Have you ever attended lessons where the tutor invariably asks you to describe your weekend?

Conversation in class should be varied because life is varied. There are more scenarios than weekends! Complaining, presenting information, discussing delivery terms, talking about finance, asking for a discount and many others.

Unfortunately, classroom time is limited so it’s advisable for teachers to use it for situations students will face.  Remember that lessons are for them—so always try to focus classes on what learners find useful.

Start by asking students to write a list of common situations, such as talking to a client, visiting a supplier, defending a budget or discussing prices.

Write the specialised vocabulary you believe they’ll need.

Play different roles. You can ask students to be suppliers, colleagues, clients or the public for a presentation.

Repeat dialogues several times in different settings. For example, the client could be more interested in fast delivery than in quality and the presentation public could ask challenging questions. 

Insist until students feel comfortable with word choice, pronunciation, intonation and speed. Don’t let them give up and remind them that practice makes perfect.

Check Andrew’s books on business English here: www.andymiles.com