Business EnglishBusiness

Direct Speech, Hidden Rules

Grammar: BE-6

A Business English English lesson exploring business.

businessbe-6

What's in this lesson

A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising be-6. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.

From the reading: Direct Speech, Hidden Rules

A Dutch manager says, "This is not good." She means exactly that. Her American colleague hears bluntness. Her Japanese colleague hears an insult. The message is clear. The reception is not.

Vocabulary

  • low-context
  • high-context
  • rapport
  • adapt your style
  • common ground
  • take away

Grammar

Opening a meeting
I would like to begin by thanking everyone. — formal, not I wanna
Hedging a view
It could be argued that the plan is risky. — softer than It is risky

Discussion questions

  1. Have you noticed how some people say no without ever saying the word?
  2. Why do you think the same email can sound polite to one person and rude to another?
  3. Have you noticed how meetings feel different when the boss is in the room?

Direct Speech, Hidden Rules

Grammar: BE-6

What's in this lesson:

Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.

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