Managing up: using diplomatic language with seniors

Managing up β€” a B2 English lesson. Practise using modal verbs for diplomatic language and expand vocabulary around influencing senior colleagues.

Managing up: using diplomatic language with seniors

Summary

This ESL lesson for B2 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 Using modal verbs for diplomatic language. Key vocabulary includes stakeholder (noun), anticipate (verb), proactive (adjective) and more, all drawn directly from the source material. The practical English section gives students useful phrases for real-life situations: You need to update your manager about a potential problem with a project and suggest a solution..

Activities

Vocabulary focus

The vocabulary section introduces B2-level words and phrases related to Business communication. Key terms include stakeholder (noun), anticipate (verb), proactive (adjective), frame (verb), strategic objectives (noun phrase). Students practise using these terms in context through exercises drawn from the source material.

Grammar focus

This lesson focuses on Using modal verbs for diplomatic language. When communicating with senior colleagues, it's important to be polite and respectful. Using modal verbs like 'could', 'would', and 'might' can help soften your language.

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Managing up and influencing senior stakeholders
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