Managing up: using diplomatic language with seniors

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B2 learners explores Managing up: using diplomatic language with seniors through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content.

What you'll practise:

• 5 key vocabulary items with definitions and usage notes
• Grammar focus: The passive voice for diplomatic communication with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for discussing a project challenge with your manager
• Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context
• Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness

Lesson activities (10 exercises)

Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience.

1. Warm-up — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic.
2. Comprehension — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details.
3. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
5. Grammar — Study The passive voice for diplomatic communication — explanation, examples, and key rules.
6. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
7. Practical English — Learn phrases for discussing a project challenge with your manager — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Cloze passage — Fill in blanks within a connected text to practise vocabulary in context.
9. Discussion — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned.

Vocabulary

This lesson introduces 5 key terms drawn directly from the article:

• give someone a heads-up — to warn someone that something is going to happen, so they can be prepared.
• run something by someone — to tell someone about an idea or plan so that they can give you their opinion or approval.
• flag a potential issue — to mention something to draw attention to it as a possible problem or concern.
• be on the same page — to have a shared understanding or be in agreement about a situation.
• a viable alternative — a different plan or option that is practical and likely to succeed.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on The passive voice for diplomatic communication.

In professional settings, we often use the passive voice to sound more objective and formal. It allows us to focus on an action or event itself, rather than on the person responsible, which is useful for being diplomatic, delivering sensitive news, or avoiding blame.

Examples from the lesson:

• Unfortunately, a mistake was made in the final calculations. — This focuses on the mistake, not who made it. It's more diplomatic than saying, 'Someone made a mistake'.
• It has been decided that the deadline will be moved to next Friday. — This structure is common for formal announcements. It sounds official and removes the focus from the specific people who made the decision.
• This issue should be addressed before the client meeting. — Here, the passive is combined with a modal verb ('should') to suggest a necessary action without ordering a specific person to do it.

Key rules:

• Use the passive voice to focus on the action, not the agent (the person doing it).
• It is often formed with a form of 'to be' + past participle (e.g., is done, was seen, has been decided).
• Be careful not to overuse it; the active voice is often clearer and more direct when diplomacy is not required.

Practical English

discussing a project challenge with your manager

When you need to tell your manager about a problem, it's important to be clear, proactive, and diplomatic. These phrases will help you frame the issue constructively and work together to find a solution.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "Do you have a moment to sync up about the [Project Name] project? I've run into a potential hurdle." — A polite way to open the conversation and introduce the topic.
• "I'm a bit concerned that our current approach might not deliver the results we're aiming for." — A diplomatic way to state the problem without sounding negative or blaming anyone.
• "I've already done some thinking on this and have a couple of ideas on how we could move forward." — Shows that you are proactive and have come with solutions, not just problems.
• "I was wondering if we could explore the possibility of [suggested solution]." — An indirect and respectful way to propose your solution.
• "I'd really value your perspective on this." — A great way to ask for your manager's opinion and show you respect their experience.