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Learn how to obtain consensus and make difficult decisions by showing different degrees of agreement and disagreement.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. Making decisions is easy – getting people to buy-in to them is the hard part! How many times have you had a great idea, but had a hard time convincing other people to accept them, or implement them and follow-through on their action points? In this class we’ll look at creating shared objectives, which are vital if unpopular decisions are going to be accepted. If you need help getting people to buy-in to your ideas, then make sure you come to this class!
What? In this class we’ll start off by looking at what we need to do or see to know that people have bought-in to an idea. Next, we’ll watch two videos of a chairman trying to obtain consensus on a decision which has divided the meeting – with varying degrees of success. Finally, we’ll put these ideas into practice by trying to obtain the consensus of the group on a divisive issue. Book Now»
Learn to discuss the issues facing internet users and businesses around the world in the light of America’s push to combat internet piracy.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. File sharing has become part of the modern-day world. Countless numbers of people use bittorrents, online lockers and cloud storage to upload and download their own files – and often those of others. But in this hyper-connected world, who is able to police the internet and make sure that intellectual property theft is dealt with appropriately? Well, with America recently trying to introduce SOPA and PIPA it looks like the US is trying to reprise its role as world police in the offline world into the digital domain. If you’re interested in being able to discuss the implications of combating internet piracy and how it might start to impinge on our online freedoms, then make sure you come to this class.
What? In this class, we’ll start by discussing our own attitudes to internet piracy and file sharing sites. Next, we’ll look at the case of German Megaupload (an online file storage site) owner Kim Dotcom and his recent arrest in New Zealand, instigated by the US authorities. Finally, we’ll take a quick look at the main points of the SOPA and PIPA legislation which America tried to introduce recently and hold a debate to discuss their relative merits. Book Now»
We Have to Stop Meeting Like This (2)
- Start:
- July 31, 2011 10:00 am
- End:
- July 31, 2011 12:00 pm
Learn how to effectively chair and participate in a meeting by controlling the pacing, flow and rhythm of a conversation.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. We all take part in discussions every day, but do we always get our point across effectively? In any language, one of the most important skills you can have is expressing yourself with varying degrees of emphasis. Being able to control the tone of a discussion is also important – knowing when and where to interrupt and say something, and when to let someone carry on speaking, is often the difference between adding to a discussion or just being steamrollered. If you want to try and become a more effective participant and chairperson in meetings, then this is the class for you!
What? In this class, we’ll hold three discussions to practice the chairing skills we learnt in Lesson 1 last week. First, we’ll examine whether genetic profiling in the workplace is a good idea. Secondly, we’ll decide how far is too far when it comes to workplace monitoring of employees by their superiors. Finally, we’ll decide whether or not certain ‘creative’ activities can help us become better managers in a modern business environment. Book Now»
We Have to Stop Meeting Like This
- Start:
- July 24, 2011 10:00 am
- End:
- July 24, 2011 12:00 pm
Learn how to effectively chair and participate in a meeting by controlling the pacing, flow and rhythm of a conversation.
Who? This class is for Upper-Intermediate members. We all take part in discussions every day, but do we always get our point across effectively? In any language, one of the most important skills you can have is expressing yourself with varying degrees of emphasis. Being able to control the tone of a discussion is also important – knowing when and where to interrupt and say something, and when to let someone carry on speaking, is often the difference between adding to a discussion or just being steamrollered. If you want to try and become a more effective participant and chairperson in meetings, then this is the class for you!
What? In this class, we’ll identify the key features of a good chairperson in a meeting, and examine some of the language that can help us to become more effective in this kind of role. Next, we’ll look at some of the common problems during discussions between native speakers and those using a second language, and what we can do to try and avoid these pitfalls. Finally, we’ll hold a discussion to put these skills into practice! Book Now»
Problem? What Problem!
Learn how to discuss solutions to problems and expressions for making suggestions.
Who? This class is for Intermediate members. A problem shared is a problem solved, so they say – but why do so many people try to solve problems on their own? One of the best ways to solve problems – whether at home or in the office – is by discussing it according to a specific procedure. If you encounter problems you need to be able to find solutions to (and, let’s be honest, don’t we all!) then this is the class for you.
What? In this class, we’ll start off by looking at some useful phrases for making suggestions – and identifying what other people think about them by the way they respond. Next, we’ll identify a simple problem solving technique which can help us to stay on track during any problem solving discussion. Finally, we’ll look at a world-famous company and how we would deal with the problems they have in their company. Book Now»