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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Give clear and concise project updates to your team.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
Alex gives a short project update in the team meeting. He shares what is done, mentions the main challenge, and explains the next steps. His clear and calm update helps everyone stay informed and ready to move forward.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Milestone
noun
/ˈmaɪlstoʊn/
Meaning:
A key point or stage in a project.
- Completing the first module was a major milestone for Alex’s team.
Keep someone in the loop
idiom
/kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn ðə luːp/
Meaning:
To ensure someone has the latest information.
- Alex kept Omar in the loop about the project changes.
Wrap up
phrasal verb
/ræp ʌp/
Meaning:
To finish or complete something.
- Alex will wrap up the presentation after giving the key updates.
At this point
phrase
/æt ðɪs pɔɪnt/
Meaning:
Referring to the current stage or moment.
- At this point, the team has completed half of the tasks.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
Good morning, everyone. At this point, we’ve completed the first phase of the project.
Alex
Great! How is the timeline looking?
Sarah
So far, we’re on track. The main challenge is coordinating with the design team.
Alex
Thanks for keeping me in the loop, Alex.
Omar
Can you give me the bottom line?
Mr. Miller
Sure, we’re on schedule, and the next milestone is due next Friday.
Alex
Excellent. Anything else we should focus on?
Sarah
Just wrapping up the documentation and reviewing feedback from the client.
Alex
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. What phrase did Alex use to indicate the current stage of the project?
2. What does 'keep someone in the loop' mean in this conversation?
3. What is the next milestone date mentioned?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Giving project updates is essential for keeping your team aligned and informed. Start by summarizing the current progress and completed tasks. Use clear phrases like “At this point…” or “So far, we’ve completed…” to indicate the current status.
Highlight challenges briefly but without complaining, focusing on facts and solutions. Share next steps and upcoming milestones to ensure everyone knows what to expect. Keep the update concise and organized, especially when your manager wants the bottom line quickly.
Encourage questions from colleagues to ensure clarity and engagement. Using idioms like “keep someone in the loop” shows you are attentive to team communication. Wrapping up your update with a short summary reinforces the key points. Regular, clear updates help the team work efficiently, anticipate issues, and feel confident about progress. Practice your updates to maintain clarity and professionalism.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
1. Alex gave a ___ on the project’s current status.
A. presentation
B. briefing
C. holiday
2. We need to ___ the documentation before the client meeting.
A. wrap up
B. set aside
C. fill in
3. The team completed a major ___ last week.
A. milestone
B. rumor
C. challenge
4. Alex keeps Omar ___ regarding project changes.
A. in the loop
B. out of sight
C. at bay
5. ___, the team has finished half of the tasks.
A. At this point
B. For sure
C. In total
6. Sarah ___ the timeline question clearly during the meeting.
A. asked
B. asks
C. asking
7. The report is ___ and concise.
A. clear
B. messy
C. confusing
8. The manager asked for the ___ of the project update.
A. bottom line
B. story
C. history
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you usually give updates to your team?
2. When should you highlight challenges in a project update?
3. What phrases help make updates clear and professional?
4. How do you ensure your manager gets the bottom line?
5. How can you keep team members informed who are not present in meetings?
6. What is the importance of mentioning milestones?
7. How do you wrap up a project update effectively?
8. How does sharing updates impact teamwork and productivity?
