Set 3 Part 2

The writer began making critical remarks about Silky Smooth during his presentation because he wanted to

• A make the audience think critically

• B create some challenges for the audience

• C stimulate some negative reaction from the audience

Answer explanation

The writer began making critical remarks about Silky Smooth during his presentation because he wanted to "raise the level of challenge" and "get some responses" from the audience. The writer felt that the audience was subdued and wanted to engage them in critical thinking and discussion by challenging their perception of Silky Smooth as a business success.

During the writer's presentation, the audience reacted

• A passively

• B doubtfully

• C enthusiastically

Answer explanation

During the writer's presentation, the audience reacted passively. The writer describes the audience as "subdued" and mentions that they did not provide the desired responses or engagement despite the writer's attempts to raise the level of challenge. The writer's comment about Silky Smooth not being the paragon of business success was a last resort to try and elicit a reaction from the audience.

When the senior director told the writer the piece of news,

• A he wondered if he could escape

• B he avoided the buyer and left quickly

• C he wanted to continue his presentation

Answer explanation

When the senior director told the writer the piece of news, the writer avoided the buyer and left quickly. The writer had realized that they had made a grave mistake by making critical remarks about Silky Smooth, especially when the chief customer was sitting next to the senior manager. Feeling embarrassed and regretful, the writer attempted to avoid the buyer when they spotted him.

The audience's body language implied that

• A they were thinking hard about the company issues

• B they were feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed

• C they were pleased and enjoyed the presentation.

Answer explanation

The audience's body language implied that they were feeling uncomfortable and embarrassed. The writer noticed a lot of fidgeting in the audience, particularly the squirming of the senior director, which left an impression on the writer. The writer speculates that the senior director might have been contemplating whether to interrupt or intervene during the presentation. In hindsight, the writer believes it would have been better if the senior director had spoken up or stopped them midway through the presentation.

The writer learnt that

• A he should study the background of the audience

• B he ought to rehearse his presentation

• C it is important to know his audience

Answer explanation

The writer learnt that it is important to know his audience. The writer initially started off on the wrong foot during the presentation, and despite attempting to engage the audience, they remained silent. The writer then made the mistake of insulting their favorite company, Silky Smooth, in an attempt to provide a different perspective.