Presentation

Hello everyone, I’m going to talk to you now about Marta Villanueva, one of my favourite artists. First, I’ll give you a few basic facts about her. Then, I’ll talk about her style of painting. After that, I’ll mention some reviews she’s received. Finally, I’ll describe what she’s like as a person. I’ve got some photos of her work. You can look at them. On other thing, please feel free to interrupt me at any time, if you have questions.

OK, I take it not many of you have heard of Marta Villanueva. Right? Well, it doesn’t surprise me really, but she is an up-and-coming artist, and she’s exciting. Let me give you a few facts about her: she’s Portuguese, 28 years old, living and working in Paris. She’s married to a French businessman. At the moment, she paints in her spare time. She’s got a full-time job working in a United Nations organisation. By the way, she speaks fluent Portuguese, English, Spanish and French – quite a linguist.

Right, I’ve told you a bit about her, I’ve given you a few basic facts. So, moving on now to her style of painting; she paints mainly landscapes and cityscapes, using bright colours and light and shade to create the mood of her paintings. Her paintings are really beautiful. Many of her landscapes and scenes of everyday life remind me of Monet and some of the other French impressionist painters.

OK, that’s all I have to say about her style. What do the critics say about her? Well, ‘Art World’, a magazine you all know, described her as “an artist worth watching”. And the ‘Modern Art Review’ said recently, “Her colours are amazing. They explode from the canvas. Collectors are beginning to take a great interest in Marta Villanueva”. Need I say more?

Well, now let’s go on to her personality. She’s charming, modest and sociable, and she can talk about a wide range of subjects. She’s extremely knowledgeable, not just about art.

To conclude now. Let me remind you of my main points. Marta Villanueva’s paintings are eye-catching and colourful. There is a lot of interest in her work.

Exercise. Describe a work of art that you really like. Say something about the artist, and say why you like it.

Prepare a presentation of the artist you like or you are interested in, using the example giving above.

P art eight theatrical sketches small talk

ENGLISH SOCIAL ETIQUETTE

The English are said to be reserved in manners, dress and speech. They are famous for their poli-teness, self-discipline and especially for the sense of humour. Basic politeness (please, thank you, excuse me) is expected.

In England, people will be kinder to you when you are polite and respect local people and customs. The English people are typically unde-monstrative and of few words, so it is important to be aware of expected behaviour so you are not accidentally offensive.

How to Greet Someone

English people are quite reserved when greeting one another. A greeting can be a bright ‘Hello’ ‘Hi’ or ‘Good morning’, when you arrive at work or at school.

A handshake is the most comm0n form of greeting among the English and British people and is customary when you are introduced to somebody new.

It is only when you meet friends, whom you haven’t seen for a long time, which you would kiss the cheek of the opposite sex. In Britain one kiss is generally enough. 

Formal Greetings

The usual formal greeting is a ‘How do you do?’ and a firm handshake, but with a lighter touch between men and women. An appropriate response to an introduction is "Pleased to meet you". If you want to introduce yourself to someone, extend you hand for a handshake and say “Hello, I am... .” Hugging is only for friends.

‘How do you do?’ is a greeting not a question and the correct response is to repeat ‘How do you do?’ You say this when shaking hands with someone.

First person “How do you do?”

Second person “How do you do?”

‘How are you?’ is a question and the most common and polite response is “I am fine thank you and you?”

First person “How are you?”

Second person “I am fine thank you and you?”

‘Nice to meet you’ – Nice to meet you too. (Often said whilst shaking hands)

Delighted to meet you – Delighted to meet you too.

Pleased to meet you – Pleased to meet you too.

Glad to meet you – Glad to meet you too.

Good Morning / Good Afternoon / Good Evening