Presentations in English Business Textbooks : to what extent do English Business Textbooks Deal with the Language of Presenting

In this dissertation, a series of books and manuals dealing with the learning of English in general, and with the business skills in particular, will be methodically analysed. This dissertation sets out to determine the convergences and differences between manuals dedicated to presentations, on the one hand, textbooks dedicated to the learning of business skills, on the other hand, as well as to draw a comparison between these two types of books, while looking at them with a critical eye. The first chapter of my master dissertation involves the theoretical framework necessary for a further analysis. I will first define the term ‘presentation’, after which I will highlight the importance of English in a business context. Finally, I will underline the main characteristics and aspects of a successful presentation based on an examination of the information and recommendations given in a selected set of textbooks and manuals dedicated to business communication and presentations. In the second chapter, I will describe the methods I used to collect and organise the information about presentations scattered in the English business textbooks under study, and the criteria which led me to choose to focus on these six books of upper-intermediate and advanced levels. The third and last chapter of my master dissertation will concretely tackle the way textbooks deal with presentations as one of the most important business skills in today’s world from both a quantitative (how many pages, words and exercises are dedicated to this skill?) and a qualitative perspective (what aspects are considered important and how are they presented to English learners? Are there major differences in upper-intermediate and advanced levels’ teaching?). Finally, I will conclude with a personal and toned opinion on the textbooks, and will highlight the most appropriate and thorough, according to a set list of criteria.