top of page
iSpeaktu

Lesson 23

Office Etiquette (noise, shared spaces)
Daily Office Basics.png

B2

Learning Objectives

 By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:​​

    Follow office etiquette and use shared spaces politely and professionally.
Exercise 1
Situation

Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson 

Alex is new to the office and notices colleagues making phone calls, talking loudly, and leaving dishes in the kitchen. He wants to fit in and avoid disrupting others. Sarah gives friendly tips about using shared spaces and keeping noise low.

Mr. Miller reminds Alex that clear communication is important but keeping background noise down shows professionalism. Alex also helps Omar understand how to clean up and respect common areas. By the end of the day, Alex adapts to office norms and encourages the team to maintain a pleasant working environment.

Exercise 2

Vocabulary

Direction:  Listen and repeat after your tutor

Etiquette

Noun

/ˈɛtɪkət/
Meaning:

Rules of behavior considered polite in a professional setting.

    Good office etiquette includes keeping your voice low in shared spaces.

Keep it down

Idiom

/kip ɪt daʊn/
Meaning:

To be quieter.

    Could you keep it down? I’m on a call.

Clear up

Phrasal verb

/klɪər ʌp/
Meaning:

To clean or organize a space.

    Please clear up the conference room after your meeting.

Shared space

Phrase

IPA
Meaning:

An area used by multiple people, such as a kitchen or meeting room.

    Always respect shared spaces by leaving them tidy.
Exercise 3

Office Conversation 

Direction:  Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.

Situation:

Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.

Mr Miller.png

Hi Alex, just a quick tip—keep it down when you’re on calls.

Sarah

Mr Miller.png

Got it. I’ll be quieter.

Alex

Mr Miller.png

Also, make sure you clear up after using the kitchen.

Sarah

Mr Miller.png

Sure, I’ll wash my coffee mug.

Alex

Mr Miller.png

Shared spaces work best when everyone respects them.

Sarah

Mr Miller.png

Thanks, that makes sense.

Alex

Mr Miller.png

Do we need to do the same in the meeting room?

Omar

Mr Miller.png

Yes, always clear up after meetings and keep the noise low.

Alex

Check Understanding

Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation. 

1. What does Sarah advise Alex to do when on calls?
2. How should Alex handle shared spaces?
3. What does Alex tell Omar about the meeting room?

Exercise 4

Study Guide

Direction:  Read the study manual aloud. 

Office etiquette helps create a professional and pleasant workplace. Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in shared spaces like kitchens, meeting rooms, and open offices. Keep your voice down during phone calls and conversations. After using a shared area, clean up your items and leave it tidy for the next person. Respect others’ privacy and avoid interrupting colleagues who are focused. Small gestures, like returning chairs to their place or clearing your dishes, show professionalism and consideration. When giving feedback or discussing issues, be polite and concise. Encourage teammates to follow the same rules to maintain a smooth and respectful environment. Following these guidelines not only helps the office run efficiently but also builds positive relationships and a cooperative culture among colleagues.

Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer

Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.


    1. Alex should keep it ___ during calls.

    A. down
    B. up
    C. loud

    2. He leaves ___ in the shared kitchen.

    A. a mess
    B. tidy
    C. dirty

    3. Sarah ___ Alex about shared spaces.

    A. advise
    B. advises
    C. advised

    4. Alex ___ wash his coffee mug.

    A. will
    B. did
    C. is

    5. Omar asks if the meeting room ___ the same rules.

    A. follow
    B. follows
    C. followed

    6. Always speak ___ when others are working.

    A. quietly
    B. quiet
    C. quietness

    7. Etiquette is ___ important in professional settings.

    A. a
    B. an
    C. the

    8. Alex wants everyone to respect ___ spaces.

    A. shared
    B. sharing
    C. share
Exercise 6
Discussion

Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.


    1. How do you behave in shared office spaces?

    2. What should you do if someone is too noisy?

    3. When is it important to clear up after yourself?

    4. How do you politely remind a colleague about office rules?

    5. Where should personal items not be left?

    6. How do shared spaces affect teamwork?

    7. What small actions show professionalism in an office?

    8. How do you handle someone ignoring office etiquette?
  • Youtube
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
bottom of page