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Advanced Business Communication 

Module 1

Lesson 1

How to stick to the Main idea

Learning Objectives

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

​​

    1. Identify the main point in a message.

    2. Organise ideas in a logical order (main idea → supporting points → example).

    3. Communicate clearly using structured examples.

Teacher's Note

Let’s start with a breathing exercise. And why is this important ? It is important because airflow from the lungs makes the voice clear, loud, and strong.

Vocal Warm Up 

Direction:  Watch the video and practice

Teacher's Note

Today we will learn how to organise a message. Sometimes in a meeting, you hear many things but don’t know the main point. That happens when the message has no structure. If we organise our ideas well, we can influence, convince, persuade and lead our team members to success. So, Note a good communication has three parts: the main idea, details, and examples.

Section 1

Mini Lecture 

Direction:  Listen to the mini lecture for more details

00:00 / 01:02
When we speak, our goal is not just to talk. It’s to be understood. A clear structure makes your message easy to follow. Think of it like building a house: the main point is the foundation, supporting ideas are the walls, and examples are the decorations that make it memorable. Without structure, communication can feel confusing or messy. For example, if you want to explain why teamwork is important, you might start with the main idea: ‘Teamwork helps us achieve goals faster.’ Then give two supporting reasons: ‘It divides tasks fairly, and it combines different skills.’ Finally, add an example: ‘Last month, my team finished a project in half the time because we worked together.’ See how simple that is? Main idea → Supporting points → Example. The clearer you are, the stronger your message will be.

Teacher's Note

Did you notice how the lecture was structured ? It began with a clear idea, supporting points and Examples. I'm going to ask you a few questions about our mini lecture. 1. What is the goal when we speak? 2. What is the “foundation” in communication? 3. What are the three parts of a clear structure? 4. Tell me about your job.

Section 2

Mini Drill

Direction: Work on the following drills with your tutor.

Poor Communication 

00:00 / 00:11

Jeanne

‘I like teamwork because… well, sometimes it’s good… people help, but not always. It depends, but… anyway, I think it’s useful.’

Excellent Communication 

00:00 / 01:04

Jeanne

Teamwork is important because it divides tasks and combines different skills. For example, last month my team completed a project in half the time because we worked together.

Teacher's Note

Did you notice the difference? The first speaker sounded unsure and scattered. The second speaker started with the main point, gave two clear reasons, and finished with an example. Let me ask: Which version was easier to follow? What makes the excellent version stronger?

Section 3

Practice

Direction: Read the following communication styles and discuss effectiveness. 

Speaker 1

Well, I guess exercise is… I mean, sometimes it’s fun, sometimes not. People say it’s healthy, but it can be tiring. I don’t always enjoy it.

Speaker 2

Travel is valuable because it opens your mind to new cultures and gives you unforgettable experiences. For example, when I travelled to Japan, I learned a lot about traditions and food that I had never imagined.

Speaker 3

Exercise is important because it improves health and reduces stress. For example, when I exercise in the morning, I feel more energetic all day.

Speaker 4

Travel is… it’s nice, but sometimes stressful. I mean, flights are long. But you see new things, so… yeah, it’s okay.

Teacher's Note

Now, let’s look carefully: 1. What is the main point in each of the excellent versions? 2. Why are they stronger than the poor versions? 3. How would you rephrase the poor ones into something more structured?

Section 4

Useful Expressions 

Direction: Read and repeat after your tutor. 


Starting a Topic / Giving Your Main Idea


  1. Today, I want to talk about…

  2. Let’s discuss…

  3. I’d like to share my thoughts on…

  4. My topic is…

  5. I’m going to explain why…


Giving a Reason / Supporting Idea


  1. One reason is that…

  2. Another important point is…

  3. This is because…

  4. “It also helps to…

  5. A key factor is…


Adding an Example


  1. For example…

  2. For instance…

  3. A good example is…

  4. To illustrate…”

  5. Last month/Recently…

Section 4

Guided Practice 

Teacher's Note

Now it’s your turn. I’ll guide you through some scenarios. For each, think of one main idea, give two reasons, and finish with one example. Don’t worry about being perfect, focus on organising your ideas clearly.

Direction: Practice using the following questions.

Scenario 1

1. Convince your friend why learning English is important.

Scenario 2

2. Explain why healthy eating matters.

Scenario 3

3. Share why teamwork is useful in the workplace.

Scenario 4

4. Talk about why reading books is valuable.

Tips


    1. Always start with a main idea.

    2. Add 2 supporting points.

    3. Finish with a short example or story.

Section 4

Discussion

Have a discussion based on the following questions.


1. How do you feel when you speak in front of people?

2. What is hard for you when you speak English?

3. Can you give an example of good communication?

4. How can you now make your ideas clear

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