BSE-04 Writing Emails on Sensitive Subjects | Business Skills for ESL

Business Skills Essentials

BSE-04 Writing Emails on Sensitive Subjects
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Writing emails on sensitive subjects, such as firing a client, is an important but challenging aspect of business communication. This lesson focuses on how to write effective emails on sensitive subjects and covers the following objectives:

1. Overview of when, where, and why emails discussing sensitive subjects are necessary in business communication.
2. Explanation of how to write objectively and avoid emotional language when addressing sensitive topics.
3. Introduction to useful words and phrases for writing about sensitive subjects, such as "With regret" and "Unfortunately, this decision is final."
4. Discussion of how to avoid legal or contractual problems, such as using language that is clear and unambiguous.
5. Overview of cultural differences in addressing taboo subjects, including variations in tone and formality.

This is part of a series of topics of Business English skills designed for students who speak English as a Second Language (ESL). All topics are designed to equip students with vocabulary, grammar, functional language (a.k.a. "Useful Language") and cross-cultural knowledge for the purpose of adapting to Western business environments.

 

Materials are designed for Pre-Intermediate (CEFR: A2-B1) and above, though most parts can be adapted for lower levels. For higher levels, the functional language slides can be applied to real-world scenarios.
 

All slides are curated for ONLINE TEACHING, but can also be used in live classrooms.
 

Activities have been designed so that can be used for groups or 1-on-1 classroom environments.
 

This is one of a total of 32 Business Skills Essentials lessons that cover email writing, meetings, presenting, negotiation, preparing for international business, etc.
 
 
Total Pages
26 pages
Answer Key
Does not apply
Teaching Duration
90 minutes