ESL lesson plan | B2 | Building and projecting confidence

Summary

This downloadable PDF lesson plan for English teachers explores the psychology of confidence. This ESL class material uses a TED-Ed video to teach vocabulary and grammar, helping students discuss personal growth in an engaging English lesson. The lesson guides students through building self-confidence with structured activities, including a warm-up, vocabulary matching, video comprehension, and identifying 'growth' vs. 'fixed' mindsets. It also features a grammar focus on the first conditional and culminates in a practical role-playing activity where students practice giving and receiving encouragement.

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Activities

Students start by discussing what confidence means to them before learning key vocabulary like 'persevere', 'setback', and 'growth mindset' through a matching exercise to prepare for the main topic.
Learners watch a popular TED-Ed talk, "3 tips to boost your confidence," and test their understanding with comprehension questions, followed by a task to differentiate between 'fixed' and 'growth' mindset statements.
The lesson reviews the first conditional for talking about possible future results. Students then use the new grammar and vocabulary in a guided role-play where they practice giving each other a supportive 'pep talk'.

00:06 When faced with a big challenge where potential failure seems to lurk at every corner, maybe you've heard this advice before: "Be more confident." And most likely, this is what you think when you hear it: "If only it were that simple."

00:22 But what is confidence? Take the belief that you are valuable, worthwhile, and capable, also known as self-esteem, add in the optimism that comes when you are certain of your abilities, and then empowered by these, act courageously to face a challenge head-on. This is confidence. It turns thoughts into action.

00:46 So where does confidence even come from? There are several factors that impact confidence. One: what you're born with, such as your genes, which will impact things like the balance of neurochemicals in your brain. Two: how you're treated. This includes the social pressures of your environment. And three: the part you have control over, the choices you make, the risks you take, and how you think about and respond to challenges and setbacks.

01:16 It isn't possible to completely untangle these three factors, but the personal choices we make certainly play a major role in confidence development. So, by keeping in mind a few practical tips, we do actually have the power to cultivate our own confidence.

01:35 Tip 1: a quick fix. There are a few tricks that can give you an immediate confidence boost in the short term. Picture your success when you're beginning a difficult task, something as simple as listening to music with deep bass; it can promote feelings of power. You can even strike a powerful pose or give yourself a pep talk.

01:58 Tip two: believe in your ability to improve. If you're looking for a long-term change, consider the way you think about your abilities and talents. Do you think they are fixed at birth, or that they can be developed, like a muscle? These beliefs matter because they can influence how you act when you're faced with setbacks. If you have a fixed mindset, meaning that you think your talents are locked in place, you might give up, assuming you've discovered something you're not very good at. But if you have a growth mindset and think your abilities can improve, a challenge is an opportunity to learn and grow.

02:38 Neuroscience supports the growth mindset. The connections in your brain do get stronger and grow with study and practice. It also turns out, on average, people who have a growth mindset are more successful, getting better grades, and doing better in the face of challenges.

02:56 Tip three: practice failure. Face it, you're going to fail sometimes. Everyone does. J.K. Rowling was rejected by twelve different publishers before one picked up "Harry Potter." The Wright Brothers built on history's failed attempts at flight, including some of their own, before designing a successful airplane. Studies show that those who fail regularly and keep trying anyway are better equipped to respond to challenges and setbacks in a constructive way.

03:28 They learn how to try different strategies, ask others for advice, and persevere. So, think of a challenge you want to take on, realize it's not going to be easy, accept that you'll make mistakes, and be kind to yourself when you do. Give yourself a pep talk, stand up, and go for it. The excitement you'll feel knowing that whatever the result, you'll have gained greater knowledge and understanding. This is confidence.

Vocabulary focus

This lesson builds vocabulary related to personal development and resilience. Key terms include nouns like 'setback', 'pep talk', and 'growth mindset', verbs such as 'to persevere' and 'to cultivate', and the adjective 'empowered'. This language helps students articulate concepts of self-improvement and overcoming challenges.

Grammar focus

The main grammar point is the first conditional, used to discuss the likely results of future actions (If + present simple, ... will/can/might + infinitive). This is practiced in the context of personal change, such as, "If you adopt a growth mindset, you will see challenges as opportunities to learn."

Building and projecting confidence

Summary

Activities

Vocabulary focus

Grammar focus

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