Cue Card

Describe a talk you gave to a group of people

You should say:

• who you gave the talk to
• what the talk was about
• why you gave the talk; and,
• explain how you felt about the talk.

Sample Part 3 Questions

1. How does the internet benefit people’s ability to communicate?
2. Is it better to be a good listener, or a good communicator?
3. What kinds of qualities does someone need to have to be a good communicator?
4. What kinds of qualities do people need to speak in public?
5. What kinds of people often give speeches?
6. How important is it to be a good listener when communicating?

Sample Cue Card Answer

I'll never forget the time I gave a talk to a group of high school students about the impact of social media on mental health. I was nervous but passionate about the topic, and I knew I had to make it relatable and engaging for my audience. I started by asking them to put away their phones and take a deep breath, just for a minute, to feel the weight of their constant connectedness. I told them that as someone who's grown up with the internet, I've seen firsthand how it's changed the way we interact, the way we present ourselves, and the way we feel about ourselves.

I shared with them my own struggles with social media, how I used to compare my life to the highlight reels of others and feel inadequate. But I also shared how I've learned to use social media in a way that nourishes my mind and soul, by following accounts that inspire and educate me, and by taking breaks from it when I need to. I told them that it's okay to not be okay, and that it's okay to take a step back and reassess our relationship with social media.

I asked them to think about their own social media use, and how it makes them feel. Do they feel pressure to present a perfect image? Do they feel anxious when they're not connected? I encouraged them to be mindful of their screen time, to set boundaries, and to prioritize real-life connections. I reminded them that they're not alone in this, and that we're all in this together.

As I finished speaking, I could see the wheels turning in their heads. They were thinking critically about their own social media use, and how they could make positive changes. It was a powerful moment, and I felt grateful to have been able to share my thoughts and experiences with them. It was a reminder that our words have the power to inspire and educate, and that we should use that power to uplift and support each other.

Cue Card Answer Key Phrases and Idioms

take a deep breath

to calm down and relax

highlight reels

the best or most exciting parts of someone's life, often presented on social media

nourishes my mind and soul

to provide something with the food or sustenance it needs to grow or thrive

take a step back

to move away from something in order to look at it from a different perspective

wheels turning

to think carefully and consider something

Sample Part 3 Answers

How does the internet benefit people’s ability to communicate? The internet has revolutionized the way people communicate. With the rise of social media, video conferencing, and instant messaging, people can now connect with each other instantly, regardless of their geographical location. For instance, I have friends who live in different parts of the world, and we can easily catch up with each other through video calls or messaging apps. This has made it easier for people to maintain relationships and stay in touch with loved ones who are far away.

Is it better to be a good listener, or a good communicator? I believe that being a good listener is just as important as being a good communicator. When you're a good listener, you're able to understand the other person's perspective and respond in a way that's thoughtful and empathetic. This helps to build trust and rapport, which is essential for effective communication. In fact, I've found that when I take the time to really listen to someone, they're more likely to open up and share their thoughts and feelings with me.

What kinds of qualities does someone need to have to be a good communicator? To be a good communicator, someone needs to have empathy and the ability to put themselves in other people's shoes. They also need to be able to articulate their thoughts and feelings in a clear and concise way. But I think one of the most important qualities is authenticity. When someone is genuine and true to themselves, they're more relatable and trustworthy, and people are more likely to listen to what they have to say.

What kinds of qualities do people need to speak in public? To speak in public effectively, people need to have confidence and the ability to think on their feet. They also need to be able to engage their audience and hold their attention. But I think one of the most important qualities is passion. When someone is passionate about what they're talking about, it's infectious and can inspire and motivate others. I've seen speakers who are passionate about their topic, and it's amazing how they can captivate an audience and make them care about what they're saying.

What kinds of people often give speeches? People from all walks of life give speeches, but I think the ones who do it most effectively are those who are experts in their field. Whether it's a business leader, a thought leader, or an activist, when someone has a deep understanding of their subject matter, they're able to share insights and perspectives that are valuable and relevant to their audience. I've heard speeches from entrepreneurs, artists, and even scientists, and what they all have in common is a deep passion for what they do and a desire to share that with others.

How important is it to be a good listener when communicating? Being a good listener is crucial when communicating. When you take the time to really listen to someone, you're showing them that you value and respect their thoughts and feelings. This helps to build trust and rapport, which is essential for effective communication. In fact, I've found that when I'm in a conversation, if I take the time to really listen to the other person, I'm able to respond in a way that's more thoughtful and empathetic, and the conversation is more meaningful and productive as a result.

Part 3 Key Phrases and Idioms

think on their feet

to think quickly and make decisions or respond to questions or situations without prior preparation

The politician was able to think on her feet during the debate and respond to tough questions from the moderator.