The Curse of Knowing Too Much
Grammar: Hedging and diplomatic language in professional communication
A Business English English lesson exploring business.
What's in this lesson
A Business English ESL lesson on business, practising hedging and diplomatic language in professional communication. The worksheet has a reading, target vocabulary, a grammar reference with practice and discussion questions.
From the reading: The Curse of Knowing Too Much
In 1990, a Stanford psychology student named Elizabeth Newton ran a simple experiment. She asked one group to tap out the rhythm of a famous song, such as "Happy Birthday", on a table. A second group had to name the tune. The tappers predicted that listeners would guess correctly about half the time. In reality, listeners succeeded in only 2.5 percent of cases. Newton had found something uncomfortable: once you know something, it is almost impossible to imagine not knowing it.
Vocabulary
- all but impossible
- at the same time
- for the most part
- in reality
- answer a
- drown in
- limit what
- stop listening
- tap out
Grammar
- Hedging verbs
- The data seems to suggest a problem. — softens a claim
- Modal hedges
- This could be a risk. — possibility, not certainty
Discussion questions
- Who explains complicated things best?
- Have you ever sat through a confusing presentation?
- Should experts be required to speak simply?
The Curse of Knowing Too Much
Grammar: Hedging and diplomatic language in professional communication
What's in this lesson:
Full lesson plan with reading, grammar, vocabulary, and discussion.
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