U2 Business English
S2 - Session 1:
Name: Julia MARC Date: 09/02/2024
Group: 2
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
Vocab Attack!
Review & Quiz
Break 15 minutes
Conditionals Practice
Quick Review of different conditionals & space for examples related to your life, your friends your family.
Zero For certainty 1. If I eat too much, I want to
Condition sleep after
al If you heat ice, it melts. 2. If my father doesn’t sleep 8
If I am late, my boss gets angry. hours, he is angry all day.
Does cow’s milk make you sick if you drink it?
First for real possibility 1. If I find an internship on
Condition time, I will go in vacation
al If I finish early, I will go for a drink with friends. earlier.
If I get a bonus, I will go to Tahiti on vacation. 2. My mom will be famous if
If the teacher pushes me to improve my English, I will do better in she shows her paint
future job interviews.
She will make a lot of money if she works for a successful company like
Netflix.
He will call me back if he finds a time for us to meet regarding the
project proposal.
Second for unreal possibility 1. If I had powers, I would be
Condition If I married a prince, I would be wealthy. famous.
al If it snowed next July would you be shocked? 2. If I had a plane, I would go
If my brother won the lottery, he would buy me a Villa in Giens. around the world.
Third for no possibility 1. If she hadn't stopped school,
Condition she would have had a better
al If she had won the lottery, she would have spent the summer in Hawaii. job
If we had learned English as kids, we would have given a better pitch to
our potential investors.
If Macron had given more realistic solutions to the fertility crisis, the
population would have been more supportive of his call to action.
Take this quiz on Conditionals to test your knowledge
Conditionals Quiz | Grammar | EnglishClub
1) CV reviews/workshop
You are going to share your CVs with classmates. You will be working in pairs/threes.
> Identify specific strengths and weaknesses of your own CV
Have you added the correct / optimized vocabulary from your table? What about adjectives and adverbs?
- Grammar and punctuation: are there any errors?
- Telegraphic style: is it used consistently?
- Vocabulary: is the language varied and does it sound professional?
- Adjectives/adverbs: are they used effectively?
- Layout: is it easy to read? Are the elements (font, sizing, colour) clear and consistent?
2) Video CVs
Reading - how to make a video CV
> Read the extract below. According to the article, what other important rules should be followed to create a successful video
CV? Try to identify 4 or 5:
- Example: length - no shorter than 1 minute and ideally not longer than 2 minutes
- Body language - use eye contact, smile
- Dress appropriately
- Have a clean environment
- Speak clearly
- Avoid reading from a script
The Guardian: How to make a great video CV
By Lydia Stockdale [Extract]: [Link]
Video CVs are becoming increasingly popular with job seekers wanting to stand out from the crowd. Rather than replacing
traditional paper CVs, videos enhance job applications by providing employers with more insight into what an individual has
to offer."
A traditional CV outlines your skills, qualifications and experience, whereas a video CV enables an employer to get a feel for
your personality," says Lisa LaRue, a career coach at CareerWorx."It's really just another tool in a jobseeker's toolbox," she
continues. "Anything that can help you get noticed is worth trying." [...]
What makes a successful video CV?
"Video CVs come in many different formats which express individuality – that is one of the best things about them," says
Thompson. "There is no set rule for creating a video CV, whereas paper CVs tend to have a set format." However, there are
some things that good video CVs have in common. For a start, they're best when they're between one and three minutes long.
"There is a lot you can say in 60 to 120 seconds," advises Bacchus. "Introduce yourself clearly and tell the viewer why you're
the right person for the job. Remember you only have a few seconds to engage them – then you have to keep them interested,"
she says. End with something along the lines of, "Thank you in advance for taking the time to read my CV," she advises.
Body language is also important. Maintain eye contact with the camera and have a "happy, cheery disposition", says Fels.
And it's important to dress as though you're attending an interview. "I would suggest wearing a suit if you are seeking a
formal position for which you will be expected to dress formally, but to wear casual clothes if the environment you are
seeking to join is more relaxed and creative," says Thompson.
What are the common mistakes to avoid?
Filming in an untidy environment, not speaking clearly and shuffling paper, are some of the most frequent blunders.
"The biggest mistake to avoid is having a script 'off camera' that you refer to while recording your video," says Fels. "It is
really obvious if you look away from the camera to read notes." Try to approach recording your video CV in the same way
you would a face-to-face meeting, he adds. "Don't do anything you wouldn't do in an interview." [...]
All in all, the experts we spoke to agree that, if you believe you have something unique to offer and you can communicate this
on film, then providing employers with the option to click on a link to a video CV may just give you an edge over other
applicants.
Alt articles to put on Moodle:
Alt article 1: [Link]
Alt article 2: [Link]
Examples of video CVs
Watch the video CVs below. What do they do effectively? What helps to ‘sell’ the individuals to us as candidates?
> Write down at least two strengths/two weaknesses of each video.
1) Melania: [Link]
✅ - She is well-dressed
❌ - She don’t have a face language, she is stoic
✅ - She give great information, she knows her script
❌ - She don’t have a good framing
2) Arthur: Q
✅ - He is creative, he shows what he does, it stands out
❌ The bird noise is too much
✅ - He is smiling all time, he is good vibes
❌ - He don’t give his contact
3) Judy: [Link]
✅ - She says what she likes and shows she knows her stuff
❌ - She doesn’t give her contact
✅ - She capts eye contact
❌ -She must have to be more dynamic
Other examples:
Sajita: [Link]
Kelly (creative but not seen speaking!): [Link]
Kevin (very cool but no speaking!): [Link]
How will your video CVs be graded?
1) Presentation style 2) Fluency, Coherence & Pronunciation
• Use of body language and physical gestures to demonstrate • The duration and coherence of speech
energy and interest • Elements of pronunciation: intonation, word stress etc
• Tone, speed, volume - does it keep the audience's attention?
3) Vocabulary & Grammar 4) Content
• Range and flexibility of vocabulary - appropriate style • Organisation - is it logical and does it flow well?
• The complexity and accuracy of grammatical structures • Details - sources and examples to support points when
relevant
4) Video CV workshop
Start to Outline your CV Script
Example Outline
I. Introduction
Brief face-to-face introduction with student, .
Student introduces themselves: name, age, current location, and the purpose of the video (ex. seeking an internship in luxury
and sustainable development).
Add --- personal interests and hobbies (what makes this person interesting or likeable?) ex. sports, arts, music, so on and so
forth but be specific! ex. I am a huge fan of Thai food and on the weekends I enjoy activities like rock climbing and escape
games with my friends. When I travel I prefer to be in the mountains like the Pyrenees!
Qui je suis à mon temps libre (2-3 phrases)
II. Educational Background
Student shares her current academic status: third-year student at EM Normandie Business School in a master's program etc..
A creative transition to showcase her house and why it's relevant to the viewer.
We have to explain WHY
Speak about an interesting subject
III. Skills Developed (hard and soft skills)
Display language and other skills through visual representations
Showcase other technical skills, including social media usage and a bit of programming.
IV. Professional Experiences
Transition to your professional experiences, starting with an engaging visual
.
Highlight your internship at ______
ex. Manage logistics, production, and be a driving force in product development and marketing.
Emphasize role as _______ + skills _______
Responsibilities include creating content, leading a communication crew, and managing the Instagram page.
V. Added Value
Move to a new setting (perhaps the kitchen) to represent a different aspect of students' skills and experiences.
Reveal images or key ideas representing acquired skills (e.g., logistics, crisis management).
Emphasize your commitment to continuous improvement and how varied experiences make her a valuable addition to any team.
SPECIAL ABOUT ME
VI. Closing
Transition
Express gratitude for the viewer's time and anticipation of meeting them in person.
Display contact details (phone number, email, LinkedIn).
HOMEWORK :
1) Updated CV in English if you do not have time
2)VIDEO CV OUTLINE FIRST DRAFT
3)Next group of 10 words
4) Grammar Practice Below on Conditionals + Make sure you finish your examples in the table above
Instructions:
Read the following 10 scenarios and write one conditional sentence for each scenario, using the appropriate type of
conditional.
Use the first conditional (if + present simple, will + infinitive) for scenarios 1-5,
and the second conditional (if + past simple, would + infinitive) for scenarios 6-10.
Nota bene: review your notes from last class on conditionals as well as the Conditionals 1 | LearnEnglish if necessary
Write your answers on the table below and expand on why you think this is or is not a priority for the study abroad experience:
This exercise helps students reflect on their study abroad experience and allows them to practice forming conditionals while also
thinking about how they could have made the most out of their time abroad.
Scenarios:
Please pay attention to structure/ grammar tenses: different forms of past present future etc.
If you make new friends in the study abroad program, you Ex. If you don’t make new friends in the study abroad
will have a great experience. program, you will not have as great an experience.
If you join cultural activities, you will learn a lot about the If you don’t join cultural activities, you will not learn a lot
local culture. about the local culture.
If you struggle with the language, you will get support from If you don’t struggle with the language, you will not get
the study abroad staff. support from the study abroad staff.
If you take advantage of travel opportunities, you will see If you don’t take advantage of travel opportunities, you
many new places. will not see many new places.
If you attend all your classes, you will gain valuable If you attend all your classes, you will not gain valuable
knowledge. knowledge.
If you had participated in more cultural events, you would If you participated in more cultural events, you would
have had a deeper understanding of the local customs. have a deeper understanding of the local customs.
If you had spoken with locals more often, you would have If you spoke with locals more often, you would improve
improved your language skills faster. your language skills faster.
If you had taken notes in every class, you would have had a If you took notes in every class, you would have a better
better memory of the information you learned. memory of the information you learned.
If you had stayed with a host family, you would have gained If you stayed with a host family, you would gain a unique
a unique perspective on the culture. perspective on the culture.
If you had made an effort to learn the local language, you If you made an effort to learn the local language, you
would have been able to communicate more easily with the would be able to communicate more easily with the locals.
locals.
English CV: send last time.
CV Video (script):
On Brut. Example:
Introduce yourself:
Hello, my name is Julia, I'm 21 years old, and I reside in the suburbs of Paris. I'm delighted to share my professional journey
with you.
Tell us about your professional journey so far:
I attended high school at Saint Dominique de Neuilly sur Seine, specializing in SES and HGGSP.
Currently, I’m a third-year student at EM Normandie in PGE.
What has been the most significant aspect of your time at EM?
It's worth noting that I decided to venture to Toronto during the summer of 2023 with EF language stay for intensive English
courses. I aimed to develop my soft skills in English and learn to work in a multicultural environment by immersing myself in
an Anglophone milieu with students from around the globe. I wanted to explore new places, cultures, and meet new people; it
was a highly successful experience.
Subsequently, it sparked my desire to undertake an expatriation in Dublin through EM to validate these English competencies. It
was significant as it marked the first time I ventured away from home for such an extended period. It was a highly enriching
experience, both linguistically and culturally.
These international experiences enabled me to expand my network, meet ambitious individuals, which bolstered my
determination to achieve my goals. I take pride in stepping out of my comfort zone, as it made me autonomous and adaptable to
any situation.
What are your professional goals for the future?
I'm currently seeking a 2-year apprenticeship for my Master's cycle, focusing on marketing.
Tell us about your professional experiences:
I have three experiences in the events sector:
- My first experience dates back a year within the company S’cape in Paris, where I had the opportunity to respond to
several tenders and organize events for EDF and Orano within the allocated budget. I planned, proposed activities, and
coordinated internal stakeholders to ensure project perfection. I also selected suppliers with management approval and
supported them before and during the event. Client relations were integral throughout the event's creation.
(picture)
- I was an active member of the Event and Animation department of my student association, Wayve’EM. Alongside my
team, we organized after-work events, student parties, breakfasts, and notably the end-of-year trip to the sun with over
300 students: research, negotiation, management, promotion, and animation were all on the agenda.
(picture)
- I had the privilege of co-organizing and co-presenting with my high school friends for the end-of-year show, the talent
fair, in front of over 1000 students and the entire administrative body. We had to compete against other rival groups,
write the 2.5-hour show script, select acts, plan, address logistical aspects, among other responsibilities.
(picture)
I also have other experiences more oriented towards sales/advice/customer relations:
- I work as a salesperson and cashier at a fishmonger's, every Sunday at the Suresnes market. So, I handle cash
transactions, manage the cash register, and alongside, I sell, manage stock, and engage in customer relations.
- Furthermore, I have experience in customer relations as a secretary for the owner of a press shop in Neuilly, where I
assisted in sales, cash handling, stock rotation, and inventory management. These experiences have reinforced my
versatility.
Develop more my Hard/Soft Skills
Your profile leans more towards events; why does marketing interest you?
Jdfghdkhdfiuhudi
What are your professional skills?
I am proficient in technological tools such as Microsoft Office, Canva, and social networks. Remaining constantly abreast of the
latest sector trends, I am ready to tackle the most ambitious challenges and push the boundaries of creativity.
Additionally, I have a keen interest in AI, an emerging sector that will significantly impact the future professional landscape. I
do not view it as daunting, rather as an exciting challenge.
Do you have a fun or inspiring anecdote about overcoming a stressful situation successfully?
During the end-of-year show, the projection panels displaying visuals malfunctioned, causing video delays for a brief period.
We had to improvise on stage as quickly as possible. I took the initiative to physically transition onto the stage instead of relying
on visuals. It was a highly successful initiative that challenged me to think swiftly to avert a disaster.
Lastly, do you have any passions or interests outside of work that inspire and influence you?
There are many things I love to do.
- Firstly, I have a passion for classical and modern-jazz dance, which I pursued for 8 years at a conservatory. It instilled
in me discipline and diligence.
(picture)
- I also adore traveling; I've visited Spain, Portugal, Malta, Corsica, Toronto, Miami, New York, Orlando, South Africa,
London, Dublin, and currently planning a trip to Bali for the upcoming holidays.
(flag picture)
- I enjoy reading, primarily novels in the romance, science fiction, and self-improvement genres. I also indulge in various
music genres: pop-rap, classical, R&B, etc.
(picture of my favorite)
- I engage in regular sports activities (gym, swimming, cycling) to stay fit, and of course, I love cooking.
(picture of my dishes)
- Additionally, whenever possible, I undertake volunteer missions with my association, l'Ordre de Malte (outreach, soup
kitchens, etc.). These numerous passions demonstrate my constant desire to learn and flourish in all aspects of my life.
Conclusion:
Thank you for your time. I am eager to discuss our future projects together. For further contact, here are my details:
Email address
Phone number
LinkedIn profile
[Background music fades softly)
Bonus Question if time permits:
Is there a book/podcast or training course you would recommend to someone?