WEEK 8 : Section1~4
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1.) Presentation: Student 3 Presentation Business Activity: Dealing with Questions
Inviting Questions
Are there any questions?
Does anyone have any questions?
If you have any questions, I can answer them now.
Checking Understanding
Sorry, I couldn't hear you. Can you repeat that?
Sorry, I don't understand the question.
Step 1: Let me confirm your question.
Step 2: You're asking me...is that right?
Commenting on the Question
Thank you for that question.
That's a good/great/important question.
That's an interesting point.
Structuring your answer
I think there are two parts to your question.
First of all, ...and for your second point...
Checking if You Answered the Question
Did that answer your question?
Have I answered your question?
Does that make sense?
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2.) Meeting Roleplay: Controlling the Discussion in Meetings + Solving Problems
(Student 1 Leading)
Meeting Roleplay 2: Solving Problems(*Read the "Problem-Solving Steps")
Problem:
Most people in our company work with computers and have little face-to-face communication. Our company holds a monthly social event at lunchtime for employees to meet and talk with people from other departments. Unfortunately, only about 15% of the staff attend.
Goal:
How can we improve staff attendance at these monthly social events?
*Problem-Solving Steps to the Students
Step 1: Before the Meeting
Think for 3 minutes in class about a solution (or do it for homework).
Think about what actions you or others need to take to use your solution
(Example, "We need a bigger budget. I will write a request and send it to the manager.").
Step 2: During the Meeting
Share your solution in the meeting, listen to others, and decide which solutions to use.
Say what actions you or others need to take to apply your solutions.
The meeting ends when all solutions and actions are clear, and everyone knows who will do what.
(Japanese Translation)
問題解決のステップ
ステップ1: ミーティング前
クラス内で解決策について3分間考える（もしくは宿題としても可）。
自分や他の人が解決策を用いて行うべき行動を考える
（例:「もっと大きな予算が必要です。私は予算の依頼をマネージャーに送ります」）
ステップ2: ミーティング中
ミーティング内で自分の解決策を発表し、他の人の解決策も聞き、どれを採用するか決める。
解決策を採用するために自分や他の人がするべき行動を伝える。
ミーティングは、解決策と行動が明確になり、誰が何をするか決まったときに終了します。
BUSINESS ACTIVITY: CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS
FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
We're here today to talk about (topic of the meeting).
We need to discuss (topic of the meeting).
Keeping to the Right Subject
We're getting off the subject.
Can we come back to that later?
Changing the Subject
I think we've covered this point.
Can we move onto the next point?
Concluding and Summarizing
I think that's everything.
I will summarize everything in an email.
Thank you for coming everyone. Goodbye.
Business Activity: Solving Problems
Explaining the Problem
We’ve got a problem with…
There are some problems with…
We can’t…
We did (action), but it didn’t work.
Solving the Problem
We need to…
We can…
Promising Action
I’ll (do some action).
I’ll ask (someone) to (do some action).
Responding and Thanking
Don’t worry.
That might work.
Thanks for your ideas, everyone.
Let’s try that.
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3.) Business Discussion: Schedules and Work-life Balance
Schedules and Work-Life Balance Article: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance has become increasingly important, especially in today's fast-paced work environments. Time management and prioritization help individuals meet deadlines while avoiding burnout from excessive workloads. Many companies now offer flexible hours or remote work options to allow employees more control over their schedules. However, setting boundaries between work and personal time is essential to prevent overwork. While working overtime might seem necessary in the short term, it can negatively affect one's overall well-being if it becomes a habit.
Discussion Questions:
How do you manage your time and prioritize tasks in your daily work?
Have you ever experienced burnout, and how did you handle it?
What are the benefits and challenges of remote work or flexible hours?
How do you create boundaries between your work life and personal life?
What strategies can companies use to support their employees’ work-life balance?
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4.) Casual Discussion Daily Life
Daily Life Article: Daily life can be a mix of routines, work, and leisure activities. Many people start their day with a commute and juggle work responsibilities with household chores and errands. Meal prep and multitasking have become popular ways to manage time more effectively. In free time, individuals often enjoy hobbies or socializing with friends and family. While keeping a productive schedule is important, it’s also essential to make time for relaxation and recharge.
Discussion Questions:
What does a typical day look like for you, and how do you manage your routine?
How do you balance your work, chores, and leisure activities?
Do you prefer to follow a strict routine, or do you like having flexibility in your daily schedule?
What is your favorite way to spend your free time, and why?
How do you manage your productivity throughout the day?
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