B1-B2

Business English: Strategic Communication for Professionals

Master professional English through real-world business scenarios. 15 interactive lessons covering emails, meetings, presentations, negotiations, and cross-cultural communication.

Unit 1: First Impressions — Introductions & Small Talk

1.1

Making Professional Introductions

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. How do you usually introduce yourself at work? What do you say first?
  2. Is there a difference between introducing yourself in Ukrainian and in English?
  3. What information is important to include in a professional introduction?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

Expression IPA Usage
I'd like to introduce myself./aɪd laɪk tə ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs maɪˈself/Formal opening
I'm responsible for.../aɪm rɪˈspɒnsɪbl fɔː/Describing your role
I'm based in.../aɪm beɪst ɪn/Location
I've been with the company for.../aɪv biːn wɪð ðə ˈkʌmpəni fɔː/Experience
Nice to meet you./naɪs tə miːt juː/Standard greeting
Let me introduce you to.../let miː ˌɪntrəˈdjuːs juː tə/Introducing others
I'm in charge of.../aɪm ɪn tʃɑːdʒ ɒv/Authority / leadership
I report to.../aɪ rɪˈpɔːt tə/Hierarchy

Grammar in Context: Present Simple for Professional Facts

We use Present Simple to describe permanent professional facts and Present Perfect for experience duration:

TenseExampleWhen
Present SimpleI work in the marketing department.Current role (fact)
Present SimpleI manage a team of 12 people.Ongoing responsibility
Present PerfectI have been with the company for 3 years.Duration until now
Present PerfectI have worked in finance since 2019.Starting point until now

💡 Tip for Ukrainian speakers: In Ukrainian you say "Я працюю тут 3 роки" (Present). In English, you MUST use Present Perfect: "I have been here for 3 years." Using Present Simple ("I work here 3 years") is a common mistake.

🎬 Video: How to Introduce Yourself Professionally

Before Watching
  1. What 4 things should you include in a professional introduction?
  2. What body language tips does the presenter mention?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What was the most useful tip from the video?
  2. Practice introducing yourself using the structure from the video.

Exercise A: Choose the Best Introduction

Which introduction sounds the most professional?

I _____ with the company since 2021.

I'm _____ the European market.

Exercise B: Match the Expression to Its Function

I'm based in London.
I'm in charge of sales.
I report to the CFO.
I've been here for 5 years.
Hierarchy
Location
Experience duration
Responsibility

Exercise C: Put the Introduction in Order

I work in the HR department.
I'm responsible for recruitment and onboarding.
Hello, my name is Olena Kovalenko.
I've been with the company for three years.
It's great to meet you all.

Group Activity: Introduction Round

Group Work
Scenario A — New Employee

You just joined a new company. Introduce yourself to your team:

  • Your name and position
  • What department you work in
  • Your previous experience
  • Something personal (hobby, where you're from)
Scenario B — Conference

You're at an industry conference. Introduce yourself to a stranger:

  • Your name and company
  • Your role and what your company does
  • Why you're attending the conference
  • Ask the other person about themselves

Key Takeaways

Introduction Structure
  • 1. Name: Hello, I'm... / My name is...
  • 2. Role: I work in... / I'm responsible for... / I'm in charge of...
  • 3. Experience: I've been with the company for... / I've worked in... since...
  • 4. Close: Nice to meet you. / It's great to be here.
Grammar Reminder

Use Present Simple for current facts. Use Present Perfect with for/since for duration of experience.

1.2

Small Talk That Works

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Do you find small talk easy or difficult? Why?
  2. What topics are safe for small talk at work? What topics should you avoid?
  3. Is small talk common in Ukrainian business culture?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionIPAUsage
How's it going?/haʊz ɪt ˈɡəʊɪŋ/Casual greeting
Did you have a good weekend?/dɪd juː hæv ə ɡʊd wiːkˈend/Monday opener
Have you been to...?/hæv juː biːn tə/Travel / places
That sounds interesting!/ðæt saʊndz ˈɪntrəstɪŋ/Active listening
Speaking of which.../ˈspiːkɪŋ ɒv wɪtʃ/Changing topic smoothly
I'd better get going./aɪd ˈbetə ɡet ˈɡəʊɪŋ/Polite exit

Grammar in Context: Question Tags for Small Talk

Question tags make statements into mini-questions, which keeps the conversation going:

StatementTagEffect
The weather is lovely today,isn't it?Invites agreement
You work in marketing,don't you?Confirms info
The meeting went well,didn't it?Shares opinion
You haven't tried the new café,have you?Suggests something

💡 Tip: Positive statement → negative tag. Negative statement → positive tag. The intonation matters: rising = real question, falling = expecting agreement.

🎬 Video: Small Talk in English at Work

Before Watching
  1. What are 3 safe topics for workplace small talk?
  2. How do native speakers keep the conversation going?
After Watching
Pair Work
  1. Practice a 2-minute small talk conversation with your partner using at least 3 expressions from the vocabulary table.

Exercise A: Complete the Question Tags

The office is really nice, _____?

You work with the London team, _____?

The presentation went well, _____?

Exercise B: Safe or Unsafe Topic?

"Did you watch any good shows this weekend?"

"How much do you earn?"

"Have you tried the new Italian restaurant nearby?"

"Who did you vote for?"

Group Activity: Small Talk Bingo

Group Work

Walk around the (virtual) room and have small talk with 3 different people. Try to find out:

Find someone who...
  • Had an interesting weekend
  • Has travelled abroad recently
  • Has a unique hobby
  • Likes the same TV show as you
Rules
  • Use question tags at least twice
  • Use "That sounds interesting!" at least once
  • End each conversation politely
  • Report back: What did you learn about your colleagues?

Key Takeaways

Safe Topics
  • Weather, weekends, travel, food, hobbies, sports, TV/movies
Avoid
  • Salary, politics, religion, personal problems, gossip, age/weight
Grammar: Question Tags

Positive statement + negative tag: "It's warm, isn't it?"
Negative statement + positive tag: "You haven't been there, have you?"

1.3

Networking at Events

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Have you ever been to a professional networking event? What was it like?
  2. What is the hardest part about networking in English?
  3. Do you have a "networking strategy" or do you just improvise?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionIPAUsage
What brings you here?/wɒt brɪŋz juː hɪə/Opening question
What line of work are you in?/wɒt laɪn ɒv wɜːk ɑː juː ɪn/Asking about profession
Let me give you my card./let miː ɡɪv juː maɪ kɑːd/Exchanging contacts
It was great talking to you./ɪt wɒz ɡreɪt ˈtɔːkɪŋ tə juː/Polite closing
I'll follow up with an email./aɪl ˈfɒləʊ ʌp wɪð ən ˈiːmeɪl/Next step
We should connect on LinkedIn./wiː ʃʊd kəˈnekt ɒn ˈlɪŋktɪn/Digital connection

Grammar in Context: First Conditional for Follow-ups

Use First Conditional to discuss realistic follow-up plans after networking:

StructureExample
If + Present Simple, will + verbIf you send me your proposal, I will review it this week.
If + Present Simple, will + verbIf we find common ground, we will schedule a meeting.
If + Present Simple, can + verbIf you are free next Tuesday, we can discuss this further.

🎬 Video: Networking Tips in English

Before Watching
  1. What are the DO's and DON'Ts of networking?
  2. How do you end a conversation politely at a networking event?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What networking mistakes have you made or seen?
  2. What is the best way to follow up after meeting someone?

Exercise A: Networking Conversation Flow

Best way to start a conversation at a conference?

Best way to end a networking conversation?

Exercise B: Put the Networking Conversation in Order

I'm in fintech. We develop payment solutions for small businesses.
That sounds fascinating. If you send me some details, I'll take a look.
Here's my card. I'll follow up with an email this week.
Hi! I'm Dmytro. What brings you to the conference?
What line of work are you in?
Great, it was really nice talking to you. Let's connect on LinkedIn.

Group Activity: Networking Simulation

Group Work

Simulate a networking event. Each person gets a role card. Move around the room, meet at least 3 people, and exchange "business cards."

Your Goals
  • Start at least 3 conversations with different people
  • Use "What brings you here?" or "What line of work are you in?"
  • Suggest a follow-up (email, LinkedIn, meeting)
  • End each conversation politely
After the Event
  • Write a short follow-up email to one person you met
  • Use First Conditional: "If you are interested, I will..."
  • Include: greeting, reference to your conversation, next step

Key Takeaways

Networking Flow
  • Open: What brings you here? / What line of work are you in?
  • Build: That sounds interesting! / We should connect.
  • Close: It was great talking to you. / I'll follow up with an email.
Grammar: First Conditional

If + Present Simple, will/can + verb: "If you send me details, I'll review them."

Unit 2: Business Communication — Emails & Phone Calls

2.1

Writing Professional Emails

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. How many work emails do you write per day? In English or Ukrainian?
  2. What is the most difficult part of writing emails in English?
  3. Have you ever had a misunderstanding because of an email?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
I'm writing to inform you that...Opening (formal)
I would appreciate it if you could...Polite request
Please find attached...Attachments
Could you please confirm...?Asking for confirmation
I look forward to hearing from you.Closing
I apologise for any inconvenience.Apologising
As per our conversation...Referencing previous talk

Grammar in Context: Modal Verbs for Polite Requests

English uses modal verbs to control the level of politeness in emails:

DirectnessExpressionLevel
Very directSend me the report.🔴 Too direct for email
DirectCan you send me the report?🟠 OK for colleagues
PoliteCould you send me the report?🟢 Good for most emails
Very politeWould you be able to send me the report?🟢 Formal / clients
Most politeI would appreciate it if you could send me the report.🟢 Very formal

💡 Tip for Ukrainian speakers: Ukrainian emails are often more direct. In English business emails, adding "please," "could," and "would" is not weakness — it's professionalism.

🎬 Video: How to Write Professional Emails

Before Watching
  1. What are the 5 parts of a professional email?
  2. Write down 3 common mistakes people make in business emails.
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What mistakes from the video have you made yourself?
  2. Share a real email situation where you struggled with tone.

Exercise A: Formal or Informal?

"I would appreciate it if you could send me the updated figures."

"Hey, can you send me those numbers?"

"Please find attached the quarterly report for your review."

"Here's the file you wanted. Let me know if you need anything else!"

Exercise B: Make It More Polite

Make polite: "Send me the report by Friday."

Make polite: "Tell me what you think."

Exercise C: Put the Email in Order

I'm writing to follow up on our meeting last Tuesday regarding the Q3 budget.
Best regards, Maria
Dear Mr. Thompson,
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
I hope this email finds you well.

Group Activity: Email Writing Challenge

Pair Work
Scenario A — Request

Write an email to your colleague asking for the sales figures for last month. Include:

  • A polite opening
  • The reason for your request
  • A deadline (by end of week)
  • A professional closing
Scenario B — Apology

Write an email to a client apologising for a delayed delivery. Include:

  • An acknowledgement of the problem
  • A sincere apology
  • An explanation (briefly)
  • A solution / next steps

Key Takeaways

Email Structure
  • 1. Greeting: Dear... / Hi...
  • 2. Purpose: I'm writing to... / I would like to...
  • 3. Body: Details, requests, information
  • 4. Action: Could you please... / I would appreciate...
  • 5. Closing: Best regards / Kind regards
Grammar: Politeness Scale

Can < Could < Would you be able to < I would appreciate it if you could

2.2

Phone Calls & Video Conferences

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Do you prefer emails or phone calls for work? Why?
  2. What problems have you had on video calls in English?
  3. What phrases do you know for answering the phone professionally?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
Good morning, this is [name] speaking.Answering the phone
Could I speak to...?Asking for someone
I'm calling regarding...Stating purpose
Could you repeat that, please?Asking for clarity
I'm afraid the line is breaking up.Technical problems
Let me just share my screen.Video call phrase
Can everyone hear me OK?Video call check

Grammar in Context: Indirect Questions

Indirect questions are more polite than direct questions and essential for phone calls:

Direct (less polite)Indirect (more polite)
Where is the meeting?Could you tell me where the meeting is?
When does the flight arrive?Do you know when the flight arrives?
Who is in charge?Could you tell me who is in charge?
Is Mr. Smith available?Do you know if Mr. Smith is available?

💡 Key rule: In indirect questions, the word order is like a statement (subject + verb), NOT like a question. "Could you tell me where the meeting is?" NOT "Could you tell me where is the meeting?"

🎬 Video: Business Phone Call English

Before Watching
  1. List 3 phrases you use when answering business calls.
  2. What is the difference between formal and informal phone language?
After Watching
Pair Work
  1. Role-play a phone call: one person calls to reschedule a meeting, the other answers.
  2. Use at least 3 phrases from the vocabulary table.

Exercise A: Make It Indirect

Make indirect: "When does the meeting start?"

Make indirect: "Is the report ready?"

Make indirect: "Where is the office?"

Exercise B: Phone Call Problem-Solving

You can't hear the other person well on a call. What do you say?

You want to talk to Mr. Johnson. What do you say?

Group Activity: Phone Call Role-Play

Pair Work
Caller

Call a company to:

  • Ask to speak to the project manager
  • Explain why you're calling
  • Request a callback if unavailable
  • Leave your phone number
Receptionist

Answer the call and:

  • Greet the caller professionally
  • Say the person is in a meeting
  • Offer to take a message
  • Confirm the details

Key Takeaways

Phone Call Structure
  • Answer: Good morning, [company name], [name] speaking.
  • Purpose: I'm calling regarding... / I'm calling about...
  • Clarify: Could you repeat that? / Could you spell that for me?
  • Close: Thank you for your time. / I'll send you an email to confirm.
Grammar: Indirect Questions

Could you tell me + statement word order
Do you know + if/whether + statement word order

2.3

Handling Complaints & Difficult Conversations

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Have you ever had to deal with a complaint in English? What happened?
  2. What's the difference between complaining and giving feedback?
  3. How do you stay polite when you're frustrated?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
I understand your concern.Acknowledging
I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding.Softening bad news
I sincerely apologise for...Formal apology
Let me look into this for you.Offering help
I can assure you that...Reassuring
Unfortunately, we are unable to...Declining politely

Grammar in Context: Softening Language

Use these techniques to soften negative messages:

TechniqueDirect VersionSoftened Version
Use "I'm afraid..."We can't do that.I'm afraid we aren't able to do that.
Use "Unfortunately..."The order is delayed.Unfortunately, there's been a slight delay.
Use passive voiceYou made a mistake.A mistake has been made.
Use "seem/appear"This is wrong.This seems to be incorrect.

🎬 Video: Handling Difficult Conversations at Work

Before Watching
  1. What are the 3 steps to handle a complaint professionally?
  2. Think of a time someone complained to you. How did you respond?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What was the most useful technique from the video?
  2. Role-play: Customer complains about late delivery. Use softening language.

Exercise A: Soften the Message

Soften: "We can't give you a refund."

Soften: "Your delivery is late."

Exercise B: Match the Response to the Complaint

The product arrived damaged.
I've been waiting for 3 weeks!
This is not what I ordered.
Your customer service is terrible.
I'm terribly sorry. Let me arrange a replacement immediately.
I sincerely apologise. We'll send a new one right away.
I understand your frustration. Let me escalate this to my manager.
I completely understand. Let me check the status for you right now.

Group Activity: Complaint Resolution Role-Play

Pair Work
Customer

You are unhappy because:

  • Your order was wrong (received the wrong product)
  • You've already called twice with no resolution
  • You want a full refund and an apology
Customer Service Representative

Handle the complaint:

  • Acknowledge the problem and show empathy
  • Apologise sincerely using softening language
  • Offer a solution (replacement + discount on next order)
  • Confirm the action you will take

Key Takeaways

Complaint Handling Structure
  • 1. Listen: I understand your concern.
  • 2. Apologise: I sincerely apologise for...
  • 3. Investigate: Let me look into this for you.
  • 4. Solve: What I can do is... / I can offer you...
  • 5. Confirm: I'll make sure this is resolved by...
Grammar: Softening Techniques

Use: I'm afraid / Unfortunately / It seems / It appears to deliver bad news diplomatically.

Unit 3: Meetings & Teamwork

3.1

Running & Participating in Meetings

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. How often do you have meetings in English?
  2. What's your biggest challenge during English-language meetings?
  3. What makes a meeting productive vs. a waste of time?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
Let's get started, shall we?Opening a meeting
The purpose of this meeting is to...Setting the agenda
I see your point, however...Disagreeing politely
I tend to agree with...Partial agreement
Could we move on to the next item?Moving forward
To sum up the main points...Summarising

Grammar in Context: Agreeing & Disagreeing Diplomatically

Strong AgreementPartial AgreementPolite Disagreement
Absolutely!I tend to agree, but...I see your point, however...
I completely agree.That's partly true, although...I'm not entirely sure about that.
That's exactly right.You have a point, yet...With respect, I think...

💡 Cultural tip: In British business culture, disagreement is often very indirect. "That's an interesting idea" can actually mean "I don't agree." Pay attention to hedging language!

🎬 Video: How to Lead a Meeting in English

Before Watching
  1. What are 3 key phrases for chairing a meeting?
  2. How does the speaker manage disagreements?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What techniques does the presenter use to keep the meeting focused?
  2. Which phrases would be most useful in your own meetings?

Exercise A: Agree or Disagree?

"I see your point, however, I think we should consider other options."

"That's partly true, although we need more data to confirm."

"Absolutely! I couldn't agree more."

Exercise B: Put the Meeting in Order

Does anyone have any other points to raise?
The purpose of today's meeting is to discuss the Q4 targets.
To sum up: we agreed to increase the marketing budget by 15%.
Good morning, everyone. Let's get started.
Maria, could you share the latest sales figures?
Thank you all. The next meeting will be on Friday at 10 AM.

Group Activity: Mock Meeting

Group Work

Run a mini meeting. One person chairs, others participate. Topic: "Should our company switch to a 4-day work week?"

Chair
  • Open the meeting and state the purpose
  • Invite each person to share their opinion
  • Manage the discussion (keep people on topic)
  • Summarise and close the meeting
Participants
  • Express your opinion (for or against)
  • Use at least 2 agreeing/disagreeing phrases
  • Ask at least 1 clarifying question
  • Build on someone else's point

Key Takeaways

Meeting Structure
  • Open: Let's get started. The purpose is...
  • Discuss: I see your point. / I tend to agree, but...
  • Transition: Could we move on to...?
  • Close: To sum up... / The next steps are...
3.2

Negotiation & Decision-Making

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. When was the last time you had to negotiate something at work?
  2. Do you consider yourself a good negotiator? Why?
  3. What's the difference between a compromise and a win-win?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
What if we offered...?Making proposals
I'm willing to compromise on...Showing flexibility
That's not something we can agree to.Setting limits
Could we meet somewhere in the middle?Finding compromise
Let's agree to disagree on this point.Accepting disagreement
If we agreed to X, would you be open to Y?Conditional offer

Grammar in Context: Second Conditional for Proposals

Use the Second Conditional to make hypothetical proposals during negotiations:

StructureExample
If + Past Simple, would + verbIf we offered a 10% discount, would you place a larger order?
If + Past Simple, would + verbIf you extended the deadline, we would be able to deliver more.
If + Past Simple, could + verbIf we reduced the price, could you commit to a 2-year contract?

🎬 Video: Negotiation Skills in English

Before Watching
  1. What are the golden rules of successful negotiation?
  2. What phrases help you stay diplomatic during negotiations?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What negotiation techniques were most effective?
  2. Which technique would work best in your industry?

Exercise A: Choose the Best Negotiation Response

You want the client to buy more. What do you say?

You and the client have different price expectations. What do you say?

Group Activity: Negotiation Simulation

Pair Work
Supplier
  • You want £50 per unit (minimum £42)
  • You can offer 5% bulk discount for 1000+ units
  • Delivery in 4 weeks (can push to 3 if needed)
  • Use Second Conditional for proposals
Buyer
  • Your budget is £38 per unit (maximum £45)
  • You need 500 units, could order 800 if price is right
  • You need delivery in 2 weeks
  • Use "What if..." and "Would you be open to..."

Key Takeaways

Negotiation Flow
  • Propose: What if we...? / If we offered X, would you...?
  • Counter: That's interesting, but... / I'm willing to compromise on...
  • Agree: I think we have a deal. / Could we meet in the middle?
Grammar: Second Conditional

If + Past Simple, would/could + verb: "If we reduced the price, would you sign today?"

3.3

Project Updates & Progress Reports

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. How do you usually give project updates at work?
  2. What information should a good progress report include?
  3. How do you deliver bad news about a project (delays, problems)?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
We're on track to meet the deadline.Positive update
We've been working on...Describing ongoing work
We've run into a problem with...Reporting issues
The next milestone is...Future plans
We need to adjust the timeline.Delivering bad news

Grammar in Context: Present Perfect Continuous for Ongoing Work

TenseExampleWhen to use
Present Perfect ContinuousWe have been working on the design for 3 weeks.Ongoing process (not finished)
Present Perfect SimpleWe have completed the first phase.Finished result
Present Perfect ContinuousThe team has been testing the new features.Recent ongoing activity

🎬 Video: How to Give a Project Status Update

Before Watching
  1. What structure should a project update follow?
  2. How do you report problems without sounding negative?
After Watching
Pair Work
  1. Give a 2-minute update on a real or imaginary project using the structure: Progress → Challenges → Next Steps.

Exercise A: Present Perfect Simple or Continuous?

We _____ on the new website for two months. (ongoing)

We _____ the first phase of the project. (finished)

The QA team _____ the software since last week. (ongoing)

Group Activity: Project Update Presentation

Group Work

Each person presents a 2-minute project update. The audience asks questions.

Your Update Structure
  • Status: We're on track / We've run into...
  • Progress: We've been working on... / We've completed...
  • Challenges: The main challenge has been...
  • Next steps: The next milestone is... / By next week, we will...
Audience Questions
  • Could you tell me more about the challenges?
  • What's the biggest risk to the timeline?
  • How can the team support you?
  • When do you expect to finish phase 2?

Key Takeaways

Update Structure
  • Progress: We've been working on... / We've completed...
  • Issues: We've run into... / We need to adjust...
  • Next steps: The next milestone is... / By [date], we will...
Grammar: Present Perfect Continuous

Use for ongoing processes: "We have been testing..."
Use Present Perfect Simple for completed results: "We have finished..."

Unit 4: Presenting & Persuading

4.1

Giving Presentations

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Have you ever given a presentation in English? How did it go?
  2. What makes a presentation engaging vs. boring?
  3. What part of presenting is hardest: opening, body, or closing?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
I'd like to start by...Opening
Moving on to...Transitioning
As you can see from this chart...Referring to visuals
To sum up the main points...Closing
Are there any questions?Q&A
That's a great question. Let me address that.Handling questions

Grammar in Context: Discourse Markers & Signposting

FunctionExpressions
SequencingFirstly... Secondly... Finally...
Adding infoIn addition... Moreover... Furthermore...
ContrastingHowever... On the other hand... Nevertheless...
Giving examplesFor instance... For example... Such as...
SummarisingTo sum up... In conclusion... The key takeaway is...

🎬 Video: How to Give an Amazing Presentation

Before Watching
  1. What are the 3 biggest mistakes presenters make?
  2. How do great presenters start their talks?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What technique from the video would improve your presentations?
  2. How do you handle nervousness before presenting?

Exercise A: Choose the Correct Signpost

"_____ the second part of my presentation, I'd like to discuss our marketing strategy."

"_____, I'd like to emphasise that customer satisfaction is our top priority."

"We have expanded to several new markets. _____, we opened offices in Berlin and Tokyo last year."

Exercise B: Put the Presentation in Order

Moving on to our results: sales have increased by 22% this quarter.
In conclusion, our strategy is working and we plan to expand further.
Good morning, everyone. Thank you for being here today.
However, we still face challenges in the Asian market.
I'd like to start by giving you an overview of our company's performance.
Are there any questions? I'd be happy to discuss any of these points.

Group Activity: Mini Presentation

Individual + Group

Each person gives a 2-minute presentation. The audience gives feedback.

Choose a Topic
  • A) Your company / department (what you do, achievements)
  • B) A product you love (why it's great, who it's for)
  • C) A business idea (problem, solution, benefits)
Requirements
  • Use at least 3 signposting expressions
  • Have a clear opening, body, and closing
  • End with a call to action or question
  • Audience: ask 1 question each after the talk

Key Takeaways

Presentation Structure
  • Opening: Greeting + purpose + outline
  • Body: Main points with signposting (Firstly... Moving on...)
  • Closing: Summary + call to action + Q&A
4.2

Data, Charts & Trends

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Do you work with data, charts, or graphs in your job?
  2. How do you describe numbers and trends in English?
  3. What's the difference between "increase" and "rise"?

Key Vocabulary: Describing Trends

VerbNounDirection
increase / rise / growan increase / a rise / growth↑ Up
decrease / fall / drop / declinea decrease / a fall / a drop↓ Down
remain stable / stay the samestability / no change→ Flat
fluctuatea fluctuation↑↓ Up & down
peak / reach a peaka peak▲ Highest point

Grammar in Context: Passive Voice for Data Descriptions

ActivePassiveWhen to use passive
The company increased sales by 20%.Sales were increased by 20%.Focus on the data, not the doer
They reduced the budget.The budget has been reduced.Formal/objective reporting
We invested £2 million.£2 million was invested.Presentations & reports

🎬 Video: Describing Charts and Graphs in English

Before Watching
  1. List 5 words to describe upward trends and 5 for downward trends.
  2. How do you add intensity? (slightly, significantly, dramatically)
After Watching
Pair Work
  1. Describe these trends using vocabulary from the lesson: Revenue +35%, Costs -12%, Staff: stable at 200.

Exercise A: Choose the Correct Word

Sales _____ from £2M to £3.5M last year.

The marketing budget _____ by 10% this quarter.

The exchange rate _____ between $1.10 and $1.25 throughout the year.

Group Activity: Data Presentation

Pair Work

Describe these company results to your partner as if presenting at a board meeting:

Company Data
  • Revenue: £5.2M → £7.8M (+50%)
  • Costs: £3.1M → £3.3M (+6%)
  • Staff: 120 → 145 (+21%)
  • Customer satisfaction: 78% → 85%
  • Market share: fluctuated between 15-19%
Use These Structures
  • "Revenue increased significantly by 50%..."
  • "Costs rose slightly..."
  • "Customer satisfaction has improved..."
  • "Market share has fluctuated..."

Key Takeaways

Trend Vocabulary
  • ↑ increase, rise, grow, improve
  • ↓ decrease, fall, drop, decline
  • → remain stable, stay the same
  • Modifiers: slightly, gradually, significantly, dramatically, sharply
Grammar: Passive Voice

Use passive to focus on what happened, not who did it: "Sales were increased by 20%."

4.3

Job Interviews — Selling Yourself

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Have you had a job interview in English? What questions were difficult?
  2. How do you answer "Tell me about yourself" without just listing your CV?
  3. What's the STAR method? (Situation, Task, Action, Result)

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
I managed a team of...Describing experience
I was responsible for...Past responsibilities
I successfully implemented...Achievements
My key strength is...Strengths
I'm looking for an opportunity to...Motivation
In this role, I would bring...Value proposition

The STAR Method for Interview Answers

StepWhat to sayExample
SituationSet the scene"In my previous role at TechCorp..."
TaskWhat was your responsibility?"I was tasked with reducing customer complaints."
ActionWhat did you do?"I implemented a new feedback system..."
ResultWhat happened?"Complaints dropped by 40% within 3 months."

🎬 Video: Job Interview Tips in English

Before Watching
  1. What are the top 5 questions asked in job interviews?
  2. What mistakes should you avoid in an interview?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. Practice answering "Tell me about yourself" using a 60-second pitch.
  2. Use the STAR method to describe one of your achievements.

Exercise A: Best Answer to the Interview Question

"Tell me about yourself."

"What is your biggest weakness?"

Group Activity: Mock Interview

Pair Work
Interviewer
  • Tell me about yourself.
  • Why are you interested in this role?
  • Describe a challenge you overcame at work.
  • Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
  • Do you have any questions for us?
Candidate
  • Use the STAR method for at least one answer
  • Use past tenses for achievements
  • Show enthusiasm and ask smart questions
  • Avoid one-word answers

Key Takeaways

Interview Tips
  • Use STAR method for behavioural questions
  • Quantify your achievements (numbers, percentages)
  • Prepare 2-3 smart questions for the interviewer
  • Practice your "60-second pitch" (Tell me about yourself)
Grammar: Past Tenses for Achievements

Past Simple: I managed... I implemented...
Present Perfect: I have gained... I have developed...

Unit 5: Global Business — Culture & Strategy

5.1

Cross-Cultural Communication

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Have you worked with people from different cultures? What surprised you?
  2. What are typical Ukrainian communication patterns compared to British or American?
  3. Can cultural differences cause problems in business? Give examples.

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionContext
high-context / low-context cultureCommunication styles
direct vs. indirect communicationStyle differences
In my culture, it's common to...Explaining cultural norms
That might come across as...Warning about perception
I didn't mean to offend you.Apologising for misunderstanding

Grammar in Context: Third Conditional for Reflecting on Past Situations

StructureExample
If + Past Perfect, would have + past participleIf I had known about their culture, I would have acted differently.
If + Past Perfect, wouldn't have + past participleIf we had prepared better, we wouldn't have offended the client.
If + Past Perfect, could have + past participleIf I had spoken more carefully, I could have avoided the misunderstanding.

🎬 Video: Cross-Cultural Communication in Business

Before Watching
  1. Name 3 cultural differences that can affect business communication.
  2. How does body language differ between cultures?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. Share a personal cross-cultural experience (positive or negative).
  2. Use the Third Conditional: "If I had known about X, I would have..."

Exercise A: Cultural Awareness Quiz

In British business culture, how is disagreement usually expressed?

Why should you be careful about making direct eye contact in international meetings?

Group Activity: Cultural Case Studies

Group Work

Discuss these scenarios in groups. What went wrong? What should they have done?

Scenario A

A Ukrainian manager sent a very direct email to a Japanese client: "We need the payment by Friday." The client was offended and stopped responding.

  • What went wrong?
  • How could the email have been written differently?
  • Use Third Conditional to reflect.
Scenario B

At a business dinner in Germany, a British executive arrived 15 minutes late and joked about it. The German hosts were visibly unimpressed.

  • Why was this a problem?
  • How do different cultures view punctuality?
  • What should the executive have done?

Key Takeaways

Cultural Awareness
  • Research cultural norms before international meetings
  • Adapt your communication style (direct vs. indirect)
  • Be aware of body language differences
  • When in doubt, ask respectfully about cultural preferences
Grammar: Third Conditional

If + Past Perfect, would/could have + past participle: "If I had known, I would have acted differently."

5.2

Sales Pitches & Client Relationships

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Have you ever had to sell something in English? What was it?
  2. What makes a sales pitch convincing?
  3. How do you build long-term relationships with clients?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
Our solution will help you...Benefit-focused pitch
What sets us apart is...Unique selling point
Based on your needs, I'd recommend...Personalised offer
Would you like me to walk you through...?Offering a demo
Shall we schedule a follow-up?Call to action

🎬 Video: The Art of the Sales Pitch

Before Watching
  1. What are the elements of a successful sales pitch?
  2. How do you adapt your pitch to different audiences?
After Watching
Pair Work
  1. Create a 60-second elevator pitch for your company or product.
  2. Practice it with your partner and give each other feedback.

Exercise A: Complete the Sales Pitch

"_____ is our 24/7 customer support and personalised approach."

The client needs more features. What do you say?

Group Activity: Pitch Competition

Group Work

Each person pitches a real or imaginary product/service in 2 minutes. The group votes on the most convincing pitch!

Your Pitch Structure
  • Hook: Start with a question or surprising fact
  • Problem: What problem does your product solve?
  • Solution: How does your product solve it?
  • Evidence: Give a number, testimonial, or example
  • Call to action: What should the listener do next?

Key Takeaways

Pitch Framework
  • Hook → Problem → Solution → Evidence → Call to Action
  • Focus on benefits (what the client gets), not just features
  • Use persuasive language: "Our solution will help you..."
5.3

Career Development & Future Plans

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Warm-Up Discussion

Pair Work
  1. Where do you see yourself in 5 years professionally?
  2. What skills are most important for career growth in your field?
  3. Do you prefer stability or new challenges? Why?

Key Vocabulary & Expressions

ExpressionUsage
I'm planning to...Definite plans
I'm hoping to...Aspirations
I intend to...Strong intention
I'm considering...Thinking about options
My long-term goal is to...Vision
I'd like to develop my skills in...Development

Grammar in Context: Future Forms for Plans & Ambitions

FormExampleCertainty
Present ContinuousI am starting an MBA next month.🟢 Definite / arranged
going toI am going to apply for a promotion.🟠 Planned / decided
I'm planning/hoping toI am hoping to move abroad.🔴 Aspiration / less certain
would like toI would like to become a CEO one day.🔴 Dream / ambition

🎬 Video: Career Planning & Professional Development

Before Watching
  1. What are the most important factors for career success?
  2. How do you balance personal ambition with company loyalty?
After Watching
Group Discussion
  1. What advice from the video resonated with you most?
  2. Share your career goals using different future forms.

Exercise A: Choose the Correct Future Form

I _____ a new job on Monday. (arranged, definite)

I _____ apply for a leadership training programme. (planned, decided)

One day, I _____ run my own company. (dream, ambition)

Final Activity: Career Vision Board

Group Work

Present your 5-year career plan to the group. Use all the language you've learned in this course!

Your Career Vision
  • Now: Describe your current role (Present Simple/Perfect)
  • Short-term: What are you planning? (going to / planning to)
  • Medium-term: What do you hope to achieve? (hoping to / intending to)
  • Long-term: What's your dream? (would like to)
  • Skills: What do you need to develop?
Audience
  • Ask follow-up questions about each person's plan
  • Give constructive feedback and suggestions
  • "That sounds ambitious! How are you going to...?"
  • "Have you considered...?"

Key Takeaways

Course Summary
  • ✔ Introductions, small talk & networking
  • ✔ Professional emails, phone calls & complaints
  • ✔ Meetings, negotiations & project updates
  • ✔ Presentations, data descriptions & job interviews
  • ✔ Cross-cultural communication, sales & career planning
Grammar Summary

Present Simple/Perfect • Question Tags • First/Second/Third Conditionals • Modal Verbs • Indirect Questions • Passive Voice • Discourse Markers • Future Forms