Name _______________________________

Date ___________________________________

UNIT 4 INTRO:
PRE READING / VOCABULARY BUILDING 

Check out the meanings of the words that will be used in the text below: 
Field – jargon – paradigm – block - oversimplify 
   
Field  A particular branch of study or interest. 
  Special words or expressions used by a profession or group that are difficult for
Jargon  others to understand. 
  A typical example or pattern of something; a pattern or model. 
paradigm 
  Interfere, make the movement of something difficult or impossible. 
block 
  To simplify to such an extent as to bring about distortion, misunderstanding, or error 
oversimplify 
 
 
Now complete the sentences with the words in blue: 
1. The narrow-minded people _____________ new ideas and creativity. 

2. Lawyers use legal _________ which I have a hard time understanding. 

3. We talked to professionals in various ______________. They have different views of the

world. 

4. Influencers have the tendency to ________________________ ideas so everything looks

easy. 

5. Society's _______________ of the ‘ideal woman suggests they need to be good at doing
household chores.

6. Create your own sentences with 3 new vocabulary words on the lines below. Think about
professional careers, academics, and the way that you or others communicate.
1. ___________________________________________________________________

2. ___________________________________________________________________

3. ___________________________________________________________________

1
 READING 
Read the text and explain with your own words each of the tips for an effective presentation: 

EFFECTIVE PRESENTATIONS 
No matter what field you work in, it’s
important to avoid jargon and field-specific
language when you communicate with the
general public. Although you may think that
using words such as optimize, differentiate,
or paradigm makes you sound smarter or better
at your job, this “insider talk” blocks
communication.

It’s as if you're putting up a wall between

yourself and the person or people you’re
talking to. If you need to give a talk or presentation and you’re not sure if your message is clear, ask
a friend or family member to listen for jargon. Be sure to talk to someone who isn’t in the same
field as you—otherwise, they might not notice all the jargon you use. In fact, they probably use it
themselves. 

Don’t think too hard about what you’re going to say or who you’re talking to. Just relax and
imagine that you’re in an informal situation, like a weekend party. Focus on connecting with
people, not on impressing them.

Using simple language is the sign of an excellent communicator. People care more about what you
say because they understand you’re speaking to them at the same level. But be careful not to
oversimplify. If your listeners feel insulted, you’ll lose them. 
When you’re explaining a complicated concept, use examples or short stories. It will make the idea
easier to understand—and if you choose something that connects with your listeners’ emotions, it
will also help them remember your message long after the conversation is over. 

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE WHY IS IT USEFUL? 

PRESENTATIONS 
   
Avoid jargon   
 
   
Be knowledgeable   
 
   
Do not oversimplify 
 
   
Connect with the audience emotions 
 

FINAL SECTION – thinking, acting

Think about what a good presentation and bad presentation looks like. Describe the
speaker´s body language and other characteristics.

2
OPTIONAL: Act it out with a partner.

SUBMIT ON BRIGHTSPACE BY MIDNIGHT!