ELC231

Speaking: Oral
Commentary
Learning outcome
 Apply appropriate speaking strategies.

 Produce oral reviews of English movies/films/television

programmes.
Speaking: Introduction
 Employers undeniably hunt for job candidates who possess strong
communication skills.
 Simirlarly, the ability to articulate our thoughts clearly is a
requirement for educational success.
 Therefore, it is essential to speak effectively, so that we are not
misunderstood.
Are you
No, I’m plural
single?

I meant, are you No, I’m

free this Friday? expensive.

???
Speaking: Introduction
 Speaking may sound easy; it may mean opening one’s mouth and
uttering a few words.
 However, speaking is known to be one of the top-most feared
activities for humans globally.
 To be able to speak is common, but to be able to speak effectively
is the outcome of preparation and practice.
Speaking: Introduction
 Preparation is an essential stage in becoming an effective speaker.
 Choosing the most appropriate speech delivery method which suits
the occasion also plays a role in determining the reception from
audience.
Producing Oral
Commentaries
Preparation: Selecting, Planning
and Organising of Material
 Selecting Material
 We will learn how to prepare and deliver an oral
commentary of about 7 minutes on an English film or a
television programme.
Nowadays, cinema, films and television programmes come
in a variety of genres.
Common film genres include action and adventure,
animation, comedy, drama, fiction and non-fiction, science
fiction, horror and romance.
As for television programme genres, they come in a form of
game shows, talk shows, sports broadcasts, dramas,
musicals and reality programs.
Planning and Organizing Material
• Here are 14 aspects that you need to analyse.
3. Production details
Year of production/release:
• Name of production company
• Producer
• Director
• Writer
• Length or duration of film/television programme
• Others(If relevants)

4. Cast/characters
Hero, heroine, villain, criminal, supporting cast, etc.
Guiding questions:
• What are the attitudes and emotions of the central character(s)?
• How does the language used by the characters show the differences between
them?
 5. Place Setting
Normally very closely related to the genre, for
instance:
• Western/local (e.g. wide open vistas of the
Western dessert, a small town in rural
Sabah)
• Gangstar (dark, urban, backstreet setting)
• Spy thriller(exotic, often urban
international settings
6. Time Setting
• Historical past
• Present time
• Futuristic event(s)

7. Plot
Sequence of events
• What is the main problem?
• Who solves the problem?
• How is the problem solved?
• Identify the conflict(s) found in the film or
television programme.
8. Cinematography
• Special effects
• Animation

9. Screen play
• Also known as the script or teleplay for television programmes
• Can be original works or adaptations from existing pieces of writing
• The interplay of the movements, actions, expressions and dialogues
• The strengths
• The weaknesses

10. Values
What are the values or lessons for life that are derived from the film or
television programme?
11. Critique
From your point of view, identify:
 The overall strengths of the film or television programme
 The weaknesses of the film or television programme
 How can the film or television be improved?

12. Awards and accolades

• Awards won
• Nominations
13. Critical Reception
• Critical acclaim
• Slamming by critics

14. Overall impact

Post release impact:
• Positive impact on the public
• Negative impact/repercussion(s)
 No Content Tick(/)/Remark

Checklist 1 Opening & Greetings

2 Title
3 Genre
4 Setting and other production
details
5 The main characters & supporting
characters
6 Overview of the plot
7 Film techniques
8 Values
9 Personal view or overall opinion
10 Awards/accolades/impact
11 Closing remarks
12 Talk time (7 minutes)
Activity (Pair work)
Look for any English film or television programme.
Write the overview of the plot in Powerpoint slides (Max 2
slides).
Then, add your verdict regarding the film or programme that
you have chosen in one slide. (Why do you think it is
interesting/bad for viewers?/ Why do you like it?)
Be as creative as you can.