WEEK 4 : Section1~3
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1.) Meeting Roleplay: Controlling the Discussion in Meetings + Brainstorming
(Student 3 Leading)
Meeting Roleplay 1: Brainstorming (*Please read "Guidelines for Brainstorming" before starting)
Background: Our team is responsible for promoting a new product, which is a brand of skin cream. The target demographic is women in their 30s, but we don't have any channels to reach this group.
Goal: Brainstorm different promotional channels for this brand of skin cream that appeals to this demographic.
Guidelines for Brainstorming (For the students)
You can start by sharing vague ideas with the group. You should not prepare to present a super clear idea. When you begin the meeting, everyone will discuss the vague ideas and build on them, until they become much clearer and the group can evaluate them. Hopefully, toward the end of the Meeting Roleplay, there will be some clearer, well-developed and evaluated ideas for completing the Meeting Roleplay Goal.
(Japanese Translation of Guidelines Follow Below:)
*ブレインストーミングのガイドライン (生徒向け）
最初は曖昧なアイデアをグループと共有することから始めてください。はっきりとしたアイデアを準備して発表する必要はありません。ミーティングを始めたら、全員でその曖昧なアイデアについて話し合い、徐々に明確にしていき、グループが評価できるようにします。ミーティングロールプレイの終盤には、ミーティングロールプレイの目標を達成するための、より明確でよく練られたアイデアがいくつか出てくることが望ましいです。
BUSINESS ACTIVITY: CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS
FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
We're here today to talk about (topic of the meeting).
We need to discuss (topic of the meeting).
Keeping to the Right Subject
We're getting off the subject.
Can we come back to that later?
Changing the Subject
I think we've covered this point.
Can we move onto the next point?
Concluding and Summarizing
I think that's everything.
I will summarize everything in an email.
Thank you for coming everyone. Goodbye.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY: BRAINSTORMING IDEAS
FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Putting forward an idea
Could we (idea)?
I think we could (idea).
Maybe we could (idea)
What if we tried (idea?
Asking for clarification
I'm not sure what you mean by...
So, you’re saying...
Do you mean...?
Clarifying the idea
Well, for example,...
I was thinking about...
Building on the idea
Maybe we could also...
Evaluating the idea
I think it has some good points.
It’s not a bad idea.
We should think about it.
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2.) Business Discussion: Competition
Competition Article: In business, competition is inevitable, and companies must continuously adapt to stay ahead. Gaining a competitive advantage often means differentiating products, offering unique features, or implementing a more effective pricing strategy. The most successful businesses not only focus on gaining market share but also work to build strong brand loyalty. For smaller companies, finding a niche market can help them survive against larger competitors. By analyzing competitors through benchmarking, businesses can identify gaps and opportunities to improve.
Discussion Questions:
How important is it for companies to differentiate their products from competitors?
Can you think of a company that has a strong competitive advantage? What gives them that advantage?
What are some common barriers to entry for new businesses in highly competitive markets?
How do companies determine the best pricing strategy in a competitive market?
Do you think competition benefits customers? Why or why not?
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3.) Casual Discussion: Shopping
Shopping Article: Shopping is a popular activity, whether at a shopping mall or online. Many people enjoy finding a good bargain or simply window shopping to see what’s available. With the rise of online shopping, it's become easier to compare prices, look for discounts, and buy items from the comfort of home. Customer service and return policies are important factors that influence where people choose to shop. For those looking to save money, secondhand shopping is also an option, offering quality items at lower prices.
Discussion Questions:
Do you prefer shopping in stores or online? Why?
How important is customer service to you when shopping?
Have you ever made an impulse buy? What was it, and did you regret it later?
What are the benefits of secondhand shopping compared to buying new items?
What is the best bargain you’ve ever found, and where did you find it?
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