Lesson overview:
In this lesson, students explore how communication styles differ across cultures in global business. They read about high- and low-context communication, feedback, hierarchy, small talk, and cultural ignorance, then apply the ideas to realistic workplace situations.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- discuss cross-cultural misunderstandings,
- use diplomatic business phrases,
- role-play difficult conversations more confidently.
Lead-in:
Students start by discussing workplace culture shock and moments when another person’s communication style felt very different from theirs. This gets them thinking beyond stereotypes and into real business behaviour: meetings, emails, feedback, silence, hierarchy, and small talk. It’s a strong opener for a Business English lesson on intercultural communication.
Teaching Tips
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