Lesson overview:
In this lesson, students explore how to fire someone politely and professionally. Through case studies, vocabulary work, and structured role-plays, they learn to deliver difficult news with clarity and empathy.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- use formal and neutral employment vocabulary appropriately
- structure a difficult conversation step by step
- show empathy using supportive workplace phrases
- handle termination scenarios calmly and professionally
Lead-in:
Start by asking: Why do people get fired? and What makes firing someone difficult? Students brainstorm synonyms for “fire someone” and compare which expressions sound formal, neutral, or informal. This discussion sets the tone and highlights the importance of professional, empathetic language in workplace conversations.
Teaching Tips
We've added a few helpful tips where they're most needed—just little nudges to make your lessons run more smoothly. Whether it's setting up a task or tackling a tricky grammar point, these suggestions are here to make your teaching life easier.
