Networking
This upper-intermediate ESL lesson focuses on networking. Students will learn tips for successful networking, including what to do before, during, and after an event. The lesson includes reading a short article, discussing questions, and exchanging opinions. They’ll also learn useful networking phrases, imagine different scenarios, and choose the best phrases to use. The class encourages conversation, allowing students to discuss who they’d like to network with, their purpose, and how to keep the conversation going, while also reflecting on the importance of building connections in the workplace.
| Level | Vocabulary | Lesson time |
| B2 / Upper-Intermediate | 19 words | 60-80 min |
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Vocabulary
- Elevator pitch
- Mentor
- Icebreaker
- Achievement
- Business card
- Referral
- Follow-up
- Build rapport
- Collaboration
- Startup
- Attendee
- Comfort zone
- Investor
- Small talk
- Summit
- Industry
- Pick someone’s brain
- Touch base
- Link up
- Give a shout
- Mingling
Contents
- Lead-in
- Vocabulary
- Reading
- Speaking
- Networking phrases
- Networking scenarios
- Speaking
- Quote
Lead-In, Vocabulary
This B2 ESL lesson focuses on networking. It begins with a lead-in activity featuring five general questions about networking. Students will share their experiences, such as whether they’ve attended networking events, discuss challenges people might face when meeting new people, and talk about industries or jobs that require a lot of networking. Next, there’s a vocabulary activity. Students will work in pairs: one student will describe a word (without saying it), and the other will guess the word. This activity helps students refresh their memory of the vocabulary for the class.
Reading, Speaking
This lesson focuses on three networking tips. Before reading, students will brainstorm ideas about what should be done before, during, and after a networking event. They’ll read three short paragraphs:
1. Before the Event: Preparation, including elevator pitches and ice-breaking questions.
2. During the Event: Tips for networking at the event.
3. After the Event: Following up, sharing useful information, and maintaining professional relationships.
After reading, students will practice summarizing and retelling the text using keywords.
Networking phrases, Networking scenarios
This lesson also includes useful networking phrases. Students will see six sentences on the slide, then explain their meaning and when to use each phrase. In another activity, students will read 10 networking scenarios and choose the most appropriate phrase for each situation.
Speaking, Quote
The final part focuses on speaking. Students will imagine themselves at a networking event, looking at a picture with five people in different roles. They’ll decide who to talk to first, what to discuss, and how to keep the conversation going. This helps them think about real-life situations and potential topics for networking events. The lesson concludes with the quote, “Your network is your net worth.” Students will reflect on the quote, share their thoughts, and summarize everything discussed in the lesson.
