Do you watch commercials or do you usually leave the room when they are on?
Have you ever bought something because you saw it on a commercial?
Today we will show you how to talk about advertising and marketing in an English conversation.
This is a high-level conversation skill that you could use at work or with your friends.
When you can comment on things like commercials or TV shows, it brings you closer to the native speakers around you so check out today’s lesson!
Let’s start with a question from a listener:
Hey Lindsay and Michelle! I’m Alexandra from Russia, have been listening to your podcast for about 2 years, really appreciate what you do, always try to listen to a new episode in the morning while walking my dog cause it makes a great start of the day).
I have a question for you about the words “commercial”, “advertisement” and “advertising”. I have always been confusing them and still do so hope you can cover this topic in one of the episodes.
Thanks a lot
Alexandra
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What’s the difference?
- Commercial: This is usually thought to be just for television but it could also be heard on the radio. Some commercials are terrible and some are really entertaining.
- Advertisement: This is short for “Ad.” An ad is usually in a newspaper or magazine. I think of this as more of an umbrella term so a commercial could also be an ad.
- Advertising: This is the field (I work in advertising). The word “advertise” is the verb.
Are there any commercials you can remember from your childhood?
I remember a lot of jingles and logos and slogans from commercials and ads like the McDonald’s slogan “I’m lovin it.”
Nike also uses the slogan “Just do it.”
Ways to describe commercials:
- Clever
- Annoying
- Funny
- Boring
In the United States, Americans love to watch commercials during the Superbowl.
In the US, commercials happen during the show.
I’ve seen TV in other countries where the commercials separate the shows.
Is that true in your country?
Let us know!
Takeaway:
Commercials and ads are hard to escape.
Sometimes they are enjoyable but often people find them annoying.
However, they are good conversation topics and you can always ask someone if they have seen a certain commercial, especially around the time of the Superbowl.
What questions do you have today?
Let us know in the comments below.
