İngilizce Konuşma Teknikleri — English Speaking Techniques: A 6-10 Week Course & Self-Study Book10
Week 6 — Telephone & Online Meetings
Goal: Students make and take professional phone calls, leave messages and take part in a short online meeting.
Lesson: Phone and video call English
Answering: Good morning, ABC Logistics, Deniz speaking. How can I help you?
Making a call: Hello, this is Can Yılmaz from XYZ. Could I speak to Ms. Aksoy, please? / I'm calling about…
Connecting & waiting: Hold on, please. / I'll put you through. / I'm afraid she's not available right now. / Can I take a message?
Spelling & numbers: the phone alphabet (A for Alpha, B for Bravo…), saying emails (dot, at, underscore, dash), and phone numbers in groups.
Online meeting phrases: Can everyone hear me? / You're on mute. / Sorry, you're breaking up. / Can you see my screen? / Sorry, go ahead. / Let's wrap up.
Ending: Thanks for calling. / I'll get back to you by Thursday. / Have a nice day.
Practise spelling: students spell their names and email addresses to a partner, who writes them down.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Zoom Fatigue and the New Rules of Meetings"
Since 2020, online meetings have become a normal part of working life. Teams that once met in the same office now connect from different cities and even different countries. This change has saved time and money on travel, but it has also created a new problem that psychologists call "Zoom fatigue": the feeling of being exhausted after a day of video calls.
Why are online meetings so tiring? One reason is constant eye contact. In a real meeting room, people look at their notes, the window or the speaker. On a video call, everyone seems to stare at you all the time. Another reason is that we must work harder to read body language and tone of voice through a small screen. Seeing our own face for hours can also make us more self-critical.
As a result, many companies have introduced new rules. Meetings are shorter, often 25 or 50 minutes instead of a full hour, so people have a break between calls. Cameras are sometimes optional, and every meeting should have a clear agenda. Some teams have "no-meeting Fridays" so employees can concentrate on their real work.
Good online communication also requires clear speaking. Because of delays and poor connections, people should speak a little more slowly, avoid interrupting and use simple signals, such as raising a hand, before speaking. A short summary at the end, with clear next steps, makes sure everyone leaves the call knowing what to do.
Comprehension questions
What is "Zoom fatigue"?
Give two reasons why video calls are tiring.
Why do some companies schedule 25- or 50-minute meetings?
What is a "no-meeting Friday"?
What should people do to communicate clearly online?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
fatigue | yorgunluk, bitkinlik | Long flights cause fatigue. |
exhausted | bitkin, çok yorgun | I was exhausted after six meetings. |
constant | sürekli | The constant noise made it hard to work. |
stare | dik dik bakmak | Don't stare at the screen all day. |
tone of voice | ses tonu | Her tone of voice was friendly. |
self-critical | kendini eleştiren | He is too self-critical about his English. |
introduce (rules) | getirmek, uygulamaya koymak | The company introduced a new dress code. |
optional | isteğe bağlı | Attendance at the party is optional. |
agenda | gündem | What's on the agenda for today's meeting? |
concentrate | konsantre olmak | I can't concentrate with my phone nearby. |
interrupt | sözünü kesmek | Sorry to interrupt, but I have a question. |
next steps | sonraki adımlar | Let's agree on the next steps. |
Activity 2 — Back-to-Back Phone Calls
Students sit back to back (so they cannot see each other — like a real phone call). Give pairs role cards:
Call 1: A customer calls a hotel to book a room for a business trip (dates, room type, name spelling, email).
Call 2: A supplier calls to say a delivery will be late; the caller must leave a message because the manager is unavailable. The receiver writes the message and reads it back.
Call 3 (online meeting): Groups of 4 hold a 5-minute "Zoom" meeting to choose a date for a team dinner. One person is chair, one has "connection problems" (stops mid-sentence), one is always on mute.
Check written messages for correct names, numbers and emails.
Speaking Topic 1: Phones and Communication
Do you prefer calling or texting? Why?
How do you feel when you have to call a company or an official office?
Describe a difficult phone call you have had.
What is the most annoying thing people do on the phone?
Is it rude to use your phone during a meal or a meeting?
How many hours a day do you use your phone?
Should students be allowed to use phones in class?
What are good phone manners in Turkey?
Do you answer calls from unknown numbers? Why or why not?
How has WhatsApp changed business communication in Turkey?
Should employees answer work messages at night or on weekends?
Could you live without your phone for a week?
Speaking Topic 2: Remote Work and Online Life
Have you had online classes? What were the advantages and disadvantages?
Would you prefer to work from home or in an office?
What jobs can be done 100% remotely?
What are the rules for a good online meeting?
Should cameras be on or off during online classes?
Does working from home make people more or less productive?
What problems can remote workers have with their health?
Would you like to be a digital nomad? Where would you live?
How can a manager build a team spirit online?
Is it easier to make mistakes in English online or face to face?
Will offices disappear in the future?
Which online tools are the most useful for students?
Self-Study Path — Week 6
Lesson (20 min): Learn the phone alphabet (A for Alpha… Z for Zulu). Spell your full name and email address out loud three times. Practise the online meeting phrases.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (25 min): Write and record the three calls from Activity 2, playing both roles: booking a hotel, leaving a message about a late delivery, and chairing a short online meeting. Write the message you "took" and check names and numbers.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers. Try answering some of them on a real video call with a friend.
Real-world task: Call or video-call a friend and speak only English for 5 minutes.
Can-do check
I can answer the phone professionally and take a message.
I can spell names and emails clearly.
I can use online meeting phrases ("You're on mute.").
Sample Answers — Week 6
Reading: "Zoom Fatigue and the New Rules of Meetings"
What is "Zoom fatigue"? The feeling of being exhausted after a day of video calls.
Give two reasons why video calls are tiring. Constant eye contact, and having to work harder to read body language and tone through a small screen. (Seeing your own face also makes people self-critical.)
Why do some companies schedule 25- or 50-minute meetings? So that people have a short break between calls.
What is a "no-meeting Friday"? A day with no meetings, so employees can concentrate on their real work.
What should people do to communicate clearly online? Speak a little more slowly, avoid interrupting, use signals like raising a hand, and finish with a summary and clear next steps.
Speaking Topic 1: Phones and Communication
Do you prefer calling or texting? Why? I prefer texting, because I can think before I write and reply when it's convenient. But for urgent or emotional things, a call is better.
How do you feel when you have to call a company or an official office? I feel a bit anxious, especially when I have to wait a long time or explain a problem. I usually write down what I want to say before I call.
Describe a difficult phone call you have had. I once had to call my internet company because my connection didn't work for a week. I was transferred to four different people and had to explain the problem every time. It took almost an hour.
What is the most annoying thing people do on the phone? The most annoying thing is when people talk very loudly on the phone in public, for example on the metro. Everyone has to listen to their private conversation.
Is it rude to use your phone during a meal or a meeting? Yes, I think it's rude, because it shows you're not interested in the people with you. If it's urgent, you should apologise and step outside.
How many hours a day do you use your phone? To be honest, about five or six hours. My screen-time report shows that most of it is Instagram and YouTube, so I'm trying to reduce it.
Should students be allowed to use phones in class? Only for learning activities, like checking a word or doing a quiz. Otherwise, phones are a big distraction.
What are good phone manners in Turkey? You should greet people politely, say who you are, and not call too late at night. It's also polite to call older family members on special days like Bayram.
Do you answer calls from unknown numbers? Why or why not? Usually not, because they're often advertising or scam calls. If it's important, the person will send a message.
How has WhatsApp changed business communication in Turkey? Almost everything happens on WhatsApp now — from ordering food to talking with clients. It's fast and convenient, but the line between work and private life has disappeared.
Should employees answer work messages at night or on weekends? No, except in emergencies. People need rest to be productive. Some countries, like France, even have laws about the "right to disconnect".
Could you live without your phone for a week? It would be very difficult, because I use it for banking, transport and university. But I think it would be good for my mental health, maybe on a holiday.
Speaking Topic 2: Remote Work and Online Life
Have you had online classes? What were the advantages and disadvantages? Yes, during the pandemic. The advantage was that I didn't waste time travelling. The disadvantage was that it was hard to concentrate, and I missed my friends.
Would you prefer to work from home or in an office? I'd prefer a hybrid model — two or three days at home and the rest in the office. At home I can focus, but in the office I can learn from colleagues.
What jobs can be done 100% remotely? Jobs like software development, graphic design, translation, digital marketing and online teaching can be done completely remotely.
What are the rules for a good online meeting? Start on time, have a clear agenda, mute your microphone when you're not speaking, and finish with a summary of the next steps.
Should cameras be on or off during online classes? I think cameras should be on most of the time, because teachers need to see students' reactions. But students should be allowed to turn them off for short periods if they have a good reason.
Does working from home make people more or less productive? It depends on the person. Disciplined people are often more productive at home because there are fewer interruptions. But some people get distracted by the TV or family.
What problems can remote workers have with their health? They can have back and neck pain from bad chairs, eye strain from screens, and they often move much less. Some also feel lonely.
Would you like to be a digital nomad? Where would you live? Yes, for a few years! I'd live in Bali or Lisbon, because they're beautiful, not too expensive and have big communities of remote workers.
How can a manager build a team spirit online? They can organise short social calls, online games or virtual coffee breaks. Meeting in person a few times a year also helps a lot.
Is it easier to make mistakes in English online or face to face? I think it's easier to make mistakes online, because of bad connections and delays. You can't always see the other person's reaction, so you don't know if they understood.
Will offices disappear in the future? I don't think they'll disappear, but they will change. Offices will become places for meetings and teamwork, while routine work will be done from home.
Which online tools are the most useful for students? Google Drive for sharing files, Zoom or Teams for meetings, Canva for presentations, and Notion or Trello for organising group projects.
Week 7 — Opinions, Agreeing & Disagreeing
Goal: Students give and support opinions, and agree or disagree politely in discussions.
Lesson: Polite discussion language
Giving opinions: In my opinion… / I think/believe… / As far as I'm concerned… / From my point of view… / It seems to me that…
Strong vs soft: I'm absolutely sure that… vs I tend to think that… / I might be wrong, but…
Agreeing: I completely agree. / That's a good point. / Exactly! / I couldn't agree more.
Partly agreeing: I see what you mean, but… / That's true to some extent, however… / You have a point, but…
Disagreeing politely: I'm not sure I agree. / I see it differently. / I'm afraid I disagree because… (Avoid a blunt You're wrong.)
Supporting your opinion: For example… / The reason is… / Research shows… / In my experience…
Interrupting & taking the floor: Sorry to interrupt, but… / Can I just add something? / Let me finish, please.
Game: read out a statement (Fast food should be banned near schools); students stand on the "agree" or "disagree" side of the room and must justify with one phrase from the list.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Should Companies Have a Four-Day Week?"
In recent years, several companies and even some governments have tested a four-day working week. In most of these trials, employees worked about 32 hours instead of 40 but received the same salary. The idea sounds like a dream for workers, but it has caused a lively debate among business leaders.
Supporters argue that a shorter week makes employees happier, healthier and more productive. In several well-known trials in the UK and elsewhere, many companies reported that productivity stayed the same or even increased, while stress and sick days went down. Supporters also believe that a four-day week helps companies attract talented young people, who often value free time as much as money.
Critics, however, are not convinced. They point out that the four-day week works well in offices, but it is much harder in hospitals, restaurants, factories and shops, where customers need service every day. In these sectors, a shorter week might mean hiring more staff, which increases costs. Some managers also worry that employees will feel more pressure, because they must do five days of work in four.
There is no simple answer. The success of a four-day week seems to depend on the type of business, the way it is organised and the culture of the company. What is clear is that the traditional model of nine-to-five, five days a week is being questioned as never before.
Comprehension questions
How many hours did employees usually work in the trials?
What benefits do supporters mention?
Why is a four-day week harder in hospitals and restaurants?
What do some managers worry about?
What does the writer conclude?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
trial | deneme, test süreci | The new system is on a six-month trial. |
salary | maaş | She asked for a higher salary. |
lively debate | hararetli tartışma | There was a lively debate in class today. |
supporter | destekçi | Supporters of the plan say it will save money. |
productive | verimli | I'm more productive in the morning. |
attract | çekmek, cezbetmek | Good benefits attract good employees. |
talented | yetenekli | The company hires talented young designers. |
critic | eleştirmen, karşı çıkan | Critics say the plan is too expensive. |
convinced | ikna olmuş | I'm not convinced it will work. |
sector | sektör | Tourism is a big sector in Turkey. |
pressure | baskı | Working under pressure is part of the job. |
question (v.) | sorgulamak | Young people question traditional ideas. |
Activity 2 — Business Debate: Four-Day Week
Divide the class into two teams: For and Against the statement "Turkish companies should introduce a four-day week." Teams have 7 minutes to prepare three arguments with examples. Debate format (13 min): opening statements (1 min each team) → open discussion (6 min) where every student must speak at least once → closing statements (1 min each). A small group of 3 students act as judges and score teams on arguments, use of discussion phrases and politeness.
Speaking Topic 1: Work and Life
What is more important to you: a high salary or free time?
Would you accept less money for a four-day week?
Do Turkish people work too much? Why do you think so?
What is the ideal number of working hours per week?
Should employees be allowed to choose their own working hours?
Is it better to work for a big company or a small one?
Should students work while they study? Why or why not?
What makes a job satisfying?
Is it possible to have a good work-life balance in Istanbul?
Should companies pay for employees' gym memberships or health care?
Would you prefer a boring job with good pay or an exciting job with low pay?
At what age should people retire?
Speaking Topic 2: Controversial Everyday Questions
Should university attendance be compulsory?
Is social media more harmful than helpful for young people?
Should smoking be banned in all public places, including outdoor cafés?
Are online courses as good as face-to-face education?
Should tipping be included in the bill in restaurants?
Is it better to rent or buy a home in Istanbul?
Should famous people be role models?
Are brand-name products worth the extra money?
Should students evaluate their teachers?
Is it OK to lie to protect someone's feelings?
Will artificial intelligence take more jobs than it creates?
Should every young person live abroad for at least one year?
Self-Study Path — Week 7
Lesson (20 min): Read five statements (e.g. "Fast food should be banned near schools"). For each, record one agreeing answer and one politely disagreeing answer using the lesson phrases.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (25 min): Prepare three arguments FOR and three AGAINST a four-day week. Record a 1-minute opening statement for each side, then a 1-minute closing statement for the side you really believe.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers. In Topic 2, try answering some questions from the opposite point of view to practise disagreeing politely.
Review (10 min): List your 5 favourite opinion phrases and use each in a sentence.
Can-do check
I can give my opinion and support it with a reason and example.
I can disagree politely without saying "You're wrong."
I can partly agree ("I see what you mean, but…").
Sample Answers — Week 7
Reading: "Should Companies Have a Four-Day Week?"
How many hours did employees usually work in the trials? About 32 hours instead of 40, for the same salary.
What benefits do supporters mention? Employees are happier, healthier and more productive; stress and sick days go down; and it helps attract talented young people.
Why is a four-day week harder in hospitals and restaurants? Because customers need service every day, so companies might need to hire more staff, which increases costs.
What do some managers worry about? That employees will feel more pressure because they have to do five days of work in four.
What does the writer conclude? There's no simple answer; success depends on the type of business, its organisation and culture, but the traditional five-day model is being questioned.
Speaking Topic 1: Work and Life
What is more important to you: a high salary or free time? At this stage of my life, a high salary is more important, because I want to save money and become independent. But in the future, I think free time will matter more, especially if I have a family.
Would you accept less money for a four-day week? Maybe, if the difference were small — around 10%. An extra free day every week is worth a lot for your health and personal projects.
Do Turkish people work too much? Why do you think so? I think so. Many people in Turkey work long hours and even on Saturdays. In my opinion, this is partly because of low salaries — people need to work more to earn enough.
What is the ideal number of working hours per week? I think around 35 hours is ideal. It's enough to be productive, but it leaves time for family, sport and rest.
Should employees be allowed to choose their own working hours? Yes, as long as they finish their work and attend important meetings. Some people work better early in the morning, others in the evening.
Is it better to work for a big company or a small one? For a first job, I think a big company is better, because you get training and a good name on your CV. Later, a small company can give you more responsibility and variety.
Should students work while they study? Why or why not? I believe a part-time job is useful, because you gain experience and learn to manage money. However, it shouldn't be more than 15–20 hours a week, or your studies will suffer.
What makes a job satisfying? A satisfying job is one where you feel your work is useful and appreciated. Good colleagues and the chance to learn new things are also very important.
Is it possible to have a good work-life balance in Istanbul? It's difficult, mainly because of the traffic and high living costs. But if you live close to work or work from home sometimes, it's possible.
Should companies pay for employees' gym memberships or health care? I think it's a smart investment. Healthy employees take fewer sick days and are more productive, so the company also benefits.
Would you prefer a boring job with good pay or an exciting job with low pay? I'd choose the exciting job, at least while I'm young. Money is important, but if I'm bored every day, I won't be happy or motivated.
At what age should people retire? I think around 60 to 65 is reasonable, but it should depend on the job. People with physically hard jobs should be able to retire earlier.
Speaking Topic 2: Controversial Everyday Questions
Should university attendance be compulsory? I partly agree with compulsory attendance. Students learn more in class, especially in speaking courses. However, students who work need some flexibility, so maybe 70% attendance is fair.
Is social media more harmful than helpful for young people? In my opinion, it's both. It helps us learn and stay in touch, but it can cause addiction and low self-esteem because everyone shows a perfect life. The key is to use it in a controlled way.
Should smoking be banned in all public places, including outdoor cafés? I completely agree with this. Non-smokers, especially children, shouldn't have to breathe other people's smoke. However, smokers would probably say it limits their freedom.
Are online courses as good as face-to-face education? I don't think so. Online courses are flexible and cheap, but face-to-face classes are better for discussion, motivation and building relationships.
Should tipping be included in the bill in restaurants? I see both sides. Including it guarantees fair pay for waiters, but tipping separately rewards good service. I'd prefer a small service charge plus the option to tip more.
Is it better to rent or buy a home in Istanbul? Buying is better in the long term if you can afford it, because rents are increasing very fast. But prices are so high now that most young people have no choice except renting.
Should famous people be role models? I think they have a responsibility, because millions of young people follow them. Still, parents and teachers are more important role models than celebrities.
Are brand-name products worth the extra money? Sometimes. For electronics, brands often mean better quality and service. But for things like clothes, you often pay just for the logo.
Should students evaluate their teachers? Yes, because teachers can improve with honest feedback. But evaluations should be anonymous and fair, not just a way to complain about grades.
Is it OK to lie to protect someone's feelings? Small "white lies" are sometimes OK, for example saying you love a gift. But for important things, honesty is better, even if it hurts.
Will artificial intelligence take more jobs than it creates? I'm not sure. AI will replace many routine jobs, like data entry. But it will also create new jobs that we can't imagine yet, so the important thing is to keep learning new skills.
Should every young person live abroad for at least one year? I think it would be a great experience, because you become more independent and open-minded. However, it shouldn't be compulsory, because it's expensive and not everyone can afford it.
Week 8 — Midterm Review & Speaking Exam
Goal: Review Weeks 1–7 and assess each student's speaking. If your vize week is separate, use the first hour as a review lesson and the second hour for mock exams; use the question banks below on exam day.
Lesson: Exam format and criteria
Explain the exam clearly so students are not surprised:
Part 1 — Interview (1 min): 3–4 personal questions from Weeks 1–3.
Part 2 — Long turn (2 min): the student picks one card from Speaking Topic 1 or 2 below, gets 30 seconds to prepare, then speaks alone.
Part 3 — Discussion (1–2 min): the teacher asks follow-up questions and disagrees politely; the student must defend their opinion.
Criterion | What you look for | Points |
Fluency | Speaks without long pauses; uses fillers (Well…, Let me think…) | 25 |
Vocabulary | Uses words and phrases from the course | 25 |
Grammar | Correct questions, tenses and sentence structure | 20 |
Pronunciation | Clear word stress, intelligible | 15 |
Interaction | Answers fully (ARE formula), asks for clarification, reacts | 15 |
Activity 1 — Reading: "How to Stay Calm in a Speaking Exam"
For many students, a speaking exam is more stressful than a written one. There is no time to check your answers, and the examiner is watching you. However, a few simple strategies can make a big difference to your performance and your confidence.
First, prepare the right way. Instead of memorising long answers, prepare key words and useful phrases for common topics. Memorised answers often sound unnatural, and if you forget one sentence, you may lose everything. Practise speaking out loud, ideally with a friend or by recording yourself on your phone.
Second, control your body. Before the exam, take a few slow, deep breaths. Sit up straight, make eye contact and smile. Research on stress suggests that slow breathing tells your brain that you are safe, which helps you think more clearly.
Third, remember that the examiner wants to hear you speak, not to catch your mistakes. If you don't understand a question, ask: "Could you repeat the question, please?" If you make a mistake, correct it quickly or simply continue. Examiners usually reward students who keep communicating more than students who stop and apologise.
Finally, give full answers. A one-word answer such as "Yes" gives the examiner nothing to assess. Use the simple formula of answer, reason and example. With good preparation and a calm mind, a speaking exam can become an opportunity to show what you can do.
Comprehension questions
Why can memorised answers be a problem?
How should students practise for a speaking exam?
How does slow breathing help?
What should you do if you don't understand a question?
Why are one-word answers a bad idea?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
stressful | stresli | Moving house is very stressful. |
examiner | sınav görevlisi, değerlendirici | The examiner asked me about my hometown. |
strategy | strateji | We need a new marketing strategy. |
performance | performans | His performance in the exam was excellent. |
memorise | ezberlemek | Don't memorise; understand. |
unnatural | doğal olmayan | His answer sounded unnatural. |
out loud | sesli olarak | Read the text out loud. |
deep breath | derin nefes | Take a deep breath and relax. |
eye contact | göz teması | Make eye contact with your audience. |
reward | ödüllendirmek | The company rewards hard work. |
apologise | özür dilemek | You don't need to apologise for your accent. |
opportunity | fırsat | This job is a great opportunity for me. |
Activity 2 — Mock Exam Carousel
Groups of 3: Examiner, Candidate, Timekeeper. The Examiner uses the exam format above and a question card from the topics below. The Timekeeper keeps time and gives a score out of 10 using the criteria table. Rotate roles every 6 minutes so everyone is a candidate once. End with whole-class feedback: the 5 most common mistakes you heard, corrected on the board.
Speaking Topic 1: Exam Question Bank — Personal & Everyday (Weeks 1–5)
Introduce yourself and tell me about your goals for the future.
Why did you choose to study business?
Describe your hometown to a foreign visitor.
What do you find most difficult about speaking English, and what are you doing about it?
How would you start a conversation with a stranger at a business event?
Describe a product you couldn't live without.
Explain how to make your favourite dish or drink.
What questions would you ask before accepting a job?
Describe a person who has influenced you.
Explain a process you know well, step by step.
What makes a good customer experience?
Describe a place in Turkey every tourist should visit.
Speaking Topic 2: Exam Question Bank — Work & Opinions (Weeks 6–7)
Do you prefer phone calls, messages or emails? Why?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online meetings?
Would you prefer to work from home or in an office?
Should companies introduce a four-day working week?
Is social media good or bad for young people?
Should university attendance be compulsory?
Is a high salary more important than job satisfaction?
Will artificial intelligence change the jobs of business graduates?
Should students work part-time while studying?
Is it better to work for a big company or start your own business?
What are the most important skills for a manager?
Should English be taught from kindergarten in Turkey?
Self-Study Path — Week 8
Lesson (15 min): Read the exam format and the scoring criteria. Copy the criteria table — you will use it to score yourself.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Mock exam (45 min): Do a full self-test five times: set a timer, answer 3 personal questions (1 min), pick a random question from the banks below, prepare for 30 seconds and speak for 2 minutes. Record it, then score yourself out of 100 using the criteria table.
Compare (30 min): Listen to the sample long-turn answers below. Notice how long they are and how they use reasons and examples. Redo your two weakest answers.
Review (10 min): Listen to your Week 1 baseline recording. Write down three things you already do better.
Can-do check
I can speak for 2 minutes on a familiar topic without long pauses.
I use Answer + Reason + Example automatically.
I scored myself honestly and know my two weakest areas.
Sample Answers — Week 8
These are longer "long turn" answers (about 45–60 seconds each), showing what a strong exam answer sounds like.
Reading: "How to Stay Calm in a Speaking Exam"
Why can memorised answers be a problem? They often sound unnatural, and if you forget one sentence, you may lose the whole answer.
How should students practise for a speaking exam? By preparing key words and phrases and practising out loud, with a friend or by recording themselves.
How does slow breathing help? It tells your brain that you are safe, which helps you think more clearly.
What should you do if you don't understand a question? Ask the examiner to repeat it: "Could you repeat the question, please?"
Why are one-word answers a bad idea? They give the examiner nothing to assess; you should use answer, reason and example.
Speaking Topic 1: Exam Question Bank — Personal & Everyday
Introduce yourself and tell me about your goals for the future. My name is Zeynep, and I'm a first-year Business Administration student at Nişantaşı University. I'm originally from Eskişehir, but I've lived in Istanbul for two years. In the short term, my goal is to find an internship in a marketing department. In the long term, I'd like to work for an international company and maybe open my own online business one day.
Why did you choose to study business? I chose business because it opens many doors. You can work in marketing, finance, sales or start your own company. Also, my family has a small textile workshop, and I want to help them grow it, for example by selling online.
Describe your hometown to a foreign visitor. I'm from Bursa, a green city in the north-west of Turkey near Mount Uludağ. In winter, you can ski on the mountain, and in summer you can visit the historic centre. It was the first capital of the Ottoman Empire, and it's famous for İskender kebab and chestnut candy.
What do you find most difficult about speaking English, and what are you doing about it? The most difficult thing is speaking quickly without stopping to think about grammar. To improve, I'm watching series with English subtitles, and I talk to myself in English while I walk. I also try to speak as much as possible in this class.
How would you start a conversation with a stranger at a business event? I'd smile, introduce myself and ask an open question, like, "How do you know the organisers?" or "What brings you here today?" Then I'd listen carefully and ask follow-up questions. At the end, I'd say it was nice to meet them and offer to connect on LinkedIn.
Describe a product you couldn't live without. I couldn't live without my laptop. It's a light, silver laptop that I use for studying, online classes and my part-time design work. It's not the newest model, but it's fast and reliable, and all my important files are on it.
Explain how to make your favourite dish or drink. My favourite drink is Turkish coffee. First, put one cup of cold water and one heaped teaspoon of coffee in a cezve. Add sugar if you like. Then stir it and heat it slowly. When the foam rises, pour a little into the cup, put it back on the heat for a few seconds, and then pour the rest. Serve it with water and Turkish delight.
What questions would you ask before accepting a job? I'd ask about the working hours and salary, of course, but also about training opportunities and career progression. I'd ask what a typical day looks like and who I'd be working with, because a good team is very important to me.
Describe a person who has influenced you. My high school economics teacher influenced me a lot. She was strict but fair, and she always connected lessons to real life, like explaining inflation with bread prices. Because of her, I became interested in business.
Explain a process you know well, step by step. I know how to return a product to an online shop. First, you log in to your account and find the order. Then you select "return" and choose a reason. After that, you get a code, pack the product and take it to the cargo office. Finally, the money comes back to your card in a few days.
What makes a good customer experience? A good customer experience is fast, friendly and easy. For example, when I ordered from a restaurant and my food was wrong, they apologised immediately and sent a new meal for free. Because of that, I still order from them.
Describe a place in Turkey every tourist should visit. Every tourist should visit Cappadocia. It has amazing rock formations called fairy chimneys, underground cities and cave hotels. The best experience is a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise — it's unforgettable.
Speaking Topic 2: Exam Question Bank — Work & Opinions
Do you prefer phone calls, messages or emails? Why? It depends on the situation. With friends I prefer messages because they're quick. For work, emails are better because they're formal and you have a written record. But for urgent problems, a phone call is the fastest way.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of online meetings? The main advantage is that people save time and money because they don't need to travel. You can also record the meeting. On the other hand, connection problems are common, and it's harder to read body language and build relationships.
Would you prefer to work from home or in an office? I'd prefer a hybrid system. Working from home saves me two hours of traffic a day, which is a lot in Istanbul. But as a young employee, I need the office to learn from experienced colleagues and build a network.
Should companies introduce a four-day working week? I think it's a good idea for office jobs. Trials in some countries showed that productivity stayed the same while stress decreased. However, it's more difficult for hospitals, restaurants and factories, so it shouldn't be compulsory for everyone.
Is social media good or bad for young people? In my opinion, it has both sides. On one hand, it's great for learning and even for starting a business. On the other hand, it can be addictive and make people compare their lives with others. I think young people need to learn to use it consciously.
Should university attendance be compulsory? I partly agree. Attendance helps students learn, especially in practical courses like this one. However, many students work to pay their bills, so universities should be flexible and maybe offer recorded lessons.
Is a high salary more important than job satisfaction? For me, job satisfaction is more important in the long term. If you hate your job, money can't make you happy. However, the salary must be enough to live comfortably, especially with today's high prices.
Will artificial intelligence change the jobs of business graduates? Definitely. AI can already write reports, analyse data and answer customers. So business graduates will need skills that AI doesn't have, like creativity, communication and leadership. We should also learn to use AI tools ourselves.
Should students work part-time while studying? Yes, I believe so, as long as it doesn't affect their grades. I work in a café on weekends, and it has taught me teamwork, responsibility and how to talk to customers — things I can't learn from books.
Is it better to work for a big company or start your own business? I think it's best to work for a big company first, to gain experience and save money. Later, with knowledge and contacts, starting your own business is less risky.
What are the most important skills for a manager? A good manager needs communication skills, the ability to make decisions and empathy. For example, a manager who listens to employees' problems usually has a more motivated team.
Should English be taught from kindergarten in Turkey? Yes, because children learn languages more naturally when they're young. But the method is very important — it should be through games and songs, not grammar tests, otherwise children will hate English.
Week 9 — Presentation Skills I: Structure & Signposting
Goal: Students build a clear presentation structure and guide the audience with signposting language.
Lesson: Tell them what you'll tell them
Teach the classic structure: Opening → Introduction of topic & plan → Main points (3) → Summary → Closing & questions.
Hook the audience: a question (How many of you shop online every week?), a surprising number, a short story, or a picture.
Introducing the topic: Today I'd like to talk about… / The purpose of this presentation is to…
Giving the plan: I've divided my talk into three parts. First,… Then,… Finally,…
Moving on: Let's move on to… / That brings me to my second point. / Now let's look at…
Referring to visuals: As you can see on this slide… / This chart shows… / Let me draw your attention to…
Summarising: To sum up… / So, the three key points are…
Closing: Thank you for listening. I'd be happy to answer any questions.
Rule of three: people remember three points better than five or seven. One idea per slide, few words on slides.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Why Most Presentations Fail"
Every day, millions of business presentations are given around the world, and many of them are forgotten within minutes. The problem is rarely the topic. It is usually the way the information is organised and delivered.
The most common mistake is having too much information. Presenters want to show how hard they have worked, so they fill every slide with long sentences, tables and numbers. The audience then tries to read the slides and listen at the same time, and as a result they do neither well. Experts recommend one main idea per slide and only a few key words, supported by pictures or simple charts.
The second mistake is a weak structure. If the audience doesn't know where the presentation is going, they quickly lose interest. Good presenters give a clear plan at the beginning and use signposts, such as "Now let's move on to the costs," to show when they change topic. These phrases work like road signs on a motorway: they tell listeners where they are and what comes next.
The third mistake is a boring start. Many presenters begin with "Hello, my name is… and today my topic is…". The first thirty seconds are the most important part of any talk. A surprising fact, a question or a short personal story grabs attention far better.
Finally, many presentations simply end without a clear message. Strong presenters finish with a short summary and one sentence they want the audience to remember.
Comprehension questions
According to the text, what is usually the real problem with presentations?
Why do presenters put too much information on slides?
What do signposts do? What comparison does the writer use?
Why are the first thirty seconds so important?
How do strong presenters finish?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
deliver (a presentation) | sunmak | She delivered an excellent presentation. |
organise | düzenlemek | Organise your ideas before you start writing. |
presenter | sunucu, sunum yapan | The presenter spoke very clearly. |
slide | slayt | Don't put too much text on one slide. |
recommend | tavsiye etmek | I recommend starting with a question. |
key word | anahtar kelime | Write only key words on your notes. |
structure | yapı | The essay has a clear structure. |
lose interest | ilgisini kaybetmek | Students lose interest in long lectures. |
signpost | yol gösterici ifade/işaret | Use signposts to guide your audience. |
grab attention | dikkat çekmek | A good photo grabs attention. |
summary | özet | Give a short summary at the end. |
audience | dinleyiciler, izleyiciler | The audience asked a lot of questions. |
Activity 2 — Signpost Puzzle + 2-Minute Mini Presentation
Part A (7 min): Give pairs a cut-up presentation (12 strips: hook, plan, three points, transitions, summary, closing). Pairs put it in the correct order and underline every signpost.
Part B (13 min): Each student prepares a 2-minute presentation on "My favourite brand and why it is successful", using the structure: hook → plan → 3 reasons → summary → closing. Students present in groups of 4; listeners tick each signpost they hear on a checklist.
Speaking Topic 1: Public Speaking
How do you feel when you speak in front of a group?
Describe the best presentation or speech you have ever seen.
Describe a boring lecture or presentation. What went wrong?
Who is a great public speaker in Turkey or the world? Why?
Do you prefer to present alone or in a group?
What do you do to prepare for a presentation?
Should students be graded on presentations?
Is it better to use notes or speak without them?
How long should a good presentation be?
What is the best way to start a presentation?
Have you ever forgotten what to say? What did you do?
Which is scarier: public speaking or a job interview?
Speaking Topic 2: Brands and Success
What is your favourite brand and why?
Which Turkish brands are successful internationally?
What makes a brand memorable?
Do you think a logo is important? Describe a logo you like.
Which brand has the best advertising in Turkey?
Would you pay more for a famous brand? For which products?
Which brand do you think will disappear in ten years? Why?
How do influencers help brands?
Describe a brand that made a big mistake.
If you started a brand, what would it sell and what would its name be?
Are local brands better than global ones?
How important is social media for a brand's success?
Self-Study Path — Week 9
Lesson (20 min): Copy the presentation structure and learn two signpost phrases for each stage. Watch one short TED talk and write down every signpost you hear.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (30 min): Prepare a 2-minute presentation on "My favourite brand and why it is successful" (hook → plan → 3 reasons → summary → closing). Make 3–4 simple slides. Record it on video.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers and compare with the samples.
Review (10 min): Watch your video and tick each signpost you used. Keep the recording for Week 10.
Can-do check
I can start a presentation with a hook.
I can give a clear plan ("I've divided my talk into three parts…").
I can move between points with signposts.
Sample Answers — Week 9
Reading: "Why Most Presentations Fail"
According to the text, what is usually the real problem with presentations? Not the topic, but the way the information is organised and delivered.
Why do presenters put too much information on slides? They want to show how hard they have worked.
What do signposts do? What comparison does the writer use? They show listeners where they are and what comes next; the writer compares them to road signs on a motorway.
Why are the first thirty seconds so important? They are the most important part of the talk for grabbing the audience's attention.
How do strong presenters finish? With a short summary and one sentence they want the audience to remember.
Speaking Topic 1: Public Speaking
How do you feel when you speak in front of a group? I feel nervous, especially in the first minute. My hands shake and I speak too fast. But once I start and see people listening, I feel more relaxed.
Describe the best presentation or speech you have ever seen. The best one was a TED talk about procrastination. The speaker used funny drawings and personal stories, so it was entertaining but also taught me something. I still remember his main message years later.
Describe a boring lecture or presentation. What went wrong? I once watched a group presentation where they just read long texts from the slides. There were no pictures, they didn't look at the audience, and it lasted 30 minutes. Everyone was on their phones.
Who is a great public speaker in Turkey or the world? Why? I think Steve Jobs was a great speaker. He kept his slides simple, told stories, and always created excitement — for example, "one more thing" before revealing a new product.
Do you prefer to present alone or in a group? I prefer presenting in a group, because I feel less pressure and we can support each other. But alone, I have full control and don't depend on others.
What do you do to prepare for a presentation? First, I research the topic and plan three main points. Then I make simple slides and practise out loud at least three times, sometimes in front of my roommate. I also prepare for possible questions.
Should students be graded on presentations? Yes, because presentation skills are essential in business. But teachers should give clear criteria and feedback, not just a number.
Is it better to use notes or speak without them? I think small cards with key words are the best option. Speaking without any notes is risky, but reading full sentences sounds boring.
How long should a good presentation be? Usually between 10 and 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, people's attention drops. TED talks are 18 minutes maximum, and they work very well.
What is the best way to start a presentation? With a hook, like a surprising fact or a question to the audience. For example: "Did you know that Turkish people spend more than six hours a day online?"
Have you ever forgotten what to say? What did you do? Yes, in high school. I stopped, took a breath and looked at my slide, which reminded me of the next point. Nobody noticed as much as I thought.
Which is scarier: public speaking or a job interview? For me, public speaking is scarier, because many people are watching you at once. In an interview, it's just a conversation with one or two people.
Speaking Topic 2: Brands and Success
What is your favourite brand and why? My favourite brand is Nike. Their products are good quality, but I especially like their advertising, which is always motivating. "Just Do It" is a simple message that everyone remembers.
Which Turkish brands are successful internationally? Turkish Airlines, Arçelik (Beko), LC Waikiki and Ülker are successful abroad. Turkish Airlines flies to more countries than almost any other airline.
What makes a brand memorable? A simple logo, a clear message and a consistent experience. For example, Coca-Cola's red colour and bottle shape are recognised everywhere.
Do you think a logo is important? Describe a logo you like. Yes, a logo is the face of a brand. I like Apple's logo: a simple bitten apple. It's clean and modern, and you recognise it immediately.
Which brand has the best advertising in Turkey? I think Turkcell has very creative and emotional adverts, often with music and stories. Their ads around special days make people feel connected to the brand.
Would you pay more for a famous brand? For which products? For electronics, yes, because I trust the quality and after-sales service. For basic things like T-shirts or cleaning products, I buy cheaper brands.
Which brand do you think will disappear in ten years? Why? Maybe some traditional TV channels, because young people watch everything on YouTube and streaming platforms now.
How do influencers help brands? Influencers reach a specific audience that trusts them. When an influencer uses a product naturally, followers see it as a recommendation rather than an advert.
Describe a brand that made a big mistake. Nokia was the biggest phone brand, but they didn't take smartphones seriously. They were too slow to change, and Apple and Samsung took the market.
If you started a brand, what would it sell and what would its name be? I'd start a brand called "Kampüs" that sells affordable, stylish backpacks and laptop bags for students, made in Turkey with recycled materials.
Are local brands better than global ones? Not always better, but they often understand local customers better and support the local economy. For example, Turkish food brands know our taste perfectly.
How important is social media for a brand's success? It's essential today. Social media lets even small brands reach thousands of customers for little money. Many Turkish online shops started only with an Instagram account.
Week 10 — Presentation Skills II: Body Language, Voice & Q&A
Goal: Students use body language and voice effectively and handle audience questions with confidence.
Lesson: How you say it matters
Body language: stand straight, feet apart; open hands (not in pockets or crossed arms); eye contact with different parts of the room (3 seconds each); move with purpose, don't walk back and forth.
Voice — the 3 Ps: Pace (slow down for important points), Pause (a 2-second pause before a key idea), Pitch (go up and down — avoid a flat robot voice).
Handling questions:
Welcome it: That's a great question. / Thanks for asking.
Check: If I understand correctly, you're asking about…
Don't know: I don't have that information right now, but I'll find out and email you.
Off-topic: That's a bit outside today's topic, but I'm happy to discuss it after the presentation.
Check satisfaction: Does that answer your question?
Demo: give the same sentence twice — once with a flat voice and closed body, once with pauses and open gestures. Students vote on which is more convincing.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Your Body Speaks Before You Do"
When you stand in front of an audience, people start forming an opinion about you before you say a single word. Communication researchers often point out that in face-to-face situations, much of what people understand comes not from our words but from our tone of voice and our body. Although the exact numbers are often exaggerated, the message is clear: how you say something can be as important as what you say.
Posture is the first signal. A presenter who stands straight with relaxed shoulders looks confident and trustworthy. A presenter who looks at the floor, holds their arms tightly or hides behind the computer appears nervous, even if their content is excellent.
Eye contact is the second signal. In many business cultures, looking people in the eye shows honesty and respect. Good presenters do not look at only one friendly face or read from the slides. Instead, they move their eyes around the whole room so that everyone feels included. However, it is important to remember that norms vary; in some Asian cultures, too much direct eye contact can seem aggressive.
The voice is the third signal. A speaker who talks too quickly sounds anxious, while a speaker with no variation sounds bored. Effective speakers use pauses to let important ideas land, and they change their volume and pitch to keep the audience interested.
The good news is that these skills can be learned. Practising in front of a mirror, recording yourself on video, and asking a friend for honest feedback can transform an average presenter into a memorable one.
Comprehension questions
When do audiences start forming an opinion about a presenter?
What does good posture communicate?
How should a presenter use eye contact?
Why can direct eye contact be a problem in some cultures?
What three ways of practising does the text suggest?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
form an opinion | fikir oluşturmak | Don't form an opinion before you hear everything. |
exaggerated | abartılı | His story was a little exaggerated. |
posture | duruş | Good posture makes you look confident. |
trustworthy | güvenilir | Customers want a trustworthy company. |
content | içerik | The content of the presentation was excellent. |
honesty | dürüstlük | Honesty is the best policy. |
included | dahil edilmiş, kapsanmış | Everyone in the team should feel included. |
norm | norm, kural | Cultural norms differ from country to country. |
aggressive | saldırgan | His tone was a little aggressive. |
anxious | endişeli, kaygılı | I feel anxious before exams. |
variation | çeşitlilik, değişim | Use variation in your voice. |
transform | dönüştürmek | Practice can transform your speaking. |
Activity 2 — Re-Deliver with Feedback
Students re-deliver their Week 9 two-minute brand presentation in groups of 4. This time, each listener has one focus: Posture, Eye contact, Voice (3 Ps), or Signposts. After each talk, listeners give one "glow" (something good) and one "grow" (something to improve). Then each audience member must ask the presenter one question; the presenter uses the Q&A phrases from the lesson. Finish with 2–3 volunteers presenting for the whole class.
Speaking Topic 1: First Impressions
How long does it take you to form a first impression of someone?
Is your first impression of people usually correct?
What creates a good first impression in a job interview?
Do clothes matter in business? What would you wear to an interview?
What body language shows that someone is lying or nervous?
How is body language in Turkey different from other countries?
Is a handshake still important after COVID?
Have you ever changed your opinion of someone completely?
Do tattoos or piercings affect first impressions at work?
Can you judge a company by its office or website?
What does your social media profile say about you?
How can you make a good first impression online?
Speaking Topic 2: Dealing with Questions and Pressure
How do you react when someone asks you a question you can't answer?
Is it OK to say "I don't know" in a presentation or meeting?
Describe a time you were under pressure. What did you do?
How do you calm down when you are nervous?
Do you prefer an audience that asks many questions or none?
How should you respond to a rude question?
Should students ask teachers difficult questions?
Which is harder: giving a presentation or answering questions afterwards?
What would you do if your laptop stopped working during a presentation?
Do confident people always perform better?
Who do you go to for honest feedback?
How do you feel when someone criticises your work?
Self-Study Path — Week 10
Lesson (20 min): Stand in front of a mirror. Say one sentence twice — once flat with crossed arms, once with pauses, open hands and eye contact. Learn the Q&A phrases.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (30 min): Re-record your Week 9 brand presentation on video. Watch it four times, each time focusing on one thing: posture, eye contact, voice (pace, pause, pitch), signposts. Write one "glow" and one "grow" for each. Then write three tough questions about your talk and record your answers.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers standing up, with good posture, as if presenting.
Review (10 min): Compare your Week 9 and Week 10 videos. What improved?
Can-do check
I use pauses before important points.
I make eye contact and keep an open posture.
I can handle a question I can't answer ("I'll find out and get back to you.").
Sample Answers — Week 10
Reading: "Your Body Speaks Before You Do"
When do audiences start forming an opinion about a presenter? Before the presenter says a single word.
What does good posture communicate? Confidence and trustworthiness.
How should a presenter use eye contact? Move their eyes around the whole room so everyone feels included, instead of looking at one face or the slides.
Why can direct eye contact be a problem in some cultures? In some Asian cultures, too much direct eye contact can seem aggressive.
What three ways of practising does the text suggest? Practising in front of a mirror, recording yourself on video, and asking a friend for honest feedback.
Speaking Topic 1: First Impressions
How long does it take you to form a first impression of someone? Honestly, just a few seconds. I notice how they smile, how they dress and how they greet me. But I try to stay open, because first impressions can be wrong.
Is your first impression of people usually correct? Not always. My best friend seemed cold and arrogant when we first met, but she was actually just shy. Now she's one of the warmest people I know.
What creates a good first impression in a job interview? Arriving on time, a firm handshake, a smile and eye contact. Being well-prepared and knowing about the company also shows you're serious.
Do clothes matter in business? What would you wear to an interview? Yes, clothes show respect and professionalism. For an interview at a bank, I'd wear a dark suit; for a start-up, smart-casual clothes like a shirt and chinos would be fine.
What body language shows that someone is lying or nervous? Avoiding eye contact, touching the face, moving the legs a lot or crossing the arms can show nervousness. But these signs aren't always reliable — some people are just shy.
How is body language in Turkey different from other countries? Turkish people stand closer and touch more, like a hand on the shoulder. We also say "no" by lifting our head and eyebrows, which confuses many foreigners.
Is a handshake still important after COVID? Yes, I think it's back in business situations. During COVID people used elbow bumps, but now a handshake is normal again, especially in formal meetings.
Have you ever changed your opinion of someone completely? Yes. I thought one of my managers was very strict and unfriendly. Later I realised she was just very busy, and she actually helped me a lot with my career.
Do tattoos or piercings affect first impressions at work? In traditional sectors like banking or law, they can still affect impressions. In creative jobs or tech companies, nobody cares. I think skills should matter more than appearance.
Can you judge a company by its office or website? Partly. A messy, slow website makes me think the company is unprofessional. But a beautiful office doesn't always mean a good place to work.
What does your social media profile say about you? My Instagram shows that I love travelling and food. My LinkedIn is more professional and shows my education and part-time job. Employers often check both, so I'm careful about what I post.
How can you make a good first impression online? Use a professional photo, write a clear and positive bio, and reply to messages quickly and politely. In video calls, check your camera, light and background before you join.
Speaking Topic 2: Dealing with Questions and Pressure
How do you react when someone asks you a question you can't answer? I stay calm and say, "That's a good question. I'm not sure right now, but I'll check and get back to you." It's better than inventing an answer.
Is it OK to say "I don't know" in a presentation or meeting? Yes, if you say it professionally and promise to find the answer. Pretending to know something and being wrong is much worse for your credibility.
Describe a time you were under pressure. What did you do? During my university entrance exam preparation, I had to study and work at the same time. I made a strict weekly plan and took short breaks. It was stressful, but it worked.
How do you calm down when you are nervous? I take slow, deep breaths and remind myself that I've prepared. Sometimes I listen to music or go for a short walk before an important event.
Do you prefer an audience that asks many questions or none? I prefer some questions, because it shows people were interested. But too many difficult questions can make me nervous.
How should you respond to a rude question? Stay calm and polite, and focus on the useful part of the question. You can say, "I understand your concern. Let me explain…" Never answer rudely, because the audience is watching.
Should students ask teachers difficult questions? Yes, as long as they're respectful. Difficult questions show critical thinking, and good teachers enjoy them.
Which is harder: giving a presentation or answering questions afterwards? Answering questions is harder for me, because I can't prepare everything. In the presentation, I control what I say.
What would you do if your laptop stopped working during a presentation? I'd make a joke to reduce the tension and continue without slides, using my notes. That's why I always keep a printed copy or the file on a USB stick.
Do confident people always perform better? Not always. Confidence helps, but without preparation, it's just show. Sometimes nervous but well-prepared people perform better.
Who do you go to for honest feedback? I go to my older sister. She doesn't just say "it's great"; she tells me exactly what to improve, which is sometimes painful but very useful.
How do you feel when someone criticises your work? At first I feel a bit hurt, but later I try to see it as a chance to improve. Constructive criticism has helped me more than compliments.
Comments