Diana Interviewed

In 1997 the death of the princess brought an entire world to tears. What remains are the lessons that can be learned from a phe­nomenon that few can entirely forget.

Watch the documentary video film and discuss the following problems:

1. The divorced background of Diana's parents and its impact on her own family life.

2. The factors that might cause her feel devastated.

3. The attitude of the Royal Family to Diana and her being out­side the net.

4. Diana as a) a caring mother, b) an ambassador of peace, c) a friend and wife, d) a person who lived from her heart.

5. The media and Diana's private life.

Answer the questions:

1. Why do you think Diana was a sore thumb in the Royal Fami­ly? Was she pretty much in her element in the Royal family?

2. What do you think of the role of traditions and innovations in keeping the British monarchy?

3. What do you think of life in the public eye? Why didn't Diana keep numb about the details of her private life?

GUIDE

to video film

An Interview with Margaret Thatcher

I. Lead-in. Discuss with other students:

1. What do you think about political shows and interviews with famous politicians invited as guests?

2. What do you think about the tone and style of communication journalists/reporters resort to in such cases?

3. What PR-technologies do they usually use if the reporters are getting aggressive? What are the ways for the guests to defend them­selves?

П. Explain the following words, phrases and abbreviations:

1 legitimate

2 back-bencher(s)

3 competence

4 to be high-handed (with one's colleagues)

5 poll

6 satellite countries

7 to speed up /push the process

8 to implement / to perform

9 to head off (towards smth)

10 to be rocked by smth

11 single/common market

12 NATO

13 EC

14 European monetary system of European unity

Ш. Dwell upon the ideas and opinions expressed by M. Thatch­er. How do her ideas characterize the «Iron Lady» as a politician

and as a person?

1. I’ll stay as long as the electors and my party want me to.

2. I try to strengthen my position to each new election.

3. I think I'm very fit for that work, I like the work and work extremely hard

4. People respect such kind of leadership.

5. During the next elections the policies of the future should be based on the achievements of the present.

6. The decade of the 90s will be a fascinating one.

7. Our main aim is to get democracy in western Europe and the USSR.

8. Great Britain has a very firm national character.

9. European ideal came from Europe, which was never unified.

10. Our aim is far higher than bring people together compulsively.

11. Which of these ideas have come to life, to your mind?

IV. Name the three factors which, according to m. Thatcher, made up Britain.

V. Express your own opinion of pr technologies and political views of Margaret Thatcher.

1. Do you think the reporters should try to show low qualities of the person interviewed?

2. Do you think one person can determine the whole policy of the country?

3. Do you think the nation should follow the leader?

4. Do you think a lively discussion during a luncheon is a possi­ble way of making serious decisions?

5. Do you think a country has the right to interfere with the home affairs of another country?

6. EC is the only possible manifestation of democracy among its members.

7. The budgetary, monetary and economic policy should be ruled by European Banks.

8. The European countries should exist as a whole to make good progress and improve the quality of life of common people there.

9. Russia should become an integral part of the EC.

10. Russia is a country of unique culture, history and mentality and, thus, should look for its own unique ways of development.