Kryachkov 2!indd

F
ix Modern Society!
29
Английский язык для магистратуры
Although the impromptu talk is the least structured of all presentation forms, you may want to 
remember the following tips:
Presentation Techniques:
—
Always have an introduction (reiterate the topic area about which you were asked to speak), 
main body (don’t include too many details; keep to the main points of the topic) and conclusion.
—
Be organized (instead of trying to ‘rehearse’ the entire talk when getting ready, concentrate on 
choosing an appropriate strategy — see below; think of what points should be included and 
in what order, what examples can substantiate your position).
—
Keep your time. Being able to talk through the time required is better than finishing before 
the time limit expires. Also think of some tricks you may use if you draw a blank.
Possible Strategies of Development:
—
Express an opinion.
—
Address cause and effect.
—
Break the topic into components.
—
Discuss the past, present and future. 
Impromptu Talk Procedure
1. 
Topic is announced.
2. One minute is allowed for silent preparation (no note-taking is allowed).
3. Speaker is designated.
4. a) Topic is presented by the speaker for about two minutes.
b) Presentation is followed by the class (no interruption is allowed).
5. Presentation is analyzed and assessed:
a) by the class to answer the question: “How is it different from/similar to my interpretation 
of the topic?”
b) by the professor against these parameters:
—
relevance of ideas and contents (whether or not the subject has been fully devel-
oped; absence of superfluous details);
—
logic and structure (which also includes the use of connectives);
—
accuracy (relevant vocabulary, grammar and pronunciation); 
—
adequate tone and voice production.
Ex. 23. Comment on these ideas. 
1. 
Never let your sense of morals get in the way of doing what’s right (Isaac Asimov). 
2. Every man, in his own opinion, forms an exception to the ordinary rules of morality (William 
Hazlitt).
3. Once spirit was God, then it became man, and now it is even becoming mob (Friedrich 
Nietzsche).
4. What can you say about a society that says God is dead and Elvis is alive? (Irv Kupcinet).
5. Society is like a schoolmaster who estimates boys according to their conformity to a standard 
that is easiest for running a school (Henry Sedgwick).

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