Business English 

Asking Someone for a Favor at Work

Focus: asking colleagues for help or support in a polite and professional way

Goal: by the end of this lesson, participants will be able to ask for favors naturally, respond professionally, and sound polite without being too direct.

1. Vocabulary Review (from previous lesson)

1. Managing clients is a big ______. 

2. I have several ______ to finish today. 

3. We’re currently working on a new ______. 

4. We have a meeting with an important ______ tomorrow. 

5. She ______ a team of five people. 

2. Useful Phrases (Asking for a Favor)

Could you give me a hand with ___?
Example: Could you give me a hand with this report?

Would you mind taking a look at ___?
Example: Would you mind taking a look at this presentation?

When you have a moment, could you ___?
Example: When you have a moment, could you check this email for me?

3. Natural Reactions (More Native-Like)

No problem at all. Example: No problem at all — I can help you with that.

I can take a quick look. Example: I can take a quick look before the meeting.

I might need a bit more context. Example: I might need a bit more context before I can help.

4. Roleplay (Real Situation) Scenario: Asking a Colleague for Help Before a Meeting

Person A: Hey, do you have a minute?

Person B: (Respond naturally)

Person A: Could you give me a hand with this presentation?

Person B: (Respond positively OR ask what the issue is)

Person A: I’m presenting it this afternoon, and I just want to make sure everything is clear.

Person B: (Respond naturally)

Person A: Would you mind taking a look at slide 5 especially? I’m not sure if the information is explained clearly enough.

Person B: (Respond with feedback or ask a question)

Person A: I was also thinking about changing the final slide. Do you think it’s too detailed?

Person B: (Give an opinion or suggestion)

Person A: Fair enough. I might simplify it a bit then.

Person B: (Respond naturally)

Person A: Thanks, I really appreciate the help.

Person B: (Close the conversation naturally)

Continue naturally for 2–3 minutes, then switch roles.

Vocabulary (B2 Level)

5. Discussion Questions

1. Do you think some people ask for help too quickly instead of trying themselves first?

2. If a colleague asks for help five minutes before you finish work, what do you do?

3. Who is usually more helpful at work: experienced colleagues or newer employees?

4. What’s worse: people who never ask for help, or people who ask for help all the time?

5. Have you ever pretended to understand something at work instead of asking for help? What happened?

6. What makes you more likely to help someone immediately at work?

7. Is it easier to ask colleagues or managers for help? Why?

6. Example Answers

1. Sometimes people ask for help too quickly instead of trying to solve the problem themselves first.

2. It depends on the situation, but I usually try to help if it’s something quick.

3. Experienced colleagues are often more helpful because they know the company better.

4. People who ask for help all the time can become frustrating after a while.

5. Yes, once I pretended to understand instructions and later realized I was completely confused.

6. I’m more likely to help if the person is polite and respectful of my time.

7. I think it’s easier to ask colleagues because the conversation feels more relaxed.