Cutting Content After Presentation Time Is Halved

Dialogue script

Each entry shows the English sentence first, with the translation on the line below it. To practise speaking, cover the translation and repeat after the audio.

1. Emma 0:00

   We just got notice: our presentation time was cut in half.

   Line 1
2. Tom 0:04

   Which sections are essential for decision-making today?

   Line 2
3. Emma 0:07

   Problem framing and recommendations are essential; background is too long.

   Line 3
4. Tom 0:13

   Then trim history and keep only evidence tied to decisions.

   Line 4
5. Emma 0:17

   I worry cutting details may make us seem underprepared.

   Line 5
6. Tom 0:21

   We can move details to appendix and mention availability.

   Line 6
7. Emma 0:24

   I'll compress to three key messages and one supporting chart each.

   Line 7
8. Tom 0:29

   I'll rewrite transitions so flow stays smooth despite cuts.

   Line 8
9. Emma 0:33

   We'll rehearse twice with a strict timer tonight.

   Line 9
10. Tom 0:36

    Good, and reserve one minute for audience questions.

    Line 10
11. Emma 0:40

    If time slips, we'll skip slide seven entirely.

    Line 11
12. Tom 0:44

    That works. Focused delivery usually lands with more impact.

    Line 12

Native audio, line-by-line recording and pronunciation scoring for this dialogue are in the EngTalk app.

Key vocabulary

Content words from this dialogue, ranked by the CEFR level at which they appear across the whole 500-dialogue library. Function words and proper nouns are excluded.

• essential /ɪˈsɛnʃəl/ adjective

  completely necessary

• framing /ˈfreɪmɪŋ/ noun

  the way an idea or subject is presented

• evidence /ˈɛvədəns/ noun

  facts or signs that support a conclusion

• tied /taɪd/ verb

  fastened with string or a knot

• decisions /dɪˈsɪʒənz/ noun

  plural of decision; choices made

• cutting /ˈkʌtɪŋ/ verb

  present participle of cut; dividing or reducing

• seem /sim/ verb

  to appear to be

• underprepared /ˌʌndərprɪˈpɛrd/ adjective

  not prepared enough

• mention /ˈmɛnʃən/ verb/noun

  to briefly refer to something

• messages /ˈmɛsɪdʒɪz/ plural noun

  written or spoken communications

• entirely /ɪnˈtaɪɚli/ adverb

  completely

• impact /ˈɪmˌpækt/ noun/verb

  a strong effect, or to affect strongly

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