May 162010
I find it interesting to see how TV show formats get adjusted as they make their way round the world. The BBC show ‘Dragons’ Den’ originated in Japan and has since made its way to the US, where it’s called ‘Shark Tank’.
Rather than hanging out in an East London warehouse with rickety stairs, the dragons gather in altogether more comfortable surroundings and seem less intimidating. The ideas pitches are rather different as well. I wonder how this one might have been greeted by UK dragons.
The outcomes might not be so different though. I might have misremebered this, but as I recall, despite the positive reactions, Nicole didn’t get the funding she was seeking.
4 Responses to “The sales pitch”
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Dear Vicki,
It would be so interesting to contrast the various versions of Dragons Den for an intercultural study – even just to develop the categories needed to compare them. iTunes won’t let us buy the Canadian or US version here in Europe, so I only know the ones uploaded to YouTube. I use those in my courses for Personal Assistants here in Germany to practice taking the minutes and writing business reports. I find the Canadian ones the most pleasant, but I can’t really explain why.
Hello Anne!
Yeah, I think it’s very illuminating too and it’s frustrating that some of the stuff is blocked. But then again, perhaps the marvel is so much is available. I was glad to hear you’ve been able to access some Dragons Den/Shark Talk stuff on youtube in Germany.
I’d like to keep going on this theme because I think there are some lovely illustrations of cultural differences here.
Hi Vicki,
The one on Atomic Tea is an excellent sample for the Canadian series (including two of the US “Sharks”, but mostly Canadian entrepreneurs).
Do you/ your readers know Louise Kennedy’s worksheets for negotiation language for this episode?
Part 1: http://tinyurl.com/yks6aod
Part 2: http://tinyurl.com/ygggdog
Arlene Dickenson’s quietness under pressure is quite impressive, too – and always good for an intercultural think.
Oh wow Anne, thanks so much.
Folks, if you are looking for a great business English lesson, go click on Anne’s links.
It’s interesting how the woman rationalises her decision at the end. Wasn’t the first offer so much better? Lots of discussion material there.