WorkSpeaking roleplay

Speaking in a team meeting in English

Give an update, explain a delay and disagree politely, out loud, with a team lead who reacts to what you say.

Your level

Daniel, team lead

Let's start. Can you give us a quick update on the website?

Your goal Give an update, explain a delay and ask for what you need.

Example conversation: speaking in a team meeting

How the roleplay can go at each level, with answers that work. In the roleplay, Daniel reacts to your own words, so it can go differently.

BeginnerSay what you're working on and when it will be ready.

IntermediateGive an update, explain a delay and ask for what you need.

Upper intermediateDisagree politely, suggest another way and agree on next steps.

Daniel
I think we should push the launch to March. Thoughts?
You
I see your point, but the risk is losing clients. What if we launch in February?
Daniel
But rushing it means bugs in front of clients.
You
That's true. What if we test the main features first?
Daniel
Fair enough. Sales still want something in February. Any ideas?
You
What if we launch the main features in February and the rest in March?
Daniel
I'm not fully convinced, but let's try it. And what do we tell the client?
You
Let's be honest and tell them the new plan this week.
Daniel
Sounds good. Can you sum up what we agreed?
You
So, to sum up: main features in February, the rest in March.
Daniel
Great. Let's check in on Friday.

The phrases the roleplay listens for at each level. Use one and it lights up in the roleplay.

Beginner

Intermediate

Upper intermediate

Things people often say here, and a more natural way to say them. If you say one in the roleplay, you see the fix under your answer.

Instead ofI am finish the report.
SayI've finished the report.
For something done, say “I’ve finished”.
Instead ofIt will ready on Friday.
SayIt will be ready on Friday.
Don’t forget “be”: it’ll be ready.
Instead ofI need help for the report.
SayI need help with the report.
We get help “with” a task: help with the report.
Instead ofIt's almost finish.
SayIt's almost finished.
Say “it’s finished” or “it’s almost finished”.
Instead ofWe are late with the shop pages.
SayWe are a bit behind on the shop pages.
In meetings, “behind” is the usual word for delays.
Instead ofI propose that we will launch in two parts.
SayI propose we launch in two parts.
After “suggest”, no “will”: I suggest we launch.
Instead ofI suggest to launch the main pages first.
SayI suggest we launch the main pages first.
Say “I suggest we…”, not “I suggest to…”.
Instead ofSomeone can help me with testing?
SayCould someone help me with testing?
Start a request with “Could”: could someone help?
Instead ofI don't agree, this is a bad idea.
SayI don't agree, I'm not sure that's the best idea.
Agree with part of it first, then give your reason.
Instead ofI am not agree.
SayI don't agree.
“Agree” is a verb: I don’t agree.
Instead ofLet's make a summary.
SaySo, to sum up.
People say “to sum up” to close a discussion.

Eleven more everyday situations, each at three levels. See them all.