1. To have a discussion that elicits expressions used to state that you understand and to make sure that you have been understood;

2. To increase the familiarity and use of such expressions;

3. To translate the visual information from the video clip into the appropriate language; 

4. To use the audio information in the corresponding exercises;

5. To reinforce productively the language that has been learned.

●  Think of the following questions and try to answer them.

1) What do you say if you want to state that you understand something?

2) What do you say if you want to make sure you are understood?

3) Which is more difficult, stating that you understand something or making sure you are understood about something?

* Suggested answers:

1) I would say, “I see,” “I got it,” or “I got you.”

2) I would say, “Do you know what I mean?” or “See what I mean?”

3) To me, the former is easier than the latter because I am a person who can understand something better than I can make myself understood. Sometimes I really have trouble getting my point across. 

Or: 

To me, the former is more difficult than the latter. You know why? I tend to think of what’s on mind while listening to the speaker. So, I often miss the point. But I am good at making myself understood because I am an eloquent(有口才的) person.

●  Identify the topic of each of the following sentences and then insert the corresponding letter in the brackets.

    A. Stating that You Understand

    B. Making Sure You Are Understood

1) I get your point. (A)

2) I can see that. (A)

3) Do you get the message? (B)

4) Do you see what I mean? (B)

5) I see what you’re saying. (A)

6) I hear what you’re saying. (A)

7) Does that make any sense? (B)

8) Do you know what I mean? (B)

9) I know what you’re talking about. (A)

10) Do you know what I’m talking about? (B)

● Useful Language from the Video Episode

●  Read the following brief description of the video clip before you watch it. Afterwards, complete the sentences based on what you see and observe. 

      Shelley and Michael meet in the supermarket. The supermarket is decorated with beautiful paper ribbons hung from the ceiling, and is getting ready for a sale. What we see is a section of the supermarket, with the bottled water aisle and bread aisle behind Shelley and Michael. They are excited about the sale, especially Shelley, who is holding a credit card.

● A. Watch the video and then decide whether each of the following statements is true (T) or false (F).

1) Both Shelley and Michael knew that a sale would be on today. (F)

2) The store is offering 30% off on wrought silk. (T)

3) Shelley and Michael are confused about the discounts. (F)

4) It seems that Shelley cannot resist the temptation of a good bargain. (T)

5) Armed with credit cards, Shelley is going on a shopping spree. (T)

● B. Now watch the video again and then complete the following conversation.

Shelley: Wow, I didn’t know the sales are on today.

Michael: Actually, they have special offers every day.

Shelley: Do they? 

Michael: Are you looking for anything special ?

Shelley: Well, nothing in particular. But, there might be some good bargains.

Michael: Look at that! They’re offering a 70% discount on wrought silk.

Shelley: Be careful. In fact, that means the sale price is 70% of the usual price.You know what I mean?

Michael: I know what you’re saying. You mean there’s 30% off, right?

Shelley: Exactly. I’ve been having trouble getting used to the cultural differences.

Michael: Yeah, it takes a while. But one thing seems to be the same everywhere.Temptation, temptation and still more temptation, all over the store ! Right?

Shelley: I get your point. But you know what ?

Michael: What?

Shelley: I have credit cards with me. A real opportunity!

Michael: Ah, so this could be a shopping spree for you!

Shelley: Sure, why not? That would be fun.

Michael: Right, play now, pay later!

C. After watching the video a third time, complete the following third-person account of the conversation.

      The sales are on today. The department store is having special offers and offering good bargains. For example, it is offering a 70% discount on wrought silk. Shelley tells Michael what the sale price means in China and tries to make sure she is understood by him. Apparently, Michael knows what she is talking about. Also, they both seem to see eye-to-eye(意见一致) on the fact that there is temptation, temptation and still more temptation everywhere in the store. Almost certainly, Shelley will go off on a shopping spree today.

● Cultural Tips

在学习“商品打折”的英语表达时，应注意汉语和英语表达形式的差异之处。我国商店里张贴的汉语“折”字与说英语国家商店里所见到的英语字“off ”相对等。但是，两者之间存在文化差异。当我们用汉语中说“打七折”，其意为扣除原价的30%，但在英语中表达相同的意思应该说“30% off”。所以，在理解或翻译时应做到精确无误。

1) Watch the video again, with a female student doing Shelley’s voice.

2) Watch the video once more, with a male student doing Michael’s voice.

3) Watch the video one last time, with a male student and a female student doing both of the voices for the whole conversation.

● 1. Familiarize yourself with these other expressions which help you state that you understand and make sure you are understood.

Stating That You Understand

— Got it. 

— I got you.

— Understood. 

— I’m (there) with you.

— Read you / Got you loud and clear. 

Making Sure You Are Understood

— (Do you) get the message?

— (Do you) get the picture?

— Do you follow (me)?

— Get my drift(含义)?

— (Do you) get it?

* Suggested answers:

A: Could you speak more slowly, Shelley, so I can really get what you mean? 

B: Is this better? 

A: Yes. 

B: What I have been trying to say is that good friends can always rely on each other. Do you get the message, Michael? 

A: Read you loud and clear. You’re talking about us. You expect me to always be there for you.

B: Now you’ve got it.

● 2. Discuss the following topic in groups.

What can cause a breakdown in communication?

* Suggested answers: 

      There are at least three factors that can contribute to a breakdown in communication. One of them is a misunderstanding between two speakers. The second is that either of two speakers fails to understand the other. Finally, two speakers, each from a different culture and influenced by cultural disparity(不同), can say things to each other considered inappropriate and/or unacceptable. So, a breakdown occurs.

● A. You will continue to watch a video clip. Below are suggested steps for the learning activity:

  ▪ Watch the video clip without reading the text for the first time;

  ▪ Read the text while listening;

  ▪ Watch it again without reading the text;

  ▪ Use the information from the video to have a short conversation.

Five Steps to Better Public Speaking

      Does the idea of presenting to an audience(听众) really scare you? If so, you’re not alone. But powerful public speaking can be invaluable(非常宝贵的) to your career and your business reputation(商业信誉). I’m here to give you five key concepts to make you a more persuasive(有说服力的), compelling(令人信服的) and eloquent(雄辩的) presenter.

      Know Your Role and Goal. Are you an advocate(辩护律师), an expert? Are you a salesperson, a motivator(鼓舞者)? And then play that role, embody(表现) that role fully.

       Be Aware of Your Nonverbals(非语言表达). Did you know that 55% of an audience’s perceptions(认识) have to do with the visuals alone? So be very deliberate(刻意的) and conscious of the way you put yourself together. And pay attention to body language. Three examples of distracting(使人分心的) body language include fidgeting(坐立不安), rocking(摇晃), twisting(扭动), or slouching(无精打采) postures(姿势), and tentative(犹豫的), anxiety gestures(姿势). Three effective examples of effective body language are open, fluid(流畅的) gestures, powerful carriage(举止) and posture and the ability to stand stable and strong.

      Vary Your Vocals(发声).Thirty-five percent of the impact we have on an audience is made by tone of voice alone. You don’t have to be a trained actor or singer. Just be conscious of using a conversational warm, engaging(有魅力的) voice. And remember to vary the dimensions(度) it can go in, pitch(音调), high or low, speed, fast or slow, and volume(音量), loud or low.

      Be Energetic(精力充沛的). If you are not fully engaged and passionate(激情的) about the delivery(发言), why should your audience respond? So make sure that you present with confidence and that will win your audience over(赢得……的赞同). 

      So now that you know all this. What’s the next step? Practice, practice, practice, which is best done by recording yourself on video tape. That will give an exact assessment(评估) of both your strengths and your weaknesses. Then get out there and start speaking.

● B. Use the information from the video to have a short conversation, as indicated by the diagram given below, and try to use the functional and notional language you have learned.

* e.g.

Student A: What does powerful public speaking mean to you?

Student B: It can be invaluable to your career and your business reputation. Get my drift?

Student A: I get your point.