Skill-Pill Newsletter

In Skill-Pill's Health Check for July, we're showcasing our new range of English Language pills, which use content from the renowned Intelligent Business series, co-produced by Pearson Longman and The Economist.

The titles we're introducing provide vocabulary and phrases for business situations such as 'Controlling a Meeting', 'Introducing a Presentation', 'Making Small Talk', 'Negotiating', 'Presenting a Proposal' and 'Summarising'.

For an individual studying English as a second language, these Skill-Pills will provide simple, useful phrases for business situations. This Skill-Pill contains a number of phrases to use when chairing a meeting. For example, the pill advises the user what language is appropriate when trying to encourage others to participate, or what to say to steer the meeting away from negative comments.

Take this pill if: you'd like to know some phrases to help you chair a meeting.

In important situations, such as conflict resolution or negotiation, robust English will be very useful. Delicate situations, such as turning down an offer or justifying a high price, require particular phrases, and carefully selected language.

Take this pill if: there's an important negotiation coming up.

The set of Skill-Pills we are introducing this month highlights the myriad of possibilities offered by mobile learning. The English language training (ELT) content will sit within the existing Skill-Pill channels of Leadership, Management, Sales & Marketing and Personal Skills. Introducing a Presentation walks the user through the steps of process of getting the attention of the audience, introducing yourself and the presentation, and setting out the main points you wish to make.

Take this pill if: you want to begin a presentation clearly and effectively.

When presenting a proposal to your team or organisation, using a simple order will help to convince people to accept it. Start by introducing an issue, explaining the problems associated around this issue, then pointing to a potential solution or change. At each stage, viewers are provided with a variety of appropriate words and phrases.

Take this pill if: you want to make sure your proposal is accepted.

At the end of a meeting, the chairperson will need to thank everyone for their contributions, remind people what points have been covered and what actions agreed. Certain phrases and words to use during this process can be found in this Skill-Pill. The end of each ELT Skill-Pill contains its own summary, with a recap of the key phrases we've learned during the pill.

Take this pill if: you'll be chairing a meeting soon.

Small talk can be a difficult area for a non-native English speaker. Even if the speaker has the necessary vocabulary, there are cultural factors to be considered. This Skill-Pill is a sensitive guide to starting a conversation, and breaking the ice, with new business associates. During each ELT Skill-Pill, suggested language is reinforced by onscreen usage by animated characters. As with every Skill-Pill in our growing library of content, each video is around two minutes in length, and can be downloaded to laptops, BlackBerrys and mobile devices.

Take this pill if: there is an upcoming event when you will be meeting many people.