Have you ever considered if an aesthetic mindset alone is enough to build a successful design career in the digital era? The truth is, a creative professional’s most powerful weapon is not just their tools, but their linguistic mastery. Recognizing this profound connection, UEH English Zone hosted the Language Workshop: “Design your English: Speak, Describe, Create” on April 10, 2026, at the Nguyen Tri Phuong campus. This event provided a dynamic space for students to refine their communication skills, define their style, and master specialized English terminology.
The session was captivatingly led by Mr. Sylvain Dubuc. Mr. Sylvain brings a wealth of experience, having built an impressive portfolio as an architect, interior designer, graphic designer, and marketing consultant. His highly visual presentation style and contagious energy quickly dissolved any barriers, sparking a strong desire to learn among the audience.
Mr. Sylvain shared with the students about the importance of presentation skills.
English: The Boundary Between a “Good” and a “Great” Designer
Right from the start, Mr. Sylvain established a bold premise: English is not a luxury; it is a requirement for quality. He pointed out that 80% of communication relies on simple phrases about daily situations. However, the defining factor that elevates a designer to greatness is the art of Presentation. This is humanity’s exclusive domain, a skill rooted in empathy and emotional expression that no artificial intelligence can replicate.
Mastering AI and the Language of Design
Embracing the rise of AI, the workshop delved into harnessing technological power through precise language. Students were introduced to cutting-edge AI tools such as Gemini (Nano Banana) for generating illustrations and Stitch for UX/UI design. Mr. Sylvain equipped attendees with the “Prompt Formula”: [Subject] + [Illustration Style] + [Color Palette] + [Mood].
The students are listening attentively and learning.
Simultaneously, students expanded their professional vocabulary. Moving beyond generic terms, they learned to use highly descriptive verbs like “evoke,” “convey,” and “contrast” to articulate their artistic intentions accurately.
Hands-On Practice: From Concept to the Pitch Stage
The workshop atmosphere ignited during the practical segment. Divided into groups of 5-8, students collaborated on a project to construct a brand identity for a new “Orange Milk” drink. This comprehensive challenge required teams to synthesize their thought processes: defining a brand mission, sketching a logo, and selecting suitable typography. Mr. Sylvain emphasized a crucial principle: effective design doesn’t just address “What” we design; it fundamentally answers “How” we design and “Why” we made those specific choices.
The climax of the event was the “Elevator Pitch” exercise, structured as a fast-paced “Speed Dating” round. Teams had just up to 3 minutes to convince their “clients” that their design was the most successful. By integrating professional presentation terminology such as Alignment, Balance, and Cohesive, students demonstrated remarkable confidence and sharp logical reasoning in English.
The teacher and classmates are discussing together.
As the workshop concluded, participants left not only with core design skills but also with enhanced critical thinking and linguistic capabilities. The continuous interaction and vibrant debates throughout the morning stood as a testament to the event’s resounding success.
As part of the UEH English Zone project, the Language Workshop is a regular activity organized monthly with many practical topics to help learners and staff enhance their English abilities. Information about the language workshop and upcoming activities will be regularly updated on the UEH English Zone Fanpage. Follow and stay tuned to get updates and register for upcoming programs!
Pillars: TrainingNews, photos: Department of Student Affairs