4.1 Listening – Listening to/Watching Formal Job Interviews or Celebrity Interviews

 

Listening – Listening to/Watching Formal Job Interviews or Celebrity Interviews

Paper: PROFESSIONAL ENGLISH

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Introduction

Listening is an essential skill in professional English that helps learners understand context, tone, and effective communication strategies. Watching or listening to formal job interviews or celebrity interviews exposes learners to professional language, interview etiquette, and real-life conversational patterns.

Platforms like YouTube, LinkedIn, and news channels provide access to such interviews. According to English for Science & Technology (Cambridge University Press, 2021), listening to interviews improves comprehension, vocabulary, and confidence, which are crucial for both academic and professional success.

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Importance of Listening to Interviews

Listening to interviews helps learners:

• Understand formal language and professional expressions

• Learn interview etiquette and conversational flow

• Identify key phrases, responses, and strategies used by professionals

• Improve pronunciation, intonation, and stress patterns

• Enhance critical thinking and note-taking skills

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How to Listen/Watch Effectively

Step 1: Select an Interview

• Choose a formal job interview (e.g., for software, management, or research roles)

• Choose a celebrity interview (e.g., actors, entrepreneurs, or leaders)

• Ensure the audio is clear and language is suitable for professional learning

Step 2: First Listening/Watching

• Watch without taking notes to grasp general meaning and context

Step 3: Second Listening/Watching

• Focus on key phrases, answers, and expressions

• Pause and note important points or unfamiliar words

Step 4: Jotting Down Phrases

• Record formal expressions, transition words, and impactful sentences

• Example phrases from interviews:

  • “Thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

  • “I believe my skills align perfectly with the role requirements.”

  • “Persistence and hard work are key to achieving success.”

  • “I take every challenge as a learning opportunity.”

Step 5: Analyze and Practice

• Review phrases and practice using them in mock interviews or presentations

• Note body language and tone, which are crucial in interviews

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Tips for Effective Note-Taking

1. Use abbreviations and symbols to jot down faster

2. Focus on verbs, nouns, and professional expressions

3. Highlight repeated or emphasized phrases

4. Summarize answers in bullet points rather than writing everything verbatim

5. Review notes to apply phrases in your own speaking and writing

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Benefits of Listening to Interviews

• Builds professional vocabulary and formal expressions

• Improves listening comprehension and ability to follow complex conversations

• Enhances speaking skills for interviews, presentations, and networking

• Teaches real-world strategies for responding to questions and expressing ideas confidently

• Helps learners adapt language and tone to different audiences

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Conclusion

Listening to formal job interviews and celebrity interviews is a practical way to enhance professional English skills. It develops listening comprehension, note-taking, vocabulary, and interview strategies. Regular practice enables learners to communicate confidently, respond effectively, and adopt professional etiquette in both academic and workplace environments.

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References

1. Veena Selvam et al. (2021). English for Science & Technology. Cambridge University Press.

2. Raman, Meenakshi & Sharma, Sangeeta (2019). Professional English. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.

3. Chellammal, V. (2003). Learning to Communicate. Allied Publishing House, New Delhi.

4. Using English (2017). Orient Blackswan, Chennai.

5. OER – Authentic Open Educational Resources