| LESSON OVERVIEW
The main objectives of this speaking lesson on work relationships are to:
- review vocabulary to talk about relationships at work;
- talk about the impact of certain workplace practices;
- watch a video titled ‘Why you should bring your whole self to work‘.
With this lesson, students revise phrases to discuss work relationships (e.g. conform to corporate norms), They talk about differences and similarities between relationships with colleagues and friends. Students also discuss the concept of covering (hiding parts of yourself to avoid seeming different). They watch a video and discuss workplace initiatives aimed at promoting inclusivity, team-building, and employee motivation.
60 minSpeaking ClassUnlimited Plan
This is a Speaking Class worksheet. It includes a variety of tasks that let your students practise their speaking skills. This lesson format does not focus on grammar or vocabulary. Learn more about it here.
VOCABULARY AND WARM-UP
Before this speaking lesson on work relationships begins, you can do a vocabulary activity so that students revise phrases that will be useful for further discussion. In the task, they match questions halves to create phrases (e.g. bridge the gap, fit in, downplay the importance, etc.). Students also answer any two questions of their choice. After that, the lesson features a warm-up. Students name one key similarity and one key difference between relationships with colleagues and friends. They consider specific aspects (e.g. trust, communication, personal boundaries and support). Then, they choose different people they work with for sets of activities (e.g. a person to have a coffee with, a person to do a project with, etc.) and explain their choices. Next, students discuss questions about workplace relationships.
VIDEO AND DISCUSSION
At this point in this speaking lesson on work relationships, students look at workplace practices (e.g. flexible work hours, discussing personal issues, etc.). They discuss their impact on dynamics at work. After, they read about the concept of covering (downplaying or hiding aspects of yourself so as not to appear different). They also explore examples. Then, students choose examples and discuss why people might be doing them (e.g. a woman dressing in a more masculine style). Additionally, they say the potential consequences they may have for the individual or the company. Following that, they watch a video titled ‘Why you should bring your whole self to work’. Students say which of its ideas resonates with them the most. Next, students read about workplace initiatives (e.g. The project manager invites their team to attend a poetry reading they’re participating in) and discuss questions about their effects, benefits and challenges.
WORKSHEETS
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Love that you used this video (I think it was my suggestion?)
I love Dan and you put together a nice lesson with his video!
Well done
Thank you for your comment! And yes, we definitely appreciate the video suggestion! So glad you loved the lesson
I subscribed but I still can’t see where I can download worksheets to go with the lesson I saved.
Emer, it seems you have a Free subscription and this lesson is available to Unlimited subscribers only. Go to the Lesson Search and use the filters to only see the Free lessons
I didn’t know anything about the video or speaker before we got into it. My student base is a conservative base and your lesson are really moving towards a push of ESG and LGB…agendas. Too many lessons like this that are pushing these agendas.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We offer a wide variety of lessons that cover different topics and perspectives. Our aim is not to push any specific agenda but to present diverse opinions and encourage thoughtful discussions.
Your aim is definitely to push a specific agenda, there is a clear far-left bias to a lot of material here, especially your material. I think you perceive your own bias to be neautral.
It seems only logical to check out the lesson and the video BEFORE you bring the material to class, wouldn’t you agree? Could save a lot of embarrassment
It’s crazy that they feel the need to inject sexual nonsense in to English lessons. Many seem more interested in moralising as opposed to just teaching English.
Not bothering to even look at a lesson plan before teaching = not a professional. That is on you. Perhaps take responsibility for yourself before talking about agendas.
Just to those complaining about the content of the lesson: I teach students from a broad range of backgrounds, and as an experienced teacher with good judgement, I am able to decipher which lessons are appropriate for which students – this is part of my job. I will not like or agree with every single lesson plan, reading exercise in coursebooks, video etc. out there, so it’s my job to pick and choose what is suitable based on the needs and interests of the students I teach.
From a personal perspective, I loved this lesson and got a great discussion going with two of my private students around what would be considered acceptable from culture to culture, so thanks for that.
Thanks for a great lesson plan. My students have found it to be one of the best I have used in class. And, yes, I checked it out before showing my students as I do with all my videos that I use in class. Why on earth wouldn’t I?!
The whole TED The Way We Work series is very interesting to use with adult professional students, could you maybe do some more? That would be great!
Thanks so much for the great feedback! I’m glad your students enjoyed the lesson. TED The Way We Work is an excellent series for adult learners – I’ll pass along your suggestion to create more lessons from it
And in the meantime, you can check out these two lessons which include videos from the series: here and here
Great! Thank you!
Thank you for this lesson. Controversial indeed… but is that not exactly what we need in order to maintain a scintillating conversation? Kudos to you ESLBrains for venturing out there!
Our students do not all need to be mollycoddles. Teachers are always free to use their discretion.