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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Ask colleagues for help in a professional, collaborative tone.
2. Respond to help requests clearly and supportively.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. How do you usually give feedback to teammates during a project?
2. What challenges do you face when collaborating on shared tasks?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
bandwidth
noun
/ˈbænˌwɪdθ/
Meaning:
The capacity to handle workload or responsibilities.
- I don’t have the bandwidth to take on another task right now.
pitch in
idiom
/pɪʧ ɪn/
Meaning:
To help with a task, especially as part of a group.
- Everyone pitched in to finish the project before launch.
check in with
phrasal verb
/ɪkˈsten.ʃən/
Meaning:
To contact someone to update or verify
- I’ll check in with the design team this afternoon.
Could you help me move this forward?
phrase
/kʊd ju hɛlp mi muːv ðɪs ˈfɔːrwərd/
Meaning:
A polite request for support to progress a task.
- Could you help me move this forward before Thursday's meeting?
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation: Two teammates are coordinating responsibilities on a shared project.
Hey Jordan, do you have a minute to talk about the dashboard project?
Mia
Sure, what’s up?
Jordan
I don’t have the bandwidth to finalize the metrics. Could you help me move this forward?
Mia
I can pitch in. What exactly do you need?
Jordan
Could you allocate some time to check in with the analytics team?
Mia
Absolutely. I’ll reach out today.
Jordan
Perfect; thanks for helping.
Mia
No problem. Just keep me updated on anything else you need.
Jordan
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
Word Bank: check in with, move this forward, allocate, bandwidth, pitch in
1. I don’t have enough ______ to take on another assignment.
2. Everyone needs to ______ so we can finish on time.
3. Can you ______ the product team about the updates?
4. Could you help me ______ before tomorrow’s meeting?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Request Help Collaboratively at Work
In collaborative workplaces, asking for help is part of completing shared goals; not a sign of weakness. When requesting support, be clear about what you need, why you need it, and how it connects to the team's objectives. For example, instead of saying “I need help”, say “Could you review the draft and highlight any errors?”. Provide context such as workload, deadlines, or missing information. It's also important to check the other person’s availability and bandwidth so you're not overwhelming them. Use respectful phrasing like “If you have time…” or “Whenever you’re available…”. After receiving help, follow up with progress updates and show appreciation. This builds trust and encourages future collaboration. When everyone supports one another, projects move more smoothly and team relationships strengthen.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Word Bank: teamwork, specific, appreciate, progress
1. Be ______ about what task you need help with.
2. I really ______ your support on this project.
3. Keeping others updated shows respect and tracks ______.
4. Strong collaboration improves overall ______.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. What makes you feel comfortable asking teammates for support?
2. How do you decide who to ask when you need help?
3. What polite phrases do you use when requesting help?
4. How do you react when a colleague asks you for assistance?
5. What communication issues happen when requests are unclear?
6. How does asking for support improve collaboration?
7. How can leaders create a culture where asking for help is encouraged?
8. Have you ever hesitated to ask for help? Why?
