Annie Mercolita Cirera

What Is This Module About? Have you ever attended or conducted a meeting? It may have been an informal gathering in school or a more formal meeting at work or in the barangay. Have you ever been interviewed or have tried to interview another person? Attending meetings and conducting interviews are becoming more and more important activities undertaken by people involved in business, professionals and other undertakings that require meetings of the minds and agreements. There are meetings in the barangay, assemblies of local cooperatives, conferences of homeowners’ associations or local residents, and meetings of work associations. In order that meetings and interviews can be conducted efficiently, politely and orderly, different types of expressions are used. These expressions help to guide the flow of conversations and discussions among people in a meeting and between interviewer and interviewee. When we use appropriate expressions, we are able to have better and more productive meetings and interviews. This module is divided into two lessons: Lesson 1 – Conducting a Meeting Lesson 2 – Conducting an Interview What Will You Learn From This Module? After completing this module, you should be able to: ♦ use appropriate expressions in a meeting; and ♦ use appropriate expressions when conducting an interview.  Show tactfulness and politeness when communicating with others during a meeting about disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation 1 Let’s See What You Already Know Before studying the module, try and answer the questions below to determine how much you already know. Write the letter of the correct answer in the blank before each number. ____ 1. It is a gathering of people at a particular place and time to discuss a matter or make a decision on an issue. a. interview b. meeting c. demonstration d. speech ____ 2. The expression “I second the motion” means that you __________. a. reject a suggestion b. offer a suggestion c. support a suggestion d. end the meeting ____ 3. “The motion is carried” means the suggestion is __________. a. approved b. rejected c. supported d. set aside ____ 4. Which is the best and simplest expression to use to begin a meeting? a. “Shall we start the meeting?” b. “The meeting will come to order.” c. “Everybody pay attention. The meeting is about to start.” d. “Keep quiet. We are about to start the meeting.” 2 ____ 5. A person who says “I move that we set the next meeting on July 1” is making a suggestion to __________. a. finish the discussion on that date b. do not meet on that date c. end the meeting on that date d. meet on that date ____ 6. It is a method of exchanging certain ideas or opinions between two people through questions and answers. a. meeting b. interview c. speech d. demonstration ____ 7. “I beg your pardon” is used if you want your interviewee to __________. a. apologize to you b. request for a break c. repeat what he said d. stop talking ____ 8. “How do you feel about…” is asked to know the interviewee’s __________. a. opinion b. basic information c. knowledge of a certain topic d. skill on a certain procedure 3 ____ 9. If you are not sure if your interviewee wants to be quoted on a sensitive information he shared, you __________. a. won’t tell him that he will be quoted b. should ask if he could go on record with what he said c. will not include what he said in your report d. will give your own interpretation of what he said ____ 10. You can get specific answers by asking the interviewee to __________. a. repeat what he has said b. interpret what he has said c. move on to another topic d. give examples Well, how was it? Do you think you fared well? Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 42. If all your answers are correct, very good! This shows that you already know much about the topic. You may still study the module to review what you already know. Who knows, you might learn more new things as well. If you got a low score, don’t feel bad. This means that this module is for you. It will help you understand important concepts that you can apply in your daily life. If you study this module carefully, you will learn the answers to all the items in the test and a lot more! Are you ready? You may now go to the next page to begin Lesson 1. 4 LESSON 1 Conducting a Meeting We call a meeting when we want to create/generate ideas, share information, or make a group decision. In a formal meeting, like a barangay or parents’ and teachers’ meeting, certain expressions are used. Examples are “The meeting will please come to order” and “The motion is carried.” Expressions like these help attain a good flow of the meeting and ensure order of activities and actions. After studying this lesson, you should be able to:  Identify the formal expressions used in a meeting.  Explain the meaning of formal expressions used in a meeting; and  Use simple but appropriate expressions when conducting a meeting  Design a plan of activities to promote awareness on DRR through a meeting with co-learners Let’s Read Read carefully the following dialogue that contains certain expressions used in a meeting. Take note of these expressions. Do the tasks that follow. The officials of Barangay 89, Payapay, San Jose are having a meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) activities that they have to carry out in their area. Good morning, Mrs. Santos. Good morning, Mr. Reyes. And good morning to you Mr. Garcia. 5 Good morning Mr. Reyes. Hello, Mrs. Raga. Yes. I am interested to help in carrying out the activities which will be agreed with. I’m glad to see you here. I’m sure you are very much willing to join us in a program on DRR. If that is so, I think we need to get inside the hall now. The chairman is waiting for us. The meeting will please come to order. Are we in quorum, Miss Secretary? Yes, Mr. Chairman. Eight out of ten barangay officials are now present. Thank you for attending this meeting, everyone. Will the secretary then please read the minutes of the previous meeting? Yes, Mr. Tan? Mr. Chairman… I move that we don’t read the minutes of our last meeting anymore. We only have limited time for this today’s meeting and we have several important matters to discuss. 6 I second the motion. Very well. Now, will the secretary read the agendum for this meeting? The item to be discussed in this meeting will be the activities to be carried out in order to promote awareness among the constituents regarding the safety practices during disaster. Nice idea. Do you agree with Mr. Reyes’s idea? Are there any suggestions presented, Miss Secretary? Or does anybody here want to raise suggestions? Mr. Chairman, I think it would be better if our initial activity is to conduct an orientation on disaster risk reduction practices with the constituents in our community. I am with him, Mr. Chairman. And I also think that we must include earthquake drill. 7 Mr. Chairman… Thank you for your suggestion Mr. Garcia. Any other suggestions? Yes, Mr. Chairman, if you will allow me to. Yes, Mr. Santos. Do you want to discuss any point? Of course. You have the floor, Mr. Santos. I just want to add that aside from the earthquake drill, the residents must be taught about first aid practices. You have a very good point Mr. Santos. Will the secretary put the suggestions on record? 8 I think Mrs. Lim wants to be heard, too. Mrs. Lim, do you want to say something? Yes, Mr. Chairman. I have already recorded all their suggestions. Yes, Mr. Chairman. My concern is about the source of fund for the speakers’ honorarium, snacks, and other expenses for the said orientation. Yes, Mr. Chairman, we still have the excess of the proceeds from our fund raising activity last fiesta. That’s another good point to consider. Thank you Mrs. Lim. Now, Miss Treasurer, does the organization have existing fund? Good to hear that. Is it okay with the body if we will use that remaining amount for the orientation and other related activities? I think there is no problem with that. Anyway, this is for the benefit of everybody in the community. You know it is very important to be aware of the safety practices during disasters for us to be prepared and to reduce the cases of serious problems during calamities. 9 I agree. So I guess that we have to set the schedule now. Okay. Are there any other reactions? None Mr. Chairman. But I move that schedule will be set on a Saturday. There’s no problem with that. Are you with Mr. Bael’s proposal? It’s all right, Mr. Chairman. I guess everything is carried out Mr. Chairman. Well, motion is carried. Are there any other concerns? If that is so, I will let Miss secretary arrange the schedule with the speakers. Since we have already decided on the actions to take for the DRR orientation, the meeting is now adjourned. 10 Let’s Try This Now that you have read the dialogue, try doing the following tasks. A. Answer the following questions briefly. 1. Who are involved in the meeting? _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ 2. What is the topic tackled in the discussion? _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ 3. Based on the conversation, what is the importance of disaster preparedness? _____________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________ 4. In the meeting of the barangay officers, several expressions that are appropriate for a formal meeting were used. Write down the expressions that you feel are part of the rules and procedures of a formal meeting. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ 5. Compare your list of expressions with the expressions below. Were you able to identify all the expressions listed? a. The meeting will please come to order. b. Are we in quorum? c. Will the secretary now please read the minutes? d. I move that… e. I second the motion. f. Will the secretary now please read the agendum/agenda? g. Is there any discussion on the matter? /Are there any suggestions? h. The motion is carried. i. Will the secretary put that on record? j. The meeting is now adjourned. 11 Now that you were able to identify the expressions used in the conversation, it’s your turn to share what you already know by doing the next activity. B. Have you attended a meeting where formal expressions were used? What other expressions do you know? Write them in the space below. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ C. Now try and write in simple words what you think each expression means. Write your answers in the second column of the table below. Expressions Meaning The meeting will please come to order Are we in quorum? I move that… I second the motion. Is there any discussion on that matter?/ Are there any suggestions? The motion is carried. Will the secretary put that on record? Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 43-44 . 12 Let’s Learn In meetings, you don’t have to be very formal with your expressions. What matters is that you make use of words that are appropriate, polite, simple and clear enough to be understood by the people in the meeting. The following are examples of formal expressions that have been simplified. Note that though the expressions in the right column are simple, they are still appropriate and their meanings are clear. Instead of saying: You can say: The meeting will please come to order. The order of the day will now be taken up. Shall we start the meeting? May we go on with the agenda? 13 May I say something? Will the gentlemen yield? Instead of saying: You can say: Is there any discussion on motion? May I have your thoughts on this? Can you share your views on the issue? I move that... I suggest that... I second the motion. I agree. I support. 14 In an election of officers for an organization, however, formal expressions used in a meeting are still the most effective because of the following reasons: ♦ They protect and defend the group from actions or decisions that are hasty or not well thought of. ♦ They give each member an equal right to be heard. ♦ They help determine the decision or will of the majority of group members. ♦ They help make sure the election is conducted in an orderly manner. Below are some expressions used in an election during a meeting. The table is now open for nominations. I nominate Ms. Lisa Santos for President. I nominate Mr. Mario Rodriguez for President. I second the motion. I move that nominations be closed. / I move to close the nominations. 15 Let’s Learn More Sometimes, a meeting can be very disorderly. Since a meeting usually involves several participants with different personalities, a group leader or chairperson may have problems in conducting a meeting. Here are expressions that he/she can use in certain situations: A participant is involved in side conversations, disturbing the meeting. Should we add what you are discussing to the agenda? What you’re discussing appears to be very important. Maybe we can set up another meeting to discuss it. A participant is not contributing to the discussion. I’d like to hear from everyone in the group. Let each of us take turns sharing our ideas. A participant talks too much. Those were interesting comments. Now, if we could focus on agenda item number 2. That’s an interesting point. Now let’s see what the group thinks of. 16 A participant is always arguing and criticizing others harshly. As I understand it, you are suggesting that... That’s an interesting idea. Let’s see what others think about it. Let’s Try This Again When do you use the following expressions? What do they mean? 1. May I have your attention, please? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 2. Are there any suggestions? or I’m open to suggestions. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 3. May I say something? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 4. May I add to that? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 5. Shall we proceed? or Can we move on? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 44-45. 17 Let’s See What Have You Learned LearnedHave Fill out each of the following speech balloons with simple expression that can be appropriately used in each given situation. 1. You want to start the meeting. _____________ _____________ _____________ __________ 2. You want to know if the participants in a meeting are ready to vote. ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ _____ 18 3. You want to know the participants’ views on an issue. ___________ ___________ ___________ ___________ _____ 4. You want a shy participant to contribute to the discussion. ______________ ______________ ______________ _______ 19 5. You want a participant who talks too much to let others speak. ______________ ______________ ______________ _______ Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 45-46. 20 Let’s Do This Meet with other co-learners to practice conducting a formal meeting using role-plays with the assistance of your ALS implementer. Be sure to use the appropriate expressions in conducting a meeting. Your topic must be about promoting preparedness for disasters. You will plan for the activities to be carried out in order to disseminate the safety practices in your community. The conduct of your meeting and the accomplished plan of activities matrix will be graded by your ALS Implementer using a rubric. Your final output must be a plan of activities that will follow this format. Activities Schedule/ Time Frame Person/s Responsible 21 Budget Let’s Remember In this lesson, you have learned that: ♦ A meeting is an activity where a group of people gather at a particular place and time to discuss a matter or make a decision on an issue. ♦ Certain expressions are used to make the flow of the meeting efficient, orderly and productive. ♦ Formal expressions used in meetings can be simplified without changing their meaning.  Awareness of the safety practices during disasters helps lessen the cases of serious problems brought by the calamity/ies. 22 LESSON 2 Conducting an Interview With the advent of technology, it has been easier for us to witness sitcoms, newscast and interviews in televisions or even in other social networks. This makes us notice that the persons in the scenes or the reporters do their job very well. This is because they are well-trained in conducting interviews. You can be one of them in the future because in this lesson, you will learn some important expressions used during the conduct of an interview. These expressions can help you organize your own interview. Aside from that, they can help you get the most from your interviewee. After the studying this lesson, you should be able to:      identify appropriate expressions that are used in conducting an interview; state ways of taking care of the environment explain the purpose of specific expressions used in an interview use appropriate expressions in the conduct of an interview Conduct a mock interview about ways on mitigating the effect of climate change 23 Let’s Try This There are many expressions that can be used in different instances when conducting an interview. For example: ♦ There are appropriate expressions for opening and closing your interview. ♦ When an interviewee gives general answers, you can use appropriate expressions to get specific answers. ♦ When an interviewee gives casual answers, you can use appropriate expressions to get deeper insights or more information. ♦ When an interviewee talks about too many things at once, you can use appropriate expressions to make him focus on the topic being discussed. ♦ In the same way, there are appropriate expressions not only to get the interviewee’s ideas but also to know his opinion. Now, try to match the expressions below under column A with the specific instances in an interview under column B. A B 1. I hope I’m not disturbing you with this interview. a. closing the interview b. getting the interviewee’s opinion about an issue c. opening an interview d. getting deeper information or more insights e. getting specific answer and/or making the interviewee focus on one topic 2. Going back to... Could you tell me more about... 3. Is it true that ... 4. How do you feel about... 5. I have gotten a lot from this interview, I thank you for it... Check your answers by referring to page 46 then compare these with the expressions used in the dialogue beginning on the next page. 24 Let’s Listen to This The dialogue that follows will help you understand how to conduct an interview. It will help you identify expressions that can be used when interviewing another person. Listen to Tape Segment # 2, Side A, Meetings and Interviews while reading the dialogue below. The dialogue is about an interview with an important person. (Again, if you do not have the Tape, you can just read through the dialogue below.) Characters: Albert Joselito Mendoza Interviewer, interested in knowing how to solve environmental problems Interviewee, a Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer in Albert’s town Good morning, Mr. Mendoza. I hope I’m not disturbing you with this interview. Not at all. Please be seated. Go ahead. So what are you interested to know from me, Mr. Jimenez? If you don’t mind, I’d like to record the interview on tape so I don’t miss anything. 25 As you very well know, Barangay Maharlika has had its share of environmental problems in recent years. It seems, however, that few people are doing anything about it. Our project in our NFE learning group is to gather information on how to best take care of the environment so that the disaster we had two months ago will not happen again. I’m glad that people are starting to be active in caring for Mother Earth. We have to if we want to continue to survive. My first concern is garbage. It causes innumerable health problems. It is also a menace when it clogs canals and rivers, bringing about flood. How can we avoid accumulation of garbage? There are many ways of doing this. One is to separate and recycle wastes. Of course, you should know which are recyclable and which are not. Isn’t that There are many ways of doing this. One is to separate and recycle wastes. Of course, you should know which are recyclable and which are not. Maybe only in the beginning. Many countries have long been doing it. Isn’t that difficult to do? 26 Can we reduce waste if we choose the correct food to buy and eat? Yes. If we eat fresh fruits and vegetables, there will be less leftover or peelings to throw away. Or, maybe none at all. That is true. Going back to recycling, could you tell me more about how others are doing it? Very often, we throw away bottles, cans and plastics, which we can still use for other purposes. Bottles and cans can be used as containers or vases. We can turn them into attractive home decorations with a little creativity and imagination. Other people have even started all sorts of business with recycled materials. We learned in our NFE learning group session that we might have difficulty in getting enough water in the future. It will be harder, too, to get clean, potable water. Now, unlike before, many of us have to buy the water we drink. Can something be done about this? 27 Certainly. If we keep our surroundings clean, if we do not throw garbage in our rivers and canals, if we do not destroy our forests, if we are able to stop ships, foreign and local, from dumping their wastes into our seas, then we might be able to recover the water that has become scarce in so many places in our own country. Farmers should learn to choose crops based on available water supply. Industries must return the water to its source in the same condition in which they took it. They have the means and the resources to do just that. And as for us, private citizens, let’s use the water in our homes wisely. It’s true. Golf courses and swimming pools that get their water from shallow rivers tend to siphon off so much water. These rivers dry up eventually. Is it true that golf courses and water parks with big swimming pools are partly to blame for the water crisis? How do you feel about the attitude of the people in our barangay toward the environment? That is very nice food for thought. I have gotten more than I expected from this interview, Mr. Mendoza. I thank you for it. Oh, yes. As long as there is life, there is hope—the hope that things will change for a better world. There is a need to teach them more. There is a need for us to learn from past experiences. If all of us understand our responsibilities to the world we live in and take very good care of it, it will, in turn, take very good care of us. 28 Let’s Talk About This A. Answer the following questions regarding the dialogue you have read. 1. Who did Albert interview? ____________________________________________________ 2. What was Albert’s purpose in conducting the interview? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 3. Was Mr. Mendoza the right person to be interviewed about Albert’s concerns? Why? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 4. Based on the interview, how can we avoid the accumulation of garbage. ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ 5. What are the ways of taking care of our environment as cited in the interview? ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ B. List down the expressions used by the interviewer in the procedure of interviewing Mr. Mendoza. ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ C. Do you think the use of the expressions you have identified helped Albert in conducting the interview? How? ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 46-47 . 29 Let’s Learn The following are expressions used when conducting an interview. These expressions help attain the smooth flow of the conversation and discussion between the interviewer and the interviewee. To start or end the interview... To get a detailed answer. . . Thank you for finding time for this interview. Can you about...? tell me To know more about something that has already been mentioned To find more information on a topic or an issue... Can you tell me more about... Going back to... To get an opinion or perception … or... What do you think of...? How do you feel about...? 30 To show the interviewee that you prepared for the interview or to give an opportunity for a meaningful answer... … or... I’m also interested. I have read that... … or... To get a specific answer A new study shows that... Can you give an example? … or To get permission to quote interviewee on an information that is sensitive or may be taken wrongly. How is that? May I quote you on that? … or... Will you go on record with that? 31 For a smooth conduct of an interview the following tips must be observed. Setting up the Interview  Contact the potential interviewee in advance.  Be sure that you ask for the interview. This person is doing you a favor.  Arrange a specific time and place, and let the interviewee know how much time it will take.  Identify the topic that you will be discussing during the interview. Preparing for the interview  Be sure to write out a list of questions in advance.  Find out whatever information you can about the person you’re interviewing.  Decide which questions are highest priority if time runs short.  Decide what your goals are for the interview. Coming up with Questions  Ask yourself: “What is it that I need to know?  Write down a list of things that you are hoping to find out.  Write a list of questions that you think will lead to these answers.  Check the questions carefully to see if the wording could be offensive to your interviewee. Meeting the Interviewee • Always bring a stiff-backed notebook and several trustworthy writing instruments. • If you wish to tape-record your interview, always ask before doing so. • Keep notes on the interview, but make sure that you are still talking to the interviewee, not just scribbling. • Be sure that you come to the interview with a prepared list of questions (more than you think you’ll need!) • Try to stick to the topic at hand, but be ready to be flexible if your interviewee brings up unexpected but valuable information. 32 Let’s See What Have You Learned A. Answer the items below. Write the letter of the correct answer in the blank before each number. ____ 1. When you ask, “How is that?” you want your interviewee to... a. be specific. b. discuss another topic. c. repeat what he/she said. d. return to a previous topic. ____ 2. “Go on record” means that you can… a. interpret what your interviewee has said. b. ask your interviewee to repeat what he/she said. c. have your interviewee explain his/her answer. d. quote your interviewee on what he/she has said. ____ 3. “Can you tell me more about…?” is a good question to ask when you want to… a. go back to a previous topic. b. end the interview. c. get more information about the topic. d. change the topic. ____ 4. You can get your interviewee’s opinion by asking… a. “Can we now turn to…?” b. “I have read that…” c. “What do you think of…?” d. “Going back to…” 33 ____ 5. What should you say if you weren’t able to hear what your interviewee had said? a. “What do you think of…?” b. “Sorry, I beg your pardon.” c. “Will you go on record with that?” d. “I have read that…” B. Give the appropriate expression for each situation below. 1. You want to change the topic or focus the interviewee’s answer. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 2. You will start an interview. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 3. You want to know more about a topic that has already been mentioned. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 4. You want to show the interviewee that you prepared for the interview. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 5. You want to get a specific answer. ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 34 C. Based on the given pointers in conducting the interview, tell whether each statement below is True or False. Write your answer on the blank before the number. ______1. In conducting an interview, you should call the potential interviewee in advance so he’ll get notified. ______ 2. Preparing the list of questions for the interview is not necessary. ______ 3. You can tape-record your interview anytime you wish to without asking for permission from the interviewee. ______ 4. In preparing for the interview, you should decide on which questions are highest priority if time runs out. ______ 5. Before conducting an interview, you should check the questions carefully if the wording could be offensive to your interviewee. ______ 6. While keeping notes on the interview, you have to make sure that you are still talking to the interviewee, not just writing. ______ 7. You have to be sure that you come to the interview with a prepared list of questions more than you think you’ll need. ______ 8. During the interview, you have to try sticking to the topic at hand, but must be ready to be flexible if your interviewee brings up unexpected but valuable information. ______ 9. You must always bring a notebook and several trustworthy writing instruments when conducting an interview. ______ 10. Prior to the conduct of the interview, you have to arrange a specific time and place, and let the interviewee know how much time it will take. Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 47-49. 35 Let’s Think About This Go back to the dialogue on pages 25–28. What expressions did Albert use when he conducted an interview with Mr. Mendoza? Write them down in the left column of the table below. Then, write the purpose of each expression in the right column. Expression Purpose Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on page 49. 36 Let’s Do This Try to conduct an actual interview by following the instructions below. A. Choose a topic that you would like to discuss with another person. You can choose from among the following:  an environmental concern (example: climate change adaptation practices) ♦ a recent calamity (example: a typhoon) ♦ a community problem (example: poor system of garbage disposal) ♦ a health concern (example: spread of dengue fever)  disaster readiness (DRR activities) B. Choose a person you would like to interview about the topic you have chosen. He/She may be: ♦ a family member or relative ♦ a barangay official or community volunteer ♦ a health worker ♦ a fellow employee ♦ a cooperative member or officer C. Write down the questions that you would like to ask your interviewee. Make sure these questions focus on your topic. D. Practice in front of a mirror. As you practice, make use of the expressions that you have learned in this lesson. E. Visit the person you would like to interview and ask for permission to conduct the interview. Your interviewee may want to schedule the interview for another day. Ask him if you can record the interview so you can bring a tape recorder when you meet again for the interview. 37 F. Conduct the interview. Make sure you write down all your interviewee’s answers to your questions. Remember to use the expressions appropriate for an interview, especially before you begin and when you end the interview. G. Discuss with your ALS Implementer the interview you have conducted. Share with him/her your experiences and feelings about the interview Let’s Remember In this lesson, you learned that:  Certain expressions such as “may I quote on that?” or How do you feel about...” can be used when conducting an interview.  There are appropriate expressions to start or end an interview. You can use the expression “Thank you for finding time for this interview” to start or end the interview.  There are appropriate expressions to get specific answers, personal opinions or deeper insights from the interviewee. You can use expressions like “How do you feel about...” or “What do you think of” to get these specific answers, personal opinions and deeper insights.  There are appropriate expressions that help the interviewee to focus on a topic or to move to another topic. Some of these expressions are “Going back to...” or “Can you tell me about...”  For a successful conduct of an interview several tips have to be followed. First, an interviewee must be informed about the interview beforehand so that certain arrangements as to the time and place at the interviewee’s convenience will be set. Next, topics must be identified and questions to be raised in the interview must be prepared in advance. Questions should be prioritized as to the level of importance. Check for offensive words. Then, take note of the important information obtained from the interviewee. Only record the interview upon interviewee’s consent. Then, remember to bring the necessary writing instruments during the interview.  Recycling and proper waste disposal are best ways to help save our Mother Earth and mitigate the effect of climate change 38 What You Have Learned? Simplify each expression below and then give its meaning or purpose. Write your answers in the space provided after each expression. 1. “The meeting will please come to order.” ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 2. “Will the gentleman yield?” ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 3. “I second the motion..” ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 4. “Is there any discussion on the matter?” ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 5. “The order of the day will now be taken up.” ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ 39 B. Give the appropriate expression for each situation below. Choose from the ones inside the box that follows. Write the letter of the correct answer in the blank before each number. _____ 1. You want to find out more information on the topic. _____ 2. You want to get permission to quote the interviewee on an information that is sensitive or may be taken wrongly. _____ 3. You want to get an opinion or perception on a certain topic. _____ 4. You want to change the topic or focus of the interviewee’s answer. _____ 5. You are about to end the interview. a. “Thank you for finding the time for this interview.” b. “How do you feel about…?” c. “May I quote you on that?” d. “Can we now turn to…?” e. “Can you tell me more about…” C. Arrange the following steps to take for a conduct of an interview. Write the sequence number on the space provided before each item. _______a. Prepare or have a list of the questions to raise and identify the priority queries. _______b. Contact the potential interviewee. _______c. Conduct the interview. _______d. Set schedule and venue at the interviewee’s convenience. _______ e. Gather information about the interviewee. Were you able to answer all the items? Compare your answers with those in the Answer Key on pages 50-51. 40 If the number of correct answers you got is: 12 – 15 Very good! You have learned a lot from this module. You may now proceed to the next module. 8 – 11 Good! Just go back and review the items that you answered incorrectly. 4– 7 You need to review the topics that you did not understand clearly. 0– 3 You have to review the whole module again. Let’s Sum Up In this module, you have learned that: ♦ There are appropriate expressions that can be used when conducting a meeting. These expressions help guide the flow of the meeting and give every participant a chance to be heard. ♦ There are appropriate expressions that can be used when conducting an interview. These expressions aim to get specific answers, deeper insights or personal opinions from the interviewer. They also help focus the discussion and conduct the interview in an orderly and friendly manner.  There are pointers to be followed before and during the conduct of an interview. These serve as guide for the interviewer so he can carry out a successful interview.  Keeping our surroundings clean, observing proper waste disposal, halting forest destruction, stopping ships, foreign and local, from dumping their wastes into our seas and recycling are the few but significant actions that will help save our Mother Earth from dying, thereby reduce the adverse effects of climate change. 41 Answers Key I. Let’s See What You Already Know (pages 2–4) 1. (b) is the correct answer. A meeting is a gathering of people at a particular place and time to discuss a matter or make a decision on an issue. An interview is a method of exchange between two people regarding certain ideas or opinions through questions and answers. A demonstration is an act of showing a procedure, a skill or a movement. A speech is a formal spoken communication delivered to an audience. 2. (c) is the correct answer. The expression “I second the motion” means that you support a suggestion. It does not seek to reject or offer a suggestion or end the meeting. 3. (a) is the correct answer. The expression “the motion is carried” means that the suggestion is approved. Using this expression does not mean that the motion or suggestion is rejected, supported or set aside. 4. (a) is the correct answer. The best and simplest way to begin a meeting is “Shall we start the meeting?” It is clear and polite unlike the other choices. 5. (d) is the correct answer. “I move that we set the meeting on July 1” suggests that the group meet on that particular date. 6. (c) is the correct answer. An interview is a method of exchange between two people regarding certain ideas or opinions through questions and answers in order to achieve a goal. 7. (c) is the correct answer. “I beg your pardon” is used if you want your interviewee to repeat what he said because you did not understand him clearly or did not understand him at all. 8. (a) is the correct answer. “How do you feel about…” is used to know the interviewee’s opinion. 9. (b) is the correct answer. If you are not sure if your interviewee wants to be quoted on a sensitive information he shared, you should ask if he could go on record with what he said. 10. (d) is the correct answer. You can get specific answers by asking the interviewee to give examples. 42 II. Lesson 1 Let’s Try This (pages 11-12) A. 1. The Barangay Officials of Brgy.89 Payapay, San Jose are involved in the meeting. 2. The topic in the meeting are the Disaster Risk Reduction activities that they have to carry out in their area. 3. Disaster preparedness helps reduce the cases of serious problems during calamities. 4. The meeting will please come to order. Do we have a quorum? I move that… I second the motion. I am with him. Are there any other suggestions? ..if you will allow me to... That’s another good point... I think it would be better if... The motion is carried. Will the secretary read...? Will the secretary put that on record? The meeting is adjourned. B. Here are some other example of expressions that are sometimes used in a meeting and their meanings. You may have identified other examples. Show your answers to your ALS Implementer for additional feedback. Expression Meaning a. I nominate… b. I beg to disagree… I recommend or choose… I have a different opinion on the issue or topic … c. Are there other thoughts on the matter? Do you have other ideas on the topic or issue? d. Please allow me to give my opinion. May I say something about the topic or issue? e. May I have your attention, please? May we now start with the meeting? f. May I say something more about the issue or topic? May I add to that? 43 g. Shall we proceed? May we continue with the discussion? h. The matter is decided. Everyone has agreed on what to do about the issue or topic. C. Expression 1. The meeting will please come to order. 2. Do we have a quorum? Meaning The meeting is about to start. Do we have the minimum number of the people required to attend this meeting? I suggest that… I support the proposal or suggestion. Is there anyone who would like to talk about the issue or topic? I shall request you to vote on the issue, topic or proposal being discussed. The proposal or suggestion is approved. Will the secretary write down what has been said or discussed and include it in the official record or minutes of the meeting? 3. I move that … 4. I second the motion. 5. Is there any discussion on the matter? /Are there any suggestions? 6. I shall now call for a vote. 7. The motion is carried. 8. Will the secretary put that on record? Let’s Try This Again (page 17) 1. May I have your attention, please? This expression is used when you want to start the meeting and put order in the room where the meeting is conducted. 2. Are there any suggestions? I’m open to suggestions. These expressions are used when you want your fellow participants to contribute to the discussion. 44 3. May I say something? This expression is used when you want to say something regarding the topic or matter being discussed. 4. May I add to that? This expression is used when you want to say more about what a fellow participant has said. 5. Shall we proceed? Can we move on? These expressions are used when you want the meeting to continue or begin. 6. Can we have a vote? This expression is used when you want the participants in the meeting to vote on the matter being discussed. Voting is used in order to reach a decision of the majority. 7. Do we agree on this? This expression is used when you want to confirm if everybody agrees on a suggestion or decision that has been made. 8. The matter is decided. This expression is used when you want everybody to know that a decision has been made regarding a matter or issue. Let’s See What You Have Learned (page 18-20) 1. Shall we start the meeting? 2. Shall I now call for a vote? 3. May I have your thoughts on this? Or, Can you share your views on the issue. 45 4. I’d like to hear from everyone in the group. Let each of us take turns sharing out ideas. 5. That’s an interesting point. Now, let’s see what the group thinks of it. III. Lesson 2 Let’s Try This (page 24) 1. (c) the speaker wants to start the interview by setting the atmosphere. 2. (e) the interviewer desires to get more specific details or directing the interviewee to focus on one topic 3. (d) the expression is used to get more insights 4. (b) the interviewer wants the opinion of the interviewee about an issue 5. (a) the expression is used to close a conversation and thank the interviewee Let’s Talk About This (page 29) A. 1. Albert interviewed Mr. Joselito Mendoza who was the Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer in his town. 2. As a representative of the NFE learning group, Albert wants to gather information on how to best take care of the environment so that extreme disasters like they have experienced won’t happen again 3. Yes, he was the right person to interview because of his knowledge on how to protect the environment and natural resources. 4. We can do recycling to avoid the accumulation of garbage. 5. We should observe proper waste disposal; we can recycle; we should not destroy our forests; we must choose to buy the right food and factories should not dump their wastes into the bodies of water. 46 a. Good morning, Mr. Mendoza. I hope I’m not disturbing you with this interview. b. If you don’t mind, I’d like to record the interview on tape… B. c. As you very well know, Barangay Maharlika… d. How do you feel about … e. … I have gotten more than I expected from this interview, Mr. Mendoza. And, I thank you for it. C. Yes, I think the use of the expressions helped Albert in conducting the interview. Albert was very polite and the discussion flowed smoothly and in a friendly manner. Albert was able to get the information he was looking for. Albert had no difficulty getting answers from his interviewee. Let’s See What You Have Learned (pages 33-35) A. 1. (a) is the correct answer. You want your interviewee to be specific when you ask him “How is that?” For example, your interviewee did not specify the reason why he complains about the garbage problem in your community. By asking, “How is that” you can give your interviewee an opportunity to be specific. 2. (d) is the correct answer. “Go on record” means that you can quote your interviewee on what he/she has said. For example, your interviewee gave an opinion on how the community officials handle the garbage problem. You will ask permission for you to repeat what he/she said to prevent misunderstandings. 3. (c) is the correct answer. A good way to get more information about the topic is to ask “Can you tell me more about…?” For example, your interviewee gave a brief answer on what he knows about the community’s problems. You can ask “Can you tell me more about the problems in the community that we need to solve?” 4. (c) is the correct answer. You can get your interviewee’s opinion by asking “What do you think of…” For example, you need your interviewee’s opinion on a factory’s 47 contribution to air pollution. You can ask him, “What do you think about the pollution caused by the garments factory in our barangay?” 5. (b) is the correct answer. If you weren’t able to hear what your interviewee has said, you may say “Sorry, I beg your pardon.” For example, you failed to hear your interviewee’s reply to your question on community cleanliness. You can ask “Sorry, I beg your pardon. Can you repeat what you have said?” B. Examples of appropriate expressions for each of the situations include the following: 1. - Can we now turn to the community’s problem of garbage disposal? - I’m also interested in your idea about the building of a new community park. These expressions signal the interviewee to focus or move on to another topic. 2. - Thank you for finding time for this interview. I am anxious to know your opinoins and thoughts regarding our community’s problems. This expression signals the start of the interview. This also shows appreciation of the person’s time, effort and willingness to be interviewed. 3. - Going back to the community’s problem on garbage disposal. What do you think should our barangay officials do about it? This expression shows your interviewee that you want to know more about the topic you have already talked about. This is very useful, especially when you’ve forgotten to ask for information about a topic you already mentioned. 4. - I have read that recycling is one way of solving garbage disposal problems. - A new study shows that people are now more open to recycling as a means of disposing of garbage. 48 These expressions show your interviewee that you have researched about the topic you are about to discuss with him/her. These show your preparedness and show the interviewee that you are serious about your interview. 5. - Can you cite an example on how we can solve the community’s garbage disposal problem? This expression encourages your interviewee to give more specific answers, especially when he/she does not talk much. You may also have identified other appropriate expressions for each situation. Discuss your answers with your Instructional Manager for additional feedback. C. 1. True 2. False 3. False 4. True 5. True 6. True 7. True 8. True 9. True 10. True Let’s Think About This (page 36) Expression Good morning, Mr. Mendoza.I hope I’m not disturbing you with this interview. If you don’t mind, I’d like to record the interview on tape… As you very well know, Barangay Maharlika… Going back to recycling… How do you feel about … … I have gotten more than I expected from this interview, Mr. Mendoza. and I thank you for it. Purpose To start an interview in a friendly manner To ask permission to use a tape recorder to have a better and more exact record of the discussion To give the interviewee information on the topic to be discussed and to give an opportunity for meaningful answers; to familiarize or give the interviewee a brief background on the issue To know more about something that has already been mentioned To get an opinion or perception To end the interview and to show appreciation for the interviewees time and cooperation 49 IV. What Have You Learned? (pages 39-40 ) A. 1. “Shall we start the meeting?” This expression is a simpler way to call the attention of the participants to begin with the meeting. For example, all the members of your community group are already inside the hall. There is much noise because everyone is talking. You can start the meeting by saying in a clear voice, “Shall we start the meeting.” 2. “May I say something?” This expression is a simpler way of asking permission to speak, especially after someone has spoken. For example, your group is discussing about means of proper garbage disposal. A member suggested composting. You have another idea that you can introduce by saying, “May I say something?” 3. “I support…” or “I agree…” This is a simpler expression to show agreement to the suggestion given on a matter. For example, a member of your group suggested recycling as a way of reducing garbage disposal problems. To show your agreement, you may say, “I support Mr. Garcia’s suggestion on recycling.” 4. “Can I have your thoughts on this?” or “Can you share your views on this issue?” This is a simpler expression that seeks the participants to contribute to the discussion about a matter or an issue. For example, you are holding a meeting about a tree-planting project in your community. You noticed that your group members are quiet. To encourage them to share their ideas about the topic under discussion, you may say, “Can I have your thoughts on how we can go about the tree-planting project.” 5. “Can we go on with the agenda?” This expression is a simpler way to start a meeting regarding matters or items that have been planned to be discussed. For example, you are about to introduce the issue on illegal drugs in your community. You may start with “Can we go on with the agenda? Some of you have expressed their 50 concern about the illegal drugs being sold here in our community. B. 1. (e) is the correct answer. For example, you want to get more information about your interviewee’s experience with handling pollution problems You may ask “Can you tell me more about the projects you have handled that helped control pollution in this city?” 2. (c) is the correct answer. For example, you want to get permission to quote an interviewee on his opinion about illegal gambling in the barangay. You may ask “May I quote you on that?” 3. (b) is the correct answer. For example, you want to get your interviewee’s opinion or perception on the issue of animal abuse. You may ask “How do you feel about animal abuse?” 4. (d) is the correct answer. For example, you are interviewing a health worker about the cases of malnutrition in your community. You want to change the topic to other childhood diseases. You may ask “Can we turn to other diseases that affect the children in our community?” 5. (a) is the correct answer. For example, you are about to end an interview with your barangay captain. You may say “Thank you for finding the time for this interview.” C. a. b. c. d. e. 4 1 5 2 3 51 Glossary Adaptation. The process or state of changing to fit a new environment or different conditions, or the resulting change Agenda The matters of business to be discussed, especially at a meeting Appropriate Suitable, acceptable or correct Aye Expression that means “I agree” Carried Approved CCA- Climate Change Adaptation Conduct To direct or manage Cooperative An organization owned and run by the people involved, with profits shared by them Discuss To talk about DRR- Disaster Risk Reduction Efficient Producing satisfactory results without wasting time or resources Expression A word or a phrase Formal Official or serious Interest rate Money charged for borrowing money Interview A method of discussion used by two people regarding certain ideas or opinions through questions and answers in order to achieve a goal Loan A thing that is lent, especially a sum of money Majority A greater number or part of the people Meeting It is an activity where a group of people gather at a particular place and time to discuss a matter or make a decision on an issue Minority A smaller number or part of the people Minutes A brief summary or record of what is said and decided at a formal meeting 52 Motion A suggestion or proposal Nay Expression that means “I disagree” Opinion A belief or judgement about something or someone that is not necessarily based on facts Quorum A minimum number of people who must be present at a meeting before it can proceed and its decisions can be considered valid. Quote To repeat words that were previously said or written by another person in speech or writing Record Write down Recycle To use again Specific Detailed or exact; relating to a particular thing References DeVito, Joseph A. (1989). The Interpersonal Communication Book (Fifth Edition). New York, USA: Harper and Row Publishers Flores, Carmelita S. and Evelyn B. Lopez (1990). Effective Speech Communication (Revised Edition). Metro Manila, Philippines: National Bookstore, Inc. http://speakinghelp.stanford.edu. http://www.rcampus.com/rubricshowc.cfm?sp=true&code=BB325X https://www.google.com.ph/webhp?sourceid=chromeinstant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=plan+of+activities+rubric http://www.ieltsbuddy.com/useful-ielts-interview-expressions.html www.ecsplicite.com 53