This Media and Business Conversation Class is a 60 to 90 minute speaking lesson, suitable for high intermediate and advanced students.
READING
Before you read aloud:
1.) Remember that the final ‘s’ often sounds like ‘z’. In the following reading, all of them do!
2.) Be careful about how you pronounce the final ‘ed’. It might sound like ‘id’, ‘t’, or ‘d’.
Read the following excerpt from The Media Business: Strategies for Success.
Knowing Your Audience
Aspiring media professionals should develop a strong understanding of the target audience. Whether it’s a news outlet, a streaming platform, or a social media platform, knowing who the content is intended for can help shape the strategies employed by media companies. Conducting thorough market research and staying up to date with audience preferences and behavior can aid in creating content that resonates with consumers.
The Art of Storytelling
In addition to understanding the audience, media professionals must also be well-versed in the art of storytelling. The ability to craft compelling narratives is at the core of successful media content. Whether it’s a news article, a television show, or a social media campaign, the story being told should captivate and engage the audience. Developing strong storytelling skills can help media professionals stand out in a crowded market.
VOCABULARY AND PRONUNCIATION
A.) Clarify any new words, grammar points, or words that are difficult to pronounce.
B.) Summarize the two paragraphs above in your own words.
CONVERSATION QUESTIONS
1.) How do you define media?
2.) What are some different types of media?
3.) How has media changed throughout history?
4.) Who is your target audience?
5.) What makes for an effective media campaign?
6.) What are the benefits and drawbacks of announcing your biases?
7.) What does your company do to drive traffic to your site(s)?
8.) How are businesses and content creators manipulating S.E.O (search engine optimization) to get higher rankings?
9.) What are the most effective strategies to influence public opinion and drive sales?
10.) How do you think media will change over the next five years?
11.) What aspects of media do you find most interesting?
12.) What are the financial and ethical implications of hiring influencers?
FURTHER READING
News and Media Industry Trends to Watch for In 2024
