.png){kind=small}
Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
Hats off to you!
You knocked it out of the park!
Keep up the great work; you’re on a roll!
You went above and beyond.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Get a pat on the back
/ɡet ə pæt ɒn ðə bæk/
Meaning:
Receive praise for good work
- She got a pat on the back after solving the issue.
Give props to someone
/ɡɪv prɒps tu ˈsʌmwʌn/
Meaning:
Show appreciation
- I gave props to Anna for handling the customer well.
Knock it out of the park
/nɒk ɪt aʊt ɒv ðə pɑːk/
Meaning:
Do something extremely well
- You knocked it out of the park with that pitch!
Be on fire
/bi ɒn ˈfaɪə(r)/
Meaning:
Performing very well
- He’s been on fire this week with back-to-back wins.
Exercise 3
Practice
Choose the Best Idiomatic Match
Choose the idiom that’s closest in meaning to Recognize
Knock it out of the park,
Tip your hat to someone,
Give props to someone,
Sing someone’s praises
Choose the idiom that’s closest in meaning to Mention (in a positive way)
Sing someone’s praises,
Give props to someone,
Tip your hat to someone,
Knock it out of the park
Choose the idiom that’s closest in meaning to Great job
Give props to someone,
Knock it out of the park,
Tip your hat to someone,
Sing someone’s praises
Choose the idiom that’s closest in meaning to Praise
Tip your hat to someone,
Sing someone’s praises,
Knock it out of the park,
Give props to someone
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Be on fire
Give props to someone
Knock it out of the park
Get a pat on the back
Situation: Rachel and David are having a chat after their team meeting.
Rachel
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
I saw your name ___ in the weekly performance report — ___! You really did a great job.
_edited.png)
David
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
Thanks! I really ___ the kind words. It means a lot to be recognized.
Rachel
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
How do you usually ___ to your team when they’ve done well?
David
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
I always try to ___ their efforts publicly during our team calls.
Rachel
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
That’s great to hear. Have you received any ___ or feedback from leadership lately?
David
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
Yes, my manager ___ me during our Monday meeting for the work I did on the client presentation.
Rachel
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
Taking time to ___ really helps keep the team motivated and engaged.
David
Word Bank: hats off to you, sing someone’s praises, give props to someone, mentioned
Exactly! When people feel appreciated, it makes them want to keep doing their best.
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
Giving Praise at the Workplace
1. Use Specific Praise
Why it matters: General compliments like “Good job” are nice, but they don’t tell the person what they did well. Specific praise shows that you noticed their exact effort or result, which feels more meaningful and encouraging.
How to do it: Focus on a specific task, behavior, or result.
Example:
✦ Instead of “Nice work,” say:
“Great job organizing the team meeting agenda. It helped us stay focused and finish early.”
2. Acknowledge Both Effort and Outcome
Why it matters: People feel valued not just when their results are recognized, but also when their hard work is seen. By praising both the process and the result, you build trust and appreciation.
How to do it: Mention what they did and what it led to.
Example:
✦ “You put in a lot of time preparing that presentation, and it really showed. The client was impressed with the details and clarity.”
3. Give Praise Publicly When Appropriate
Why it matters: Public praise boosts confidence and can improve team motivation. It also creates a culture of appreciation where others are inspired to do their best.
How to do it: Compliment someone in meetings, group chats, or emails, when it’s appropriate and respectful.
Example:
✦ “Before we begin, I want to give props to Alex for staying late to finish the project last week. That extra effort helped us meet the deadline.”
Listening Practice
Two coworkers talk about recent recognition.
1. What did Sofia say about James?
a. His name was in the report for good work
b. He was late to work
c. He needs more training
2. How does James respond to praise?
a. He thanks Sofia and appreciates it
b. He ignores the praise
c. He feels upset
3. How does James praise his team?
a. Publicly
b. Privately
c. Rarely
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you like to be recognized at work?
2. Have you ever been told you knocked it out of the park?
3. How do you give props to your teammates?
4. Why do you think it’s important to tip your hat to others?
5. How can managers encourage more shout-outs or public praise?
6. What’s the best way to respond to praise professionally?
7. Do you prefer private or public recognition?
8. How does singing someone’s praises affect team morale?
