B1 — Intermediate

Professional Networking

B1 level  ·  40-minute interactive lesson

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Stage 1 — Warm-up
Networking at a professional event
5 minutes · Discussion and context
Stock photo of professionals networking at a business event
Lesson preview

Introduce yourself, build connections, and arrange a follow-up

This lesson helps learners practise professional introductions, follow-up questions, and natural networking conversations in English. The first page now includes a more polished visual preview to set the scene.

B1CEFR level
40 minInteractive lesson
6 stagesPractice flow

Discuss with your partner:

1. What is the purpose of a networking event? What do people hope to achieve?

2. Have you ever had to introduce yourself professionally in English? What did you find difficult?

3. What is the difference between small talk and a professional conversation? When does one become the other?

Teacher note: Introduce the concept of the "elevator pitch" — a 30-second description of who you are and what you do. B1 students should move beyond "I am a teacher" to "I work in education — I specialise in adult language learning." Focus on follow-up questions that show genuine interest.

Today's scenario — a business networking evening at The Innovation Hub, Manchester:

Student A — Jamie

Marketing Manager at a digital agency. Specialises in social media campaigns for retail clients. Looking to connect with potential new clients or collaborators in the tech sector.

Student B — Morgan

Product Designer at a software startup. Works on UX for mobile apps. Interested in finding marketing support for the startup's new product launch next quarter.

Business EnglishElevator pitchFollow-up
5 min
Stage 2 — Vocabulary
Key networking vocabulary
10 minutes · Gap-fill exercise
Click a word from the box, then click a blank. Hover for definitions.

Complete the sentences with the correct word from the box.

10 min
Stage 3 — Functional language
Phrases for professional networking
8 minutes · Study and practise
8 min
Stage 4 — Question forms
Networking grammar drill
10 minutes · Multiple choice
10 min
Stage 5 — Role play
The networking conversation
12 minutes · Pair work
How to use: Student A = Jamie (Marketing Manager). Student B = Morgan (Product Designer). Have a natural networking conversation — introduce yourself, find common ground, show interest, and arrange a follow-up.
12 min
Stage 6 — Summary
Lesson complete!
5 minutes · Review