Making a business case: Using modals for persuasion

Making a business case β€” a C1 English lesson. Practise using modal verbs for persuasion and expand vocabulary around securing project funding.

Making a business case: Using modals for persuasion
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Summary

This ESL lesson for C1 English students explores Business communication. Using a real audio as the basis for discussion, students develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar skills across a 90-minute class.

The grammar focus is Modal verbs for certainty, possibility, and recommendation. Key vocabulary includes robust (adjective), quantifiable (adjective), return on investment (noun phrase) and more, all drawn directly from the source material. The practical English section gives students useful phrases for real-life situations: You are in a meeting, presenting your business case to stakeholders and trying to secure funding for your project..

Activities

00:00 When making a business case, it's crucial to present a robust argument, underpinned by solid data. You must articulate not just the costs, but also the quantifiable benefits and return on investment. Furthermore, understanding the strategic imperatives of key stakeholders is paramount to gaining their buy-in. We should always anticipate potential objections and be prepared to address them proactively. A well-constructed case should clearly demonstrate how the proposal aligns with broader organisational goals. Ultimately, it's about crafting a compelling narrative that resonates with decision-makers.
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Making a business case
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Vocabulary focus

The vocabulary section introduces C1-level words and phrases related to Business communication. Key terms include robust (adjective), quantifiable (adjective), return on investment (noun phrase), strategic imperatives (noun phrase), paramount (adjective). Students practise using these terms in context through exercises drawn from the source material.

Grammar focus

This lesson focuses on Modal verbs for certainty, possibility, and recommendation. Modal verbs like 'must', 'should', 'could', and 'might' are essential for making a business case. They allow you to express different levels of certainty and to frame recommendations persuasively.

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Making a Business Case: Argue for Resources & Budget
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