Direct or indirect? (communication styles)

Joe | Jun 12, 2026Jun 12, 2026

LESSON OVERVIEW

The main objectives of this ESL lesson on communication styles are to:

• discuss different ways to communicate;
• practise adjectives for describing communication styles;
• watch a video excerpt about why the Dutch are so direct.

In this lesson, students explore an expression about speaking honestly and directly, read about different personal communication styles and work with useful adjectives (e.g. assertive, blunt, reserved). They talk about people they know, discuss handling awkward dilemmas and watch part of a video about communication styles. Students also reflect on conversational directness across cultures, work in pairs and share their opinions.

WARM-UP AND VOCABULARY

This ESL lesson on communication styles starts with a warm-up. Students look at the expression ‘say what you mean and mean what you say’ and discuss its idea and its importance. After that, they read the descriptions of four people. Then, students complete the definitions of adjectives in the texts by choosing the correct options. Moving on, they examine the descriptions from the previous task again and think of someone they know who is similar to each person. Students give examples that illustrate their attitude. Afterwards, they read situations and questions involving awkward social and professional dilemmas. Students choose the correct adjectives to complete possible responses. Following that, they answer the questions in each situation, giving reasons. 

VIDEO AND DISCUSSION

In this part of this ESL lesson on communication styles, students watch a video excerpt on the topic and identify its main purpose. Afterwards, they read questions related to differences in communication styles and social expectations. Students choose the correct answer according to the video. They then watch part of the video again and check their answers. Moving on, students discuss questions about cultural directness and communication styles. After that, they work in pairs. Students look at different situations and choose one. They debate opposing communication styles using two contrasting adjectives and explain why. Students swap roles, choose a different situation and repeat.

HOMEWORK/REVISION

This ESL lesson on communication styles also includes an additional task that you can use as homework or revision. In the task, students read questions and choose the adjectives that best describe responses. They then write a second response in the style of the other adjective. The task is available in the teacher’s version of the worksheet. You can print it and hand it out to your students. It’s also included in the e-lesson plan.

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