2.2.3 LEADING AND PARTICIPATING IN DISCUSSIONS
LEADING AND PARTICIPATING IN DISCUSSIONS
1.Warm up
What makes a good discussion?
Do you prefer leading or participating in discussions? Why?
What makes it difficult for you to participate in a discussion, and how do you overcome it?
2A. Vocabulary for Discussions
Look at the following expressions that can be used in discussions:
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2B. Gap-fill Exercise
2C. Agree or Disagree?
Look at the statements below.
Take turns expressing your opinions using the phrases in Ex.2A.
“In my view, flexible working hours improve productivity.”
Others respond:
“Absolutely!” / “I’m not sure I agree. I think…” / “I understand, however…”
All employees should have a four-day workweek.
Flexible working hours improve productivity.
Everyone should work from the office at least three days a week.
Annual performance reviews are not useful.
All meetings should be limited to thirty minutes.
Companies should prioritise profit over employee well-being.
Remote work is better than office work.
Team-building activities are essential for success.
2D. Clarification & Question Practice
Activity: “Interview a CEO”
- One student acts as a CEO or manager with a prepared “policy” or idea (e.g., a new project or company change).
- Other students ask questions using target phrases:
“Could you elaborate on that?”
“How do you see this affecting the team?”
“What do you mean by flexible working?” - Switch roles so everyone practices both asking and answering questions.
3A. Video
Watch the video HERE and answer the questions below.
3B. Practice
3C. Useful phrases from the video
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3D. Role play
You are going to hold a meeting with your colleagues. The agenda for the meeting is:
1 Change to working hours – all overtime to be banned.
2 All Employees to get free language lessons (but they must pass an end of year test).
3 Any Other Business
Before you start the meeting, discuss with a partner and make notes about the agenda. What is your opinion on each item? Make notes for use in the meeting and try to include the useful phrases from the video.
When you are ready each group should have their meeting.
4A. Speaking Practice
In a group, decide on a topic:
Has technology improved the quality of human relationships?
Should artificial intelligence be regulated more strictly?
Is remote work the future of employment?
How reliable is the information we consume online?
Roles: One person is the facilitator, others are participants. Rotate roles halfway.
Task:
- Start the discussion.
- Share opinions, ask questions, agree/disagree politely.
- Summarize the discussion at the end.
5A. Reading
Read the following text and answer the questions:
Effective Leadership and Participation in Meetings
Leading and participating in meetings are essential skills in any professional environment. When leading a meeting, the goal is not only to guide the discussion but also to create a space where everyone feels comfortable contributing. A good meeting leader prepares a clear agenda, keeps the conversation focused, and manages time effectively, while still allowing room for ideas and discussion. They listen actively, encourage quieter participants to share their views, and make sure decisions or next steps are clearly summarized before the meeting ends.
Participating in meetings is just as important as leading them. Effective participants come prepared, listen attentively, and contribute relevant ideas or questions. They respect different opinions, stay engaged, and support productive discussion rather than dominating the conversation. By communicating clearly and collaborating with others, participants help meetings stay meaningful and goal oriented.
Overall, successful meetings depend on shared responsibility. Strong leadership and active participation work together to ensure that meetings are not only efficient, but also valuable for everyone involved.
5B. Discussion questions
5C. Debate
Look at the following statement: “Participating effectively in meetings is more important than leading them.”
Divide into two sides and discuss the statement, giving examples from your experience.
To download the pdf of this topic, click on the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iL5_0-TndytGf8qR2vFk2vIGuu_NSPf0/view?usp=drive_link