Lesson overview:
This Business English lesson focuses on the sensitive issue of workplace gift-giving and professional boundaries. Students explore real-life office scenarios and learn how to respond to awkward situations with clear, professional language and tact.
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
- identify and explain ethical dilemmas related to workplace gifts
- politely decline, question, or suggest alternatives using diplomatic language
- communicate professional boundaries with confidence and respect
Lead-in:
Start with a discussion about workplace gift exchanges such as Secret Santa or client gifts. Students share personal experiences and react to different scenarios, deciding whether they feel appropriate or uncomfortable. This activates background knowledge and introduces the emotional and cultural complexity of gift-giving at work.
