2024职业发展系列讲座摘要-5｜如何用英语有效沟通

1. Introduction and Objective

• The session was introduced by Dottie Li, emphasizing the goal of helping non-native English speakers improve their communication skills in a multicultural environment. This includes building confidence in both personal and professional settings.

2. Cross-Cultural Communication

• The importance of cross-cultural communication was highlighted. Effective communication requires an understanding of diverse cultural backgrounds and customs. Attention to language, non-verbal cues, and cultural norms is crucial for meaningful interactions across cultures.

3. Overview of Communication Skills

• Public Speaking: Techniques for delivering confident, engaging presentations.

• Writing Skills: Tips to improve clarity and organization in written communication.

• Networking Across Cultures: Strategies for building effective relationships in multicultural settings.

• Personal Branding: Crafting a professional image through communication.

• Etiquette and Media Training: Navigating different settings with proper etiquette and handling media interactions.

4. Acculturation

• Acculturation, the process of adapting to a new culture, was discussed. Participants were encouraged to assess their position in the acculturation process and consider methods to facilitate smoother adaptation to cultural changes.

5. Accent Reduction and Modification

• Accent was explained as a natural part of language, but reducing or modifying it can enhance communication clarity. Techniques and exercises were shared to help participants work on minimizing the impact of their accent for clearer communication.

6. Building Blocks for American English

• Phonemes: Understanding basic English sounds.

• Phoneme Clusters: Practicing complex sound combinations.

• Linking Words: Eliminating unnecessary syllables for smoother speech.

• Phrasing: Using pauses to reflect punctuation, which improves clarity.

• Inflection and Intonation: Using pitch changes for emphasis and engagement.

7. Pronunciation Challenges: "TH" Sounds

• The "TH" sounds, which are difficult for many non-native speakers, were reviewed with examples and corrective exercises. Common mispronunciations like “sink” for “think” and “tanks” for “thanks” were highlighted, along with a link to additional resources.

8. Linking Words and Syllable Stress

• Techniques for linking words naturally were discussed. This involves omitting extra sounds between words and combining syllables. Examples demonstrated correct and incorrect linking, helping participants understand the rhythm of fluent English.

9. Common Errors in Syllable Stress and Pronunciation

• Misplaced syllable stress was highlighted with words like "photograph" vs. "photography." Pronunciation shifts when words change forms, such as verbs to nouns. Examples included “graduate” (v.) vs. “graduate” (n.), and “appropriate” (v.) vs. “appropriate” (adj.).

10. Examples of Misunderstandings and Unawareness

• Common phrases and misunderstandings in English were reviewed, including:

• Misuse of terms and phrases, like “UN management” and “CEO Tim.”

• Incorrectly using expressions like “Paint the town red, blue, white, and polka dot.”

• Phrasing that can lead to awkward or unintended meanings, such as “I’m not convenient to attend your wedding.”