Exercise 4.9. Describe the following graphs using the words in Exercise 4.6.

2 Usage of energy that comes from coal, oil and gas was increasing/has increased/increased rapidly during the summer months last year.

3 Amounts of carbon dioxide into atmosphere rise/have risen/are rising since 2009.

4 The political tension has deteriorated / deteriorate / had deteriorated into civil war this month.

5 Production of personal computershadalready improved / are improving / improve when we introduced the new product line in 2010.

6 The number of motor vehicles fluctuate /had been fluctuating / were fluctuating before we streamlined the processes.

7 This work improves/is improving/has improved now.

8 Soils where rainforests grow are getting/ get/have gotten worse and worse.

9 Sales of personal computers pick up/had been picked up/willpickup next year.

10 Unfortunately considered problems won’timprove/don’t improve/had not improved in the foreseeable future.

v Think about the number of visuals you want to use – don’t overdo it! Remember: less is often more.

v Before showing the graph or chart, prepare the audience for it. Say something which makes them interested in what they will see. This technique is called “media teasing”.

v Give the audience time to understand what they see before you start explaining the details.

v If the movement you want to describe is very complex, simplify it. Divide the graph into two or three parts and summarize the main developments.

v Provide an interpretation of the graph’s movement. The audience wants to know there are ups and downs in the graphs, what they mean, and what consequences they have.

v Use the TTT method when presenting graphics: touch (or point to) a detail on the projection, then turn to the audience, and finally talk to them.

v Use interesting and varied language to describe trends. You need alternative expressions to describe similar developments.

· Which tips do you think are the most useful? Why?

Read & Reflect      Useful Information