If you've taught business students, I'm sure you've noticed they have specific needs when it comes to ESL lessons.
The reason for this is because there are specific situations they typically go through that require equally specific language goals in their ESL business lessons. Depending on the material you use in class, practice for these language goals can be on hand and ready to use, but sometimes that's not the case. There are times we need to add or include specific vocabulary, if the material we are using is not one designed specifically for business students, for instance.
Using skits and role plays is a great way to practice useful language functions, vocabulary and even grammar. Regarding business students in particular, if the material and/or course book they are using is not for business students you can add one or two of the following skits at the end of each chapter to customize the material to their needs. Let's take a look at some awesome skits you can use.Since business people need to interact with others in their work, it is essential that you as their beloved teacher include practice in certain situations.
7 Awesome Skits Your ESL Business Students Will Love
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1
Introducing Oneself and Others
I suppose it is pretty self evident why this is an important situation to practice. Business students need to introduce themselves to clients and others they work with on a regular basis. It is important to note that there are different degrees of formality but that in general there are some popular options.
- How do you do? My name is ….Nice to meet you.
- Hello, I'm … Nice to meet you too.
- Hello, I'd like to introduce … She works with me in marketing.
- Nice to meet you … I'm …
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2
Scheduling Meetings
Meetings are a great part of business life. Those who work for companies spend countless hours coming from and going to meetings. Also, scheduling meetings can be a daunting task if they are not prepared to do so.
- Good morning, I'd like to talk to Bill Wise please.
- This is Bill.
- Hello Bill, it's good to talk to you again. I would like to know if you are available for a meeting this week?
- Sure. Is Thursday good for you? Maybe in the morning?
- Sounds perfect. I'll be there at 10. We can meet at your office. How does that sound?
- Great. See you then.
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3
Inviting a Client to a Meal
Wining and dining are also very common in business. Taking clients out for coffee, lunch and even dinner is something business folks do on a regular basis. Sharing a meal with someone has always been a good way to socialize. In business, it is an amazing way to make connections that can lead to profitable deals.
- Good morning Bill. How are you this morning?
- Good morning Sam, everything is good. How's everything at Smart Tech?
- Great. Sam, are you free for lunch tomorrow? I have some questions about the new contract I'd like to discuss with you.
- Sure, tomorrow is great for me.
- Wonderful, Ill pick you up at noon.
- Perfect, see you then.
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4
Accepting and Declining Invitations
Business people get invited to all kinds of events. Sadly they aren't able to attend all of them. That's why it's important to practice accepting and declining invitations with ESL business students.
- Would you like to join us for dinner
- I'd love to. That sounds wonderful.
- Are you free for lunch tomorrow?
- Yes, That sound great. Where should we meet?
- I'd like to invite you to dinner tomorrow evening. Are you available?
- I'd love to, but I already have plans.
- We are all having lunch tomorrow. Do you want to come?
- It sounds great, but I can't.
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5
Checking for Comprehension
Unfortunately for our ESL business students, not understanding is a common scenario. No matter how amazing you are as their teacher, at some point they will have serious doubts about what is being discussed at a meeting or what their client is asking them. They need to check for comprehension to make sure there are no misunderstandings. Practicing short conversational exchanges can help them learn how to do this.
- Next month our number one priority is the marketing campaign.
- So, what you are saying is that we will work exclusively on the marketing campaign?
- Yes, unless something urgent comes up.
- We need to get moving on those reports
- Alright, so if I understood correctly, what you mean is that we need to hurry a bit and finish those reports, right?
- Yes, that's correct.
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6
Asking and Talking about Deadlines
One of the biggest issues business people have to handle on a daily basis is deadlines. We all have them in one way or another. After all we can't just go about handing work in whenever we want. Deadlines help companies and organizations organize work and the time needed to complete it.
- How is the project coming along?
- Great! Right on schedule.
- That's great to hear. Good job
- So how are we doing on the project?
- Well, a bit behind schedule
- I see. How far behind?
- About 1 week.
- Do you think you will make the deadline?
- We just added another member to the team. I think we'll make it.
- That's good to hear.
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7
Asking for Help
Everyone needs help or assistance with something every once in a while. This is why it is also very convenient for you to include practice in this area as well.
- Excuse me. Could you give me a hand?
- Sure, how can I help?
- I'm sorry, could I ask you for some help? I can't seem to get this printer to work.
- No problem.
Practicing interactions in situations present in the business world is important to give your ESL business students the tools they need to cope with these situations in real life.
If they are prepared, nothing can stop them.
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