BUSINESS ENGLISH – HOW DIRECT IS TOO DIRECT?

21 October 2026 • Business Around the World

1. REVIEW – USE THE WORD / PHRASE

Words: networking • make small talk • host • appropriate • build rapport

How to play: Read each situation. Choose the best word or phrase from the list, then make your own sentence using it.

1. You meet several useful professional contacts at an industry event.

2. Before the meeting begins, you chat about the weather and weekend plans.

3. Your client invites everyone to dinner and welcomes the group at the restaurant.

4. You aren't sure whether asking about someone's salary is suitable at a business dinner.

5. You spend time getting to know a new client so that communication becomes easier and more friendly.

2. KEY VOCABULARY

3. GROUP GAME – TOO DIRECT, TOO VAGUE OR JUST RIGHT?

How to play: Read each sentence and decide: TOO DIRECT, TOO VAGUE or JUST RIGHT. Explain your choice. If you dislike it, suggest a better version.

1. “This won't work.”

2. “Maybe we could possibly think about changing a few things.”

3. “I see your point, but I think we need another option.”

4. “You're wrong about this.”

5. “I'm not sure that's the best approach.”

6. “We need this by Friday. Is that realistic for you?”

4. USEFUL PHRASES – SOFTENING YOUR MESSAGE

I'm not sure I completely agree.  →  I'm not sure I completely agree with that approach.

I see your point, but…  →  I see your point, but we may need more time.

Would it be possible to…?  →  Would it be possible to move the deadline?

I was wondering if…  →  I was wondering if we could change the time.

Perhaps we could…  →  Perhaps we could look at another option.

5. PARTNER TASK – SAY IT ANOTHER WAY

How to play: Each message below is very direct. Work together and make it more diplomatic WITHOUT changing the meaning. Try to use today's useful phrases. Compare your versions when you return.

1. “I don't like your idea.”  →  ______________________________________________

2. “Send me the report today.”  →  ______________________________________________

3. “You're speaking too much in meetings.”  →  ______________________________________________

4. “We can't meet your deadline.”  →  ______________________________________________

5. “This presentation is too long.”  →  ______________________________________________

6. PARTNER DISCUSSION – HOW DIRECT SHOULD WE BE?

How to play: Take turns choosing questions. Both partners answer and ask one follow-up question. Give examples where you can.

1. Do you prefer people at work to be direct or diplomatic?

2. Can someone be too polite at work?

3. Is it easier to be direct in an email or face-to-face?

4. Would you tell a colleague directly if their idea was bad?

5. Should managers communicate differently from colleagues?

6. Have you ever misunderstood someone's tone in a message or email?

FINAL QUESTION – BACK TOGETHER

Which is more difficult in international business: understanding WHAT someone says or understanding what they REALLY mean?