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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Use professional expressions to ask about and describe progress on workplace projects.
2. Give clear, accurate updates using essential business vocabulary.
Exercise 1
Discussion
Talk with your teacher for 3 minutes. Try to keep the conversation going!
1. What did you do last week at work ?
2. Do you think it’s important to give updates on ongoing projects at work?
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.
- We finished all deliverables for Phase One.
follow up
phrasal verb
/ˈfɑː.loʊ ʌp/
Meaning:
Check progress or continue communication.
- I’ll follow up with the design team this afternoon.
In the loop
idiom
/ɪn ðə luːp/
Meaning:
Informed and updated.
- I'll keep you in the loop as we move into testing.
we’re on track
phrase
/wɪər ɑn træk/
Meaning:
Progress is moving according to plan.
- We’re still on track to finish by Friday.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Two coworkers discuss a project update in a shared workspace.
Hey Maria, quick update on the marketing campaign; Phase One deliverables are complete.
Alex
Great. Are we still on track for next week’s launch?
Maria
Yes, but we need final approval from key stakeholders.
Alex
Got it. Who should follow up on that?
Maria
I’ll follow up with Josh and keep everyone in the loop.
Alex
Perfect. Do you need support from my team?
Maria
Maybe later. I’ll let you know if anything changes.
Alex
Sounds good—thanks for the update.
Maria
Exercise 1
Direction: Check comprehension of the conversation.
Options: follow up, in the loop, on track, deliverables.
1. We finished all __________ for Phase One.
2. I’ll __________ with the design team this afternoon.
3. I’ll keep you __________ as we move forward.
4. We’re still __________ to finish by Friday.
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
How to Give Clear Project Updates
Giving a project update is more than sharing what you worked on; it’s about communicating progress clearly so your team can take action. A good update typically includes three parts: what has been completed, what you’re working on next, and what support or approval you need. Keep your tone concise and focused, especially in shared spaces where long conversations may distract others. Use phrases like “We’re on track” to show status and “I’ll follow up” to show responsibility. If there are delays, be honest but solution-oriented. Instead of saying “We’re behind,” say “We’re waiting for feedback from stakeholders, but we'll adjust once we hear back.” Clear updates help teams collaborate efficiently and reduce confusion.
Exercise 2
Direction: Choose the correct answer
Options: follow up, concise, support needed, solution-oriented
1. A good update includes past work, next steps, and __________.
2. Keep your update __________ and focused.
3. If there's a delay, be honest but __________.
4. Use phrases like “I’ll __________” to show responsibility.
Exercise 5
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you usually share updates with your team?
2. What information do you think a good update must include?
3. How do you balance being brief but still detailed?
4. What challenges do you face when reporting delays?
5. How do you stay organized when tracking progress?
6. How do you communicate updates in shared workspaces without disturbing others?
7. What phrases help you sound professional when updating supervisors?
8. How often should teams share updates?
