goal-orientated environment”?
5. What are the benefits that can be derived from working in a low-pressure environment? What are the drawbacks?
6. Are creative spaces suitable for all kinds of companies?

Qualities Shared by Superstar Employees

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Are you a superstar employee?  Is your boss happy about your performance?

Let’s check some valuable characteristics an indispensable worker must possess.

Read the article below to know the traits you can embody to become a superstar employee. Be sure to also watch the video.

http://www.inc.com/kevin-daum/11-traits-of-extremely-valuable-employees.html

Discussion Questions:

1. What do you think about the qualities mentioned?
2. Do you have some, if not all, of these characteristics?
3. Which one do you think is the easiest to do? Which one do you think is the hardest?
4. How can you become indispensable in your company?

Sunburn Dangers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Summertime is the perfect time for everyone to get tanned. But if you are so fond of being under the sun, you should also be aware of the dangers it poses on your health.

Watch the video about the dangers of sunburns.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How dangerous are sunburns?
  2. Are you conscious at all about your skin’s health? Why or why not?
  3. Do you like being under the sun or getting tanned? Why or why not? Share some of your experiences getting sunburns.
  4. How important is it to make sure that your skin is protected when you do outdoor activities?
  5. What are some things you do in order to protect your skin from the sun?

Video: Body Language and Success

Job Interview – C1 – Advanced

Little do we know that the way we move our body gives out much impression. In one of the videos presented from TED talks the speaker explains power dynamics of non-verbal expressions.

Your Body Language Determines Your Success

Click the title for the transcript:  Your body language shapes who you are

Discuss:

1. Do you think the speaker’s notion of the body language makes sense?
2. Are you aware of the body language power to mold a notable person in you?

 

How to Stay Focused at Work When You’re the Boss

C1 – Advanced

Whether you are a simple employee, a manager or a company owner, you  need to stay focused on your job to be continuously productive. However, there’s almost always something that may distract you and could affect your performance at work.

In the link below, CEO’s of different companies share how they stay focused on their job.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-31497071

Discussion Questions:

  1. What can you say on this statement: “The CEO’s job is not for the faint-hearted.” ?
  2. What’s your impression on CEOs and bosses in general?
  3. What does it take to be a great boss/CEO?
  4. How do you stay focused at what you do? How do you deal with distractions at work?
  5. For you, what would be the best working conditions to achieve optimum results?

Video: Cosmetic Surgery Boom in China

B2 – Upper intermediate

In Europe, young people try to improve their chances of finding employment by learning English or by going to a foreign country.  It’s an altogether different story in China where young job seekers go to extreme lengths to make sure they land those much coveted jobs.

Watch the video below and be ready to share  your thoughts on the disturbing trend among young Chinese people aiming to be part of the workforce.

Cosmetic surgery boom in China

Discuss:

1. According to the video, what are some of the most common procedures that patients have?
2. How much do the procedures cost and who pays for them?
3. What is your general opinion of plastic surgery?
4. Is plastic surgery something that is common in your country?

Robotic Firefighter

C2 – Proficient

Some elements of science fiction are turning into science facts. Case in point,  the use of machines that have humanoid form to do tasks too risky for their Homo sapiens counterparts is slowly but steadily changing operations in various industries.

One such robot is SAFFiR. Read about this firefighting mechanical wonder and watch the video as well.

http://edition.cnn.com/2015/02/12/tech/mci-saffir-robot/index.html?iid=ob_article_organicsidebar_expansion&iref=obnetwork

Discussion Questions:

  1. Describe the robotic firefighter.
  2. What might be its pros and cons?
  3. How do you feel about robots saving human lives in dangerous situations?
  4. Do you think robots would do a better job than human beings in search and rescue operations? Elaborate.
  5. Why do you think some robots are engineered to resemble humans physically?
  6. Should we dread or look forward to the further rise of the machines? Explain.

Video: Is talking on your cell bad for you?

C1 – Advanced

Cellphones are now an essential part of living. Without our cellphones, it’s pretty difficult to function normally. Nevertheless, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains that we have limited knowledge of it.

Click the link below to  know more about the dangers of using mobile phones.

Is talking on your cell bad for you?

Discuss:

1. According to the video, how should we use our mobile phones?
2. What kind of radiation does a cellphone emit?
3. What did the World Health Organization say about cellphones? Who may be more at risk?