MODULE 1

SMALL TALK

Do this exercise before watching the video:

Now watch the video and do the exercises below:

LISTENING

Do the following exercise and study the vocabulary:

Now listen to the podcast and do the exercises below:

READING

Now read the following text and fill in the missing words. The translation should help you:

What would you do in the following situations?

DISCUSSION POINTS

Read the questions and think about your answers. Write them in your notebook and share them in class:

1. Do you reply to emails instantly, or do you set specific times to check and respond to them? Why?
2. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of using tools like MS Teams or Zoom for communication at university?
3. Do you feel that checking emails outside of work hours is necessary, or do you prefer to set boundaries? Why?
4. In your opinion, what is the most effective way to communicate with colleagues or students about urgent matters? Why?

MODULE 2

Workplace Communication

Three Tips for Better Workplace Communication

Good communication is essential for teamwork, success, and job satisfaction. A lack of effective communication can create misunderstandings and make tasks harder to complete. Here are three practical tips from workplaces around the world to improve communication and collaboration.

According to office consultant Anna Lacey, informal conversations between colleagues often lead to better teamwork and happier employees. She suggests creating spaces where workers can have casual chats, like a lounge or a small coffee area. Mark Anderson, who worked as a consultant for major tech companies, agrees. He noticed that some of the best ideas came during casual conversations in shared spaces, not during formal meetings. Encouraging employees to talk informally can strengthen relationships and improve overall communication within the office.

In countries like Denmark and Norway, many employees prefer private or semi-private offices over large open spaces. Workplace psychologist Ingrid Hansen explains that open-plan offices can be noisy and stressful, which makes it harder for workers to focus and communicate effectively. She advises companies to provide both quiet work areas for concentration and shared spaces for group work. Research from sound expert David Fields shows that reducing background noise helps employees stay focused and feel less stressed, leading to better communication and productivity.

In India, the messaging app WhatsApp has become a common tool for work communication. It allows employees to share updates quickly and easily, replacing many emails and phone calls. However, some workers say the constant flow of messages makes it difficult to disconnect from work after hours. "We need to use these tools carefully," says digital communication expert Priya Kumar. "Messaging apps are great for staying connected, but workers need clear boundaries to avoid burnout." She recommends setting rules about when to use apps for work communication, like limiting messages to work hours only.

PROBLEM-SOLVING