Work Conversations in English

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• English
• University

Speaking at Work in English

Open with a calm, practical tone. Emphasise that this lesson is for real work situations, not for perfect grammar. The aim is to help the learner start speaking immediately with useful, simple English.

Today’s goal

I can use simple English to introduce myself, talk about my work, ask for help, and speak in short work conversations.

One word or phrase you already know for work English

Use the responses to activate familiar workplace words and phrases such as hello, meeting, email, help, manager, or nice to meet you. Invite the learner to say one aloud before moving on.

Useful first phrases

• Hello, I’m …

• I work at …

• I’m a …

• Nice to meet you.

• How are you today?

• Thanks for your time.

Model natural pronunciation and rhythm. Show contractions such as I'm in speech, but do not turn this into a grammar explanation.

A simple introduction model

Hello, I’m Ana. I work at GreenTech. I’m an assistant. Nice to meet you.

This model is useful because it is:

• short

• clear

• easy to change

• suitable for many jobs

Invite the learner to swap the name, company, and job title only. Keeping the sentence frame stable lowers hesitation and builds confidence.

Formal and friendly

• Formal: Good morning.

• Friendly: Hello.

• Formal: Nice to meet you.

• Friendly: It’s great to meet you.

• Choose polite, simple language for work.

Keep the contrast practical. Avoid overexplaining register; just help the learner notice that both can work, depending on the situation and workplace culture.

Job vocabulary

Jobs

• office

• company

• factory

• shop

• hotel

• hospital

• manager

• assistant

• engineer

• receptionist

• sales representative

• technician

Workplaces

Select the words most relevant to the learner’s real or target job. You do not need to cover every item in equal depth.

Useful job phrases

• I work in sales.

• I work in customer service.

• I work with clients.

• I answer emails and calls.

• I help customers.

• I manage schedules.

• I prepare reports.

Point out chunks such as 'I work in…' and 'I work with…'. These fixed phrases are more useful at this level than long vocabulary lists.

A simple work description

I’m a receptionist. I work at a hotel. I answer calls, welcome guests, and help visitors.

A good work description:

• says your role

• says where you work

• says 2 or 3 tasks

If the learner struggles, reduce it to two sentences first, then add one task. The structure matters more than variety.

Useful help phrases

• Can you help me?

• Could you say that again?

• Can you show me?

• I don’t understand.

• Can you explain this?

• Sorry, can you repeat that?

Highlight that 'Could you say that again?' is often more professional than only saying 'What?'. Keep focus on ready-to-use phrases.

Polite language for requests

• Direct: Help me with this.

• Polite: Can you help me with this?

• More polite: Could you help me with this, please?

Adding please, sorry, and thank you makes work English sound more professional.

This is a use-of-English focus, not a grammar lecture. Keep attention on tone and practicality.

When you do not understand

• Say it early, not at the end

• Use simple repair phrases

• Ask for repetition or explanation

• Confirm the message after help

Example: Sorry, can you repeat that?

Add a teacher model such as: 'Sorry, can you repeat that?' / 'Yes, the meeting is at 3.' / 'OK, thank you.' This shows the learner how a repair sequence works.

Which phrase is the most polite request?

A

Help me with this.

B

Can you help me?

C

I don’t understand.

D

Could you help me with this, please?

Checks the polite request ladder from slide 12. Students often choose the shorter polite form, but the most polite option includes could and please.

Model: meeting someone

A: Hello, I’m Sam.

B: Hi, I’m Marta. Nice to meet you.

A: Nice to meet you too. I work in sales.

B: Oh, I work in marketing.

Encourage the learner to swap names and departments only at first. Small changes make practice manageable.

Model: asking for help

A: Sorry, can you help me?

B: Of course.

A: I don’t understand this email.

B: No problem. I can explain it.

This dialogue introduces apology + request + problem + support. It is a useful pattern for many workplace moments.

Model: telephone or online call

A: Hello, this is Lina from Bright Office.

B: Hello, Lina.

A: Can I speak to Mr Ahmed, please?

B: One moment, please.

Useful call language is extra clear because there is no face-to-face support.

If useful, mention that phone English is often harder because the learner cannot use gestures or read facial expressions.

What is one useful phrase you learned today?

Look for one practical takeaway from the lesson, such as introducing themselves, describing their job, asking for repetition, or changing one part of a model conversation.

What helped you speak more confidently today?

Encourage reflection on support that lowered hesitation: short models, repeated frames, polite phrases, swapping one word at a time, or speaking slowly.

Glossary

assistant - a person who helps with office or business tasks

client - a customer of a business or service

company - a business organisation

customer service - help and support for customers

department - one section of a company

manage - to organise and control work

marketing - work that promotes products or services

Glossary

meeting - a planned time when people talk about work

polite - showing respect in the way you speak

repeat - to say something again

receptionist - a person who welcomes visitors and answers calls

report - a document with information for work

schedule - a plan of times and tasks

task - a piece of work to do