Lesson Aim
Students watch a BBC Ideas video about working with people they dislike and practise language for workplace conflict, difficult conversations, rapport-building and challenging assumptions.
Before watching
- What behaviours can make colleagues difficult to work with?
- Is it better to avoid conflict or discuss it directly?
- What makes a difficult conversation constructive?
Prep Part 1
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
you may reduce discomfort now but leave the problem unsolved.annoy or irritate you stronglymake an effort to communicate despite distance or conflictstudents should connect it to the lesson topic.way of dealing with a difficult situationWatch Part 1
Watch from about 0:14 to 1:40. Focus on why dislike at work is costly and why difficult conversations can create long-term gain.
Open Part 1 on YouTubeComprehension 1
Click each question to reveal the answer.
Vocabulary from Part 1
If someone really gets under your , communication matters.
Avoiding the conversation rarely makes the situation .
People sometimes develop coping .
A difficult but honest conversation can bring long-term .
Options
skinmechanismsbettergainbasketballPrep Part 2
Drag the correct sentence ending into each gap.
Sentence endings
you question whether your first interpretation is really accurate.create a positive relationship with someonestudents should connect it to the lesson topic.distant and not very friendlyquestion what you believe to be trueWatch Part 2
Watch from about 1:41 to the end. Focus on misunderstandings, viewpoint-taking, summarising, specific examples and the difference between liking and working with someone.
Open Part 2 on YouTubeComprehension 2
Click each question to reveal the answer.
Vocabulary from Part 2
Ali is bright, modest and quite .
The others start to freeze him .
Summarising back builds .
Specific examples make people less .
Options
restrainedprojectorrapportdefensiveoutVocabulary Review
| Expression | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| get under your skin | annoy you strongly | The noise really got under her skin. |
| put something off | delay doing something | People put off difficult conversations. |
| be in the same boat | be in the same difficult situation | Years later, they were still in the same boat. |
| freeze someone out | exclude someone socially | They started to freeze Ali out. |
| build rapport | create a positive relationship | Summarising someone’s view builds rapport. |
Phrasal Verbs and Expressions
Some colleagues really get under your .
People often put difficult conversations .
Years later, they are still in the same .
The group starts to freeze Ali .
Think about what you give to others.
Options
boatoffoffskinupoutCollocations
difficult
coping
long-term
constructive
different
Options
viewpointsconversationmechanismconversationgaincablesB2/C1 Grammar: Difficult Conversations at Work
This section practises diplomatic language for describing behaviour, avoiding blame and summarising another person’s viewpoint.
Grammar Section 1: Specific Examples Instead of Labels
Choose an answer to get instant green/red feedback.
1. Which sentence is most constructive?
2. Complete: “Could I check I’ve ___ your point correctly?”
Grammar Section 2: Summarising and Clarifying
What I am is that the noise distracts you.
Could I summarise that to you?
It sounds as if you felt .
Can you help me understand where you are coming ?
Options
excludedfromanalyticshearingbackGrammar Section 3: Speaking Task
| Opening calmly | Summarising | Reducing defensiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Can we talk about something that has been difficult? I’d like to understand your perspective. This may be uncomfortable, but... | What I’m hearing is... So, from your perspective... Could I check I’ve understood? | On this occasion... When this happened... My concern is... |
Thought-Provoking Questions
1. Is it necessary to like your colleagues in order to work well with them?
2. Why do people avoid difficult conversations?
3. What is the difference between being honest and being rude?
4. How can quiet people be misunderstood at work?
5. Why is summarising someone’s view powerful?
6. Should workplace conflict always be discussed directly?
7. What assumptions might people make about you at work?
Role Play
| Person A: raise the issue | Person B: respond | Shared goal |
|---|---|---|
| I wanted to talk about something small but important. When this happens, I find it difficult to focus. Could we find a practical solution? | I didn’t realise it affected you. Thanks for telling me directly. Can you explain when it bothers you most? | Understand both viewpoints. Avoid blame. Agree on one small change. |
Context
Student A
You are annoyed by a colleague’s repeated habit. Explain the impact without attacking their personality.
Student B
You did not realise the behaviour was a problem. Listen, summarise and suggest a compromise.
Role play task: Finish with one practical agreement and one follow-up action.
Thank You
You have completed the ESL CONNECT video lesson.