Negotiations language

Tomorrow we'll be looking at meetings and negotiations.

One of the things we'll be discussing is the language of negotiations.

What language is commonly used in negotiations.

For example, the first conditional is often used when bargaining i.e. if you scratch my back I'll scratch yours.

Can you think of any other useful structures, functions or phrases?

Task Based Teaching and Learning example

Hi everyone

As we didn't spend a lot of time on Task Based Teaching today, I thought you might appreciate an example lesson . . .

Task based business English speaking

This is a speaking lesson form an in-company group on the theme of planning a conference that uses a listening exercise to provide language input.

• Preparation and materials 
  You will need to record two people planning a conference in a resort town.
• Pre-task (15-20min)
  Aim: To introduce the topic of conferences and to give the class exposure to language related to it. To highlight words and phrases.
• Show sts pictures of a conference venue including seminar halls and rooms, equipment, a restaurant / bar and ask them about conferences they have been to.
• Brainstorm words/phrases onto the board related to the topic; people / verbs / feelings / places / presentation tools etc.
• Introduce the listening of two people planning a conference. Write up different alternatives on the board to give them a reason for listening e.g. (a) seaside / country (b) hotel / branch office (c) Outside speakers / Speakers from the company (d) Plenaries / Workshops. Play it a few times, first time to select from the alternatives, second time to note down some language.
• Tell them that they are going to plan a conference for their company and give them a few minutes to think it over.
• Task (10min)
• Students do the task in twos and plan the conference. Match them with another pair to discuss their ideas and any similarities and differences.
• Planning (10min)
• Each pair rehearses presenting their night out. Teacher walks around, helps them if they need it and notes down any language points to be highlighted later.
• Report (15 min)
• Class listen to the plans, their task is to choose one of them. They can ask questions after the presentation.
• Teacher gives feedback on the content and quickly reviews what was suggested. Students vote and choose one of the conference plans.
• Language Focus (20min)
• Write on the board fives good phrases used by the students during the task and five incorrect phrases/sentences from the task without the word that caused the problem. Students discuss the meaning and how to complete the sentences.
• Hand out the tapescript from the listening and ask the students to underline the useful words and phrases.
• Highlight any language you wish to draw attention to e.g. language for making suggestions, collocations etc.

o        Students write down any other language they wish to remember.

Phil M (adpt from an activity by Richard Frost)

Presentations - sources worth looking at

'English for Business Communication', Simon Sweeny Cambridge (a good source for sheets of useful language at the end of each unit)
'Presentations', Anne Laws, Summerotwn - A thorough 'parts to whole' course. (good for pre- experienced learners)
'Presenting in English', Mark Powell, LTP ( a great resource book)
'50 ways to improve your Presentation Skills in English' Bon Digen (more aimed at presentation than language skills - probably not for the beginner)

Business Writing - sources worth looking at

1. Company to Company (CUP). A thorough letter writing course for levels Intermediate+

2. In Company (Macmillan). A good source for work on e-mails for levels pre int to upper int.

3. Handbook of Commercial Correspondence. (OUP) A font of models for lots of different kinds of business correspondence.

4. E-mail English (Macmillan)

5. Business Builder (OUP)

Needs Analysis - further reading

How to teach Business English (Frendo) Chapter 2
Teaching Business English (Ellis and Johnson) Chapter 8
Teaching Business English Handbook (Brieger) pp. 87-99
Teach Business English (Donna) Chapter 2