An extension of the “Communicate Confidently” articles featured in 938LIVE’s English@Work e-newsletter, this radio programme provides valuable tips on a host of topics for executives, businessmen and managers.

Some of the topics covered so far include: ‘Thinking on Your Feet’, ‘How to Write Concisely’, ‘Communicate to Avert Conflict’ and ‘Writing to Persuade’.

Programme Schedule

• Saturdays: 3.15 pm, 6.15 pm, 10.15 pm & 2.15 am.
• Sundays: 6.15 am, 1.15 pm, 3.15 pm, 10.15 pm and 1.15 am.

LISTEN to Communicate Confidently.

SUBSCRIBE to English@Work.

Communciate Confidently is produced by the Division of Communications & Media Management, Temasek Polytechnic for MediaCorp Radio 938LIVE in support of the Speak Good English Movement.

In this issue:

• Pick up some tips on how to handle tricky interview questions
• Learn the difference between ‘Forewords vs. Prefaces vs. Introductions’
• Learn the difference between “a few” and “few”
• Don’t confuse the sound “r” with “l”
• Book reviews and more!

READ English@Work (ISSUE #160).

SUBSCRIBE to English@Work

English@Work e-newsletter is published by MediaCorp Radio 938LIVE in support of the Speak Good English Movement.

QUESTION

What is the difference between the words ‘benefactor’ and ‘beneficiary’?

ANSWER

Well, the difference is that a ‘benefactor’ is a person or group that confers a benefit while a ‘beneficiary’ is a person or group that receives the benefit.

Simply put, the ‘benefactor’ gives and the ‘beneficiary’ receives.

Source: Edited from “English As It is Broken” on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more

Whilst “say” is pronounced with the diphthong “ay”, “says” and “said” are pronounced with the short vowel sound “eh”, as in bed.

Here are some other simple words that people often get wrong because of the wrong vowel sound.

Source: Edited from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.

In Singapore malapropisms abound. I have seen the word “ravished” being used when someone obviously wanted to say he was “famished”, having missed a meal. Obviously the confusion arose not because his modesty was compromised. He was trying to use a big word when a simple one would have worked just as effectively in transmitting meaning. “Tortuous” could describe a long and winding road and “torturous” means agonizing but I have heard people describe roads as “torturous”, of course, the result of a mis-spelling.

Then are also mispronunciations so words become butchered and botched. “Starlight television” is not a new form of TV transmission on a bright moonlit night. It’s plain and simple “satellite TV”. Someone going to level three said loudly, “Lift stopping at lavatory”. Again, the truncation of the final consonant in “level” and the omission of the diphthong in “three” resulted in “lavatory” instead of “level three.” There are students who say they have forgotten to attend a “lecher” when they mean “lecture”. The advice is to know the pronunciation of a word before venturing to use it and to exercise care in using oral language. When in doubt, check online dictionaries with audio recordings.

Language is a tool to be used deftly and accurately so that you don’t look like a colossal fool! Try some ill-advised verbal gymnastics and you end up adding to the list of malapropisms!

Source: Taken from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.

QUESTION

Is there a difference between the words ‘beneath’ and ‘underneath’?

ANSWER

There are several differences between the 2 words.

In a physical context, ‘underneath’ is a preposition that refers to things that are below the surface, directly or vertically under, or at the bottom, of something. So, to say that someone is ‘underneath the sea’ can mean that the person is below the surface of the sea and also that the person is at the bottom of the sea.

‘Beneath’ is a preposition that just means ‘below’ or ‘under’ so you could say ‘we live beneath the same roof’.

In the context of rank and position, ‘underneath’ refers to people who are in a lower position in a hierarchy. So you could say the employees of a company are underneath the chief executive officer.

‘Beneath’ has a similar meaning, but carries the added meanings of being inferior or less important.

‘Underneath’ can also mean ‘hidden’ or ‘disguised’. So you might say something like ‘underneath his cool exterior lies a hidden anger’.

‘Beneath’ can also mean ‘unworthy of’ or ‘below the level or dignity of’. So if you said to someone ‘you are beneath me’, that person would have the right to be quite insulted.

Source: Edited from “English As It is Broken” on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more

QUESTION

What does it mean to ‘put someone on the pedestal’?

ANSWER

The idiom ‘to put on a pedestal’ means to believe that someone is perfect.

An example of how you can use this idiom: “They put the local doctor on a pedestal, seldom questioning his word or his authority.”

Source: Edited from “English As It is Broken” on STOMP. Visit www.stomp.com.sg for more

But good endings are like going back to the same restaurant again because you liked the food the first time around. Don’t just think that good endings are for murder mysteries, ghost stories and fiction. Good endings come in handy for reports, speeches and Powerpoint presentations.

Start By Being Definite
Allow the audience to know that you are done or are now ready for questions. Never leave them hanging or guessing. Tell them what you want them to do. Recap your points. The conclusion cannot be implied or left open.

Make Everything Complete
Don’t just sum up facts; end with a clear conclusion. Your ending must bring the reader back to why you started writing your speech, report or presentation. It must answer the questions you posed at the beginning. Ending with an interesting quote or point can entice readers to further explore the topic.

Never Rush Through A Presentation Without Making Your Point
The worst mistake is to have more than a 100 slides or such a long and boring speech that you never get a chance to emphasize your point. Give your audience a chance to ask questions like “Where do we go from here?” or “What can we do about it?”

Endings Are Important
They are the final contact you will have with your audience; your last chance to make an impression. Take time with your endings and write them carefully. A satisfying conclusion will leave your audience with an enjoyable experience. Your next work will then be anxiously awaited.

Source: Edited from the english@work e-newsletter by 938LIVE. Subscribe to the english@work newsletter.

Edifice is a building, especially one of large size or imposing appearance.
Learn how to pronounce Edifice from dictionary.com.