Chapter: Announcements, Instructions, and Messages
Welcome! In this chapter, we are going to focus on three types of spoken English that you encounter every day: Announcements, Instructions, and Messages. Whether you are at an airport, using a new app, or taking a phone call, these listening skills help you understand exactly what is happening and what you need to do. Don't worry if it seems fast at first—we will break down the "clues" you should listen for!
Note: This chapter focuses on listening skills. For more general skills like identifying the "big picture," see the chapter "Listening for gist and main idea."
1. Understanding Announcements (ประกาศ)
Announcements are usually made to a large group of people in public places like schools, malls, or airports. They are meant to give important information or warnings quickly.
Where do we hear them?
In the ม.4–6 syllabus, you should be familiar with announcements regarding:
• Hazard warnings (ประกาศเตือนภัย) such as weather alerts or safety drills.
• Public services like train stations or airport gate changes.
• School or community events.
What to listen for:
Announcements often start with a "Signal Phrase" to get your attention. Listen for:
• "Attention, please..."
• "May I have your attention, please?"
• "This is an important announcement..."
Quick Tip: Announcements often repeat the most important information (like a time or a gate number) at the very end. If you miss it the first time, stay calm and listen for the repetition!
2. Following Instructions (คำแนะนำและคู่มือการใช้งาน)
Instructions tell you how to do something. This could be how to take medicine, how to use a piece of equipment, or how to find information on the internet.
Key Language: Sequencing Connectives
To follow instructions, you must understand the order of the steps. Listen for these "order words":
• The Start: First, Firstly, To begin with.
• The Middle: Second, Next, Then, After that.
• The End: Finally, Lastly, In the final step.
Key Language: Modal Verbs
The speaker will use specific verbs to tell you how important a step is:
• Strong Obligation: Must, Have to (e.g., "You must turn off the power first.")
• Advice: Should, Ought to (e.g., "You should shake the bottle well.")
• Negative Warnings: Must not, Should not (e.g., "You must not exceed the stated dose.")
Did you know? In English instructions, we often use the Imperative form. This means the sentence starts directly with a verb, like "Insert the battery" or "Click the link."
3. Listening to Messages (ข้อความ)
Messages are usually shorter and more personal or semi-formal. These could be voice messages left on a phone or a short verbal message passed from one person to another.
The "Big Four" Details
When listening to a message, try to identify these four pieces of information:
1. Who is the message from?
2. Who is the message for?
3. What is the main point? (The "Action")
4. When or Where should the action happen?
Example of a Message:
"Hi Sam, it’s Jane. I’m calling about our project meeting. It’s been moved from 2 PM to 4 PM in Room 302. Please bring your laptop. See you later!"
• Action: Meeting time changed and a request to bring a laptop.
4. Strategies for Success
Listening can be stressful because you cannot "rewind" a real-life conversation. Use these strategies to help:
A. Context Clues (คำชี้แนะจากบริบท):
Listen to the background noise. If you hear "ding-dong" chimes, it’s likely a public announcement. If you hear the sound of typing, it might be instructions on using a computer. The setting helps you guess the vocabulary you will hear.
B. Predicting Vocabulary:
If the topic is Health and Welfare (a syllabus topic), expect to hear words like dose, tablet, symptoms, or appointment. If the topic is Travel, listen for delayed, boarding, or departure.
C. Focus on Content Words:
Don't try to understand every single word (like "the," "is," or "a"). Focus on Nouns (objects/places) and Verbs (actions). These carry the most meaning.
Common Mistake to Avoid:
Don't stop listening if you hear a word you don't know! If you focus too hard on one difficult word, you will miss the next three sentences. Just keep listening for the next "keyword."
Quick Review
Key Takeaways:
• Announcements give public information; listen for "attention" signals.
• Instructions use sequencing words (First, Next, Finally) and modals (Must, Should).
• Messages require you to find the "Who, What, and When."
• Identify the Register: Is the speaker being formal (using "Would you please...") or informal (using "Can you...")? This tells you about the relationship between the speakers.
Remember: Listening is a skill that improves with practice. The more you expose yourself to different English accents and topics—from weather reports to tech tutorials—the easier it will become!