WEEK 4 : Section1~3
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1.) Meeting Roleplay: Controlling the Discussion in Meetings + Brainstorming (Student 3 Leading)
(*Please read "Guidelines for Brainstorming" before starting)
Background:
Our team is responsible for promoting a new product, a brand of skin cream. The target demographic is women in their 30s, but we currently lack effective channels to reach this group.
Goal:
Brainstorm various promotional channels for this brand of skin cream that appeal to this demographic.
*Guidelines for Brainstorming
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.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
We’re here today to focus on (topic of the meeting).
We need to address (topic of the meeting).
Keeping to the Right Subject
We’re straying from the main point.
Can we revisit that topic later?
Changing the Subject
I believe we’ve fully covered this topic.
Shall we move on to the next agenda item?
Concluding and Summarizing
That seems to be everything.
I’ll provide a summary in an email shortly.
Thanks for attending, everyone. Take care.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
BRAINSTORMING IDEAS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Putting forward an idea
How about we (idea)?
I believe we could (idea).
Perhaps we could consider (idea)?
What if we tried (idea)?
Asking for clarification
I’m not entirely sure what you mean by...
So, if I understand correctly, you’re saying...
Are you suggesting...?
Clarifying the idea
Well, to give an example...
I was thinking along the lines of...
Building on the idea
Maybe we could further develop it by...
Evaluating the idea
I think there are some strong points here.
It’s quite a solid idea.
We should definitely take it into consideration
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2.) Business Discussion: Competition
Vocabulary List:
Market Share – The portion of total sales in a market that is controlled by a specific company or product.
Competitor – A company or individual that provides similar products or services in the same market.
Competitive Advantage – A unique feature or capability that gives a company an edge over its competitors.
Monopoly – A situation where a single company dominates the entire market, with little or no competition.
Pricing Strategy – The method a company uses to price its products or services in relation to the competition and market conditions.
Differentiation – The process of making a product or service stand out by emphasizing its unique qualities.
Barrier to Entry – Factors that make it difficult for new companies to enter an existing market.
Market Leader – The company with the largest market share and often the most influence in a specific industry.
Benchmarking – The process of comparing a company’s performance, products, or services against competitors or industry standards.
Niche Market – A smaller, specialized segment of a larger market that caters to specific consumer needs.
Competition Article:
Competition is a driving force in business that encourages innovation and pushes companies to offer better products and services. Market leaders constantly strive to maintain their competitive advantage, often through differentiation and strategic pricing. Meanwhile, new entrants face barriers to entry, such as established brands and economies of scale. Benchmarking allows companies to compare their performance with industry standards, helping them identify areas for improvement. Whether a company dominates the market or serves a niche, staying ahead of competitors requires a combination of innovation, customer loyalty, and adaptability.
Discussion Questions:
How important is it for companies to differentiate their products from those of their competitors?
Can you think of a company that has a strong competitive advantage? What makes them stand out?
What are some common barriers to entry that new businesses face in highly competitive markets?
How do you think a company can become a market leader in its industry?
Do you believe competition is beneficial for consumers? Why or why not?
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3.) Casual Discussion: Shopping
Vocabulary List:
Retail – The sale of goods directly to consumers, typically through physical stores or online platforms.
Bargain – A product sold at a price lower than its usual cost, often seen as a good deal.
Customer Service – The support and assistance provided by a company to people who buy or use its products or services.
Shopping Mall – A large complex of shops and restaurants housed in a building, offering various consumer goods and services.
Window Shopping – The act of looking at products displayed in store windows without intending to make a purchase.
Online Shopping – Purchasing goods or services through the internet from various retailers.
Discount – A reduction in price, often used to attract customers or encourage purchases.
Return Policy – The rules and conditions under which customers can return products they have purchased for a refund or exchange.
Impulse Buy – A purchase made on a whim, without prior planning or consideration.
Secondhand – Products that have been previously owned or used by someone else, often sold at a lower price.
Shopping Article:
Shopping habits have evolved significantly with the rise of online platforms and the convenience they offer. Many people enjoy the experience of window shopping or hunting for bargains at their favorite stores. For those who prefer a more sustainable approach, secondhand shopping has become increasingly popular, allowing consumers to find quality items at lower prices. Customer service and return policies also play a critical role in shaping the overall shopping experience, influencing where people choose to shop and how satisfied they are with their purchases.
Discussion Questions:
Do you prefer shopping in physical stores or online? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?
How important is good customer service when deciding where to shop?
Have you ever made an impulse buy? What was it, and how did you feel about it afterward?
What do you think of secondhand shopping? Have you ever bought anything secondhand?
What is the best bargain or deal you’ve ever found while shopping?
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