HEAAADERLOGORIGHT

BUSINESS ENGLISH · BUSINESS ISSUES · ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE
YOURSELF:
MASTERING
BUSINESS
ETIQUETTE
QrrkoD Scan to review
worksheet

Expemo code:
1ECX-833L-5602

1 Warm up

In pairs, answer the following questions.

1. Should business etiquette evolve to accommodate changing societal norms, or is it essential to

maintain traditional standards?

2. Do you think businesses should bring in training to ensure that employees follow codes of
conduct?

3. How do you think etiquette has changed since the arrival of remote work and advanced
technology?

FOOOOTERRIG HT Learn without forgetting! 1/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.
 HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE YOURSELF: MASTERING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

2 Focus on vocabulary: expressions for communication

Part A: You are going to watch a video which provides guidance on navigating challenging
social situations. Complete the expressions below by adding a missing word from the box, and
then match them with the corresponding definitions.

borrower check downward drop jab

1. a spiral - a continuous and worsening sequence of events or circumstances

downward

2. put someone in check - assert control or limit someone’s actions,

often to ensure proper behavior

3. drop
a hint - subtly suggest or imply something without explicitly stating it

4. neither a lender nor a be - advice advocating against

borrower
financial transactions with others to maintain healthy relationships

5. have a at someone - make a light and usually playful or

jabsomeone
teasing remark about

Part B: Select the idioms from part A that could be used in the following situations.

6. a colleague has repeatedly been dismissive of a junior colleague and

then
put someone in check taken credit for their work
7. someone you know has forgotten the name of the person they are talking to
drop a hint at a dinner
3. at a conference, workers from a competitor are playfully criticizing your
have a jab at someone company
4. following a series of bad decisions, your business has had to let some
apeople
downward spiral go and might even be facing bankruptcy
5. a colleague at work has asked you for a significant amount of money
and your
neither lender nor borrower be boss is giving you advice

3 Watching for comprehension

Watch the video and decide whether the statements below are true (T) or false (F), according to
the information presented.

T – "You’re letting them know that they cannot walk all over you, but
1. You should let impolite friends know that you are not submissive. you’re being nice at the same time."

F – "If you’ve met somebody multiple times, but still cannot remember
2. It is always best to own up if you are in an embarrassing situation. their name, you should never let on that you’ve forgotten their name."
F - "You know, I got a new phone recently and all my contacts were wiped out. Can you put in your
3. It is never acceptable to lie in a social setting. number again?"
T – "If the same coworker is asking you out for lunch all the
time and you don’t want to go, and they’re not getting the
4. Do not always expect your colleagues to pick up on your subtle clues. hints that you’re dropping when you say you’re busy, or you
have a call during lunch..."

5. It is acceptable to have friendly disputes with some members of your family.

T – "If it’s your siblings or your cousins that you grew up with, it’s fine to have a bit of a jab here and there."

FOOOOTERLEF T Learn without forgetting! 2/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.
 HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE YOURSELF: MASTERING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

4 Email Etiquette

Look at the email below, sent from a junior worker to their superior. Identify and discuss any
instances of poor etiquette and come up with possible alternatives.

To: Gary Mortimer

From: Mark Hirst

Hi Gary,

I hope you’re good. Just wanted to give you a quick heads-up about the project. So,
yeah, we kinda hit a snag, and we’re a bit behind schedule. My bad on that. Seems like
the
team’s slacking off a bit, and it’s getting hard to get things moving, you know what I
mean?

We really need your help to sort things out. Can we maybe chat sometime this week? Let
me know what you think.

Cheers,

Mark

FOOOOTERRIG HT Learn without forgetting! 3/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.
 HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE YOURSELF: MASTERING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

5 Focus on vocabulary

You are going to read an article about modern business etiquette. Match the words and
phrases underlined with the correct definitions.

Group 1:

1. The heavy traffic on the highway could impede our progress, causing delays in reaching the
destination.

2. Understanding and respecting social mores is crucial when interacting in diverse cultural settings.

3. The history and culture of the region are intertwined, making it challenging to study one without
considering the other.

4. The political situation turned into a quagmire, with conflicting interests and no clear solution in
sight.

5. While discussing the project, the manager focused on the minutiae, ensuring that even the
smallest details were addressed.

6. It’s essential to avoid engaging in petty conflicts at the workplace and focus on more significant
goals.

a. be closely connected or woven together, often referring to complex relationships or situations

b. small or trivial details that are often considered insignificant or minor aspects of a larger issue

c. insignificant or trivial in importance; often used to describe actions or conflicts of little

consequence

d. accepted customs or conventions within a society, governing acceptable behavior and values

e. a difficult or complicated situation often likened to a swamp or marsh

f. hinder or obstruct the progress or movement of something or someone

FOOOOTERLEF T Learn without forgetting! 4/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.
 HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE YOURSELF: MASTERING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Group 2:

1. She stated her opinion emphatically, leaving no room for doubt about where she stood on the
issue.

2. The contract was iron-clad and provided security and assurance for both parties involved.

3. Addressing the sensitive topic with tact, she managed to convey her concerns without causing
offense.

4. The investigation revealed a venal practice within the organization, leading to a loss of trust
among stakeholders.

5. The quotidian tasks of checking emails and attending meetings are essential components of
professional life.

6. The enduring popularity of the classic novel showcased its staying power, captivating readers
across generations.

a. the ability of someone or something to maintain relevance, effectiveness, or popularity over an

extended period

b. something that is highly secure, well-established, or resistant to challenge or change

c. susceptible to bribery or corruption, often used to describe individuals or systems that can be
easily influenced for personal gain

d. routine, or commonplace; relating to the ordinary aspects of daily life

e. expressing something with strong emphasis, conviction, or intensity

f. the ability to handle situations delicately and diplomatically, without causing offense

6 Reading comprehension

Read the following extracts from the article about politeness (page six) and decide which gaps (1-
5) they should go in.

A)However, given the evolving notions of gender roles, someone’s sex is the least
important factor in an office setting.

B) Thus, the staying power of the etiquette advice genre.

C) To be sure, there are many experts out there, with sometimes questionable authority.

D) Let me answer that question with a polite "Yes."

E) The rules of work are changing.

FOOOOTERRIG HT Learn without forgetting! 5/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.
 HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE YOURSELF: MASTERING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

Politeness in Practice
The evolving rules of business etiquette

I. Let’s admit it. We all slip up occasionally. Maybe we don’t respond promptly to every email, or we swear
under our breath from time to time. Do we really need to worry about the finer points of correct
behavior?
D) Let me answer that question with a polite "Yes."
1
In an age when offices have given way to cubicles, when electronic
devices keep us in constant communication, and when the boundaries between our professional and personal
lives are dissolving, we need the rules of etiquette more than ever. Etiquette, after all, is just a code of conduct
that allows us to live and work together with relative ease, fosters good relationships, and reduces the social
frictions that impede our happiness and even our professional success.
B) Thus, the staying power of the etiquette
II. Indeed, social mores are changing so quicklyadvice home and office becoming so intertwined that even the
andgenre.
most well-mannered people are probably confused.
2
Consider: Should a female manager stand to shake hands with a younger male associate?
The core rules still apply generally: Women don’t rise for men, older people don’t rise
A) However, given the evolving notions of gender roles, someone’s sex is
for younger ones, and
the least higher-ranking
important factor in an officepeople
setting. don’t rise for those of lower rank. But if you’re an older,
higher-ranking woman, and you’re meeting in your office, then you should probably stand to
III. Given the quagmire of competing theories about the minutiae of social interactions, how should you approach
shake hands. 3

the common petty annoyances of the modern workplace? Is it acceptable to tell your colleague to stop
E) The rules of work are changing.
bellowing into their phone? Can you complain that your emails keep going unanswered? 4

Does that mean that the basics of good manners are changing, too? Emphatically not. Good business etiquette
is not a set of iron-clad rules. In fact, it is really little more than common sense driven by being considerate,
respectful, and honest with others in your business life. So, manners don’t change, but etiquette evolves. You
shouldn’t use speakerphone unless you’re behind closed doors, and there are inoffensive ways to let your
cubicle mate know he talks too loudly on the phone.
C) To be sure, there are many experts out there,
IV. But, at its core,
with sometimes questionable5 authority. business etiquette exists to maintain personal dignity and to show respect
for others; to maintain a pleasant demeanor without invading others’ privacy; to balance competitiveness with
cooperation; to take responsibility but remain flexible; to be both attentive and discreet; and to combine
honesty and tact. It helps us be less annoying and, to be venal about it, get what we want. It can save us from
the quotidian nuisances of office life. Most importantly, it allows us to redraw the boundaries that define
civility and ensure our own sanity.

Sources: hbr.org, bizjournals.com

7 Talking point

Discuss the following questions.

1. Is there a need for explicit guidelines to address common workplace annoyances, or can
businesses rely on individuals’ common sense?

2. How do you address workplace irritations similar to those discussed in the article?

3. Is the rise of remote work and constant electronic communication creating a need for a new
code of online etiquette?

FOOOOTERLEF T Learn without forgetting! 6/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.
 HEAAADERLOGORIGHT
ADVANCED (C1-C2)

BEHAVE YOURSELF: MASTERING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE

8 Speaking practice: roleplay

In this exercise, you will participate in role-play conversations featuring scenarios similar to
those covered in the class. Use vocabulary and ideas from the lesson to address the following
situations. Alternate playing the roles of A and B.

Scenario 1: Consistently being late to

team meetings

• Student A: You have consistently arrived late to meetings. Initially, be unaware of

the impact of your actions, then respond to the feedback and adjust your
behavior accordingly.
• Student B: You are the team member who has observed A consistently arriving late.
Approach the conversation with the aim of maintaining a positive working
relationship while addressing the punctuality issue.

Scenario 2: Lack of contribution to

group projects

• Student A: You have not been actively participating in group projects, and allowing other
people to shoulder the burden. Respond in a receptive manner to the advice you
receive.
• Student B: You are the team member who has observed A’s limited contribution in group
projects. Attempt to advise A in a non-accusatory manner on how they might
want to act in future meetings.

Scenario 3: Talking loudly on

the phone

• Student A: You have earned a reputation around the office for speaking loudly on your
phone in public places. Although you do not believe B’s concerns are shared by
everyone, try to take their advice on board.
• Student B: You are the team member who feels most strongly about student A’s
behavior. Encourage them to be more considerate without making them feel
victimized.

FOOOOTERRIG HT Learn without forgetting! 7/7

Scan the QR at the top of Page 1 to review the lesson flashcards with
Expemo.
© Linguahouse.com. Photocopiable and licensed for use in Vera School's lessons.