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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Communicate clearly and professionally with clients or business partners.
2. Use polite and effective language to maintain strong working relationships.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. Who do you talked with at work at the most your boss, collegues or clients ?
2. What can you say about the flow of communication at your workplace ?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
deliverable
noun
/dɪˈlɪv.ər.ə.bəl/
Meaning:
A specific task or result that must be completed.
- The client expects the first deliverable by Friday.
touch base
idiom
/tʌtʃ beɪs/
Meaning:
To briefly connect or communicate with someone.
- Let’s touch base next week to review progress.
follow up
phrasal verb
/ˈfɑː.loʊ ʌp/
Meaning:
Check progress or continue communication.
- I’ll follow up with the partner to confirm the meeting.
Let’s circle back
phrase
/lɛts ˈsɜːr.kəl bæk/
Meaning:
A polite way to revisit a topic later.
- Let’s circle back to the budget discussion after we gather more data.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation: A team member contacts a client to confirm project details.
Hi Mr. Lee, I wanted to touch base regarding the marketing report.
Sophie
Sure, Sophie. How is it coming along?
Mr Lee
The first deliverable will be ready by Thursday.
Sophie
Great, thanks for the update.
Mr Lee
I’ll follow up after sending the report to discuss your feedback.
Sophie
Sounds good. Will the team be available for questions?
Mr Lee
Absolutely. Let’s circle back next week to review next steps.
Sophie
Perfect, looking forward to it.
Mr Lee
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
Options: circle back |stakeholders | deliverable | follow up
1. The client expects the first __________ by Friday.
2. I’ll __________ with the partner to confirm the next meeting.
3. Let’s __________ next week to discuss the budget.
4. We need to update all __________ on project progress.
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Communicate Effectively with Clients or Partners
Effective communication with clients or partners builds trust and ensures smooth project delivery. Begin by clarifying the purpose of your message and any key updates. Use professional and polite language, such as “touch base” or “let’s circle back”, to maintain a positive tone.
Provide clear information about deliverables, timelines, and responsibilities. Always follow up to confirm understanding or address questions. When speaking with multiple stakeholders, summarize key points and highlight next steps.
Avoid overloading them with unnecessary details, and listen carefully to feedback. Clear, concise, and courteous communication helps strengthen relationships, prevent misunderstandings, and demonstrates professionalism.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Options: follow up | circle back | deliverable | stakeholders
1. We should __________ with the client after sending the report.
2. The team needs to deliver the first __________ by Monday.
3. Let’s __________about the budget after reviewing the figures.
4. All key __________ should receive the project update.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you keep clients informed about project progress?
2. Which phrases help you sound professional when checking in with partners?
3. How do you handle client questions you can’t answer immediately?
4. How often should you follow up with clients?
5. How do you manage multiple stakeholders with different priorities?
6. What challenges have you faced communicating across time zones?
7. How do you politely revisit a topic if a client forgets details?
8. How do you ensure your messages are clear and professional?
