Introduction:

Welcome!

Today, we’re embarking on an exciting journey to explore the power of positive communication in professional English.

As we navigate through this lesson, you’ll learn not just about the language itself but also about the art of conveying your ideas and emotions effectively and respectfully in a workplace setting.

This skill is crucial, especially for non-native English speakers, as it can greatly enhance your professional interactions, build stronger relationships, and open up new opportunities in your career.

Let’s begin by discussing what positive communication means to you in a professional context and how it can impact your life.”

1. Lead-In

Starter Questions:

  1. “What does positive communication in a professional setting mean to you? Can you give an example from your experience or observation?”
  2. “How do you think mastering positive communication in English can benefit your professional life, especially in international or multicultural settings?”
  3. “Can you recall a situation where positive or negative communication significantly impacted a professional outcome? What was learned from that experience?”

2. Clarification


Workplace Scenario in New York Finance and Banking Office

Context: Imagine you are in a bustling finance and banking office in New York. The environment is dynamic and often high-pressure, with a diverse team of professionals from various cultural backgrounds. In this scenario, we will observe a team meeting where positive communication plays a crucial role.

Scenario: John, the team leader, convenes a meeting to discuss the strategy for an upcoming project. The team consists of members with varying levels of experience and expertise. Maria, a recent hire from Brazil, is nervous about her first big project.

As the meeting begins, John greets everyone warmly and expresses his confidence in the team’s abilities. He clearly outlines the meeting’s objectives and encourages open participation. When discussing roles, John is attentive and respectful, valuing each team member’s input. He notices Maria’s hesitation and invites her to share her thoughts, assuring her that all ideas are welcome.

Maria, feeling encouraged, suggests an innovative approach. While her idea is not fully developed, John acknowledges its potential and thanks her for her contribution. He then tactfully proposes to have a more experienced team member, Sarah, work with Maria to refine the idea.

Throughout the meeting, John maintained a positive and respectful tone, actively listened to his team members, and addressed any concerns with empathy and clarity. His approach fosters a collaborative atmosphere where even less experienced members, like Maria, feel valued and motivated.

Questions for Comprehension and Discussion:

  1. How did John demonstrate positive communication in the way he conducted the meeting?
  2. In what ways did John support Maria, the recent hire, and how did this exemplify positive communication?
  3. How did John handle Maria’s idea, and what does this say about positive communication in a team setting?
  4. What impact do you think John’s communication style had on the team’s morale and collaboration?
  5. Can you identify any strategies John used to ensure that all team members, regardless of experience, felt included and respected?

3. Controlled Practice – Vocabulary & Sentence Structures

1. Rapport

  • Definition: Building a friendly and harmonious relationship based on mutual understanding and trust.
  • Use case: Responding to a Colleague
    • “I really appreciate your perspective on this project; it’s great how well we work together.”
    • “Your presentation was insightful, and I’m looking forward to collaborating with you on future endeavors.”
  • Use case: Initiating a Conversation with a Colleague
    • “I noticed your recent success with the client project. Would you like to grab a coffee and discuss your approach?”
    • “I’ve been thinking about your suggestions in the last meeting. Can we meet to explore these ideas further?”

2. Empathy

  • Definition: The ability to understand and share the feelings of another person.
  • Use case: Responding to a Colleague
    • “I understand that this task is challenging, and I appreciate your dedication to getting it right.”
    • “I can see how important this issue is to you; let’s work together to find the best solution.”
  • Use case: Initiating a Conversation with a Colleague
    • “I heard about the challenges you faced in the recent project. Would you like to discuss how we can improve the process?”
    • “I’m impressed by how you handled that difficult situation. Can you share your approach with me?”

3. Collaboration

  • Definition: Working together effectively towards a common goal.
  • Use case: Responding to a Colleague
    • “Your input in today’s meeting was invaluable; let’s continue this teamwork to reach our project goals.”
    • “I agree with your approach; let’s combine our efforts to ensure the success of this project.”
  • Use case: Initiating a Conversation with a Colleague
    • “I have some ideas for our upcoming project; I’d love to get your input and work together on this.”
    • “Our skills complement each other well. How about we team up for the next phase of the project?”

4. Constructive Feedback

  • Definition: Providing helpful and specific feedback aimed at improving performance or behavior.
  • Use case: Responding to a Colleague
    • “Your report was very thorough; adding more data analysis could make it even stronger.”
    • “I appreciate your effort on this task. Perhaps next time, we could try a different strategy to increase efficiency.”
  • Use case: Initiating a Conversation with a Colleague
    • “I’ve reviewed your proposal and have some constructive feedback that might enhance its effectiveness.”
    • “Your presentation skills have improved greatly; I have a few suggestions for further refinement.”

5. Professionalism

  • Definition: Conducting oneself with responsibility, integrity, accountability, and excellence in a work setting.
  • Use case: Responding to a Colleague
    • “I admire how professionally you handled that challenging client. It sets a great example for the team.”
    • “Your consistent punctuality and attention to detail in our project meetings really demonstrate your professionalism.”
  • Use case: Initiating a Conversation with a Colleague
    • “I’ve been impressed with your professional approach to work. Would you mind sharing some tips on time management?”
    • “Your professional demeanor in meetings is commendable. I’m curious to learn how you prepare for these discussions.”

4. Feedback Session (Let’s discuss the class)

  1. What do you think of the material?
  2. Do you now feel confident to use the vocabulary and sentences at work?

Thank you for doing the class today. I hope this was helpful.

Clarke – Professor de inglês

The Power of Positive Communication in Professional English