lesson 4

Unit 4: Professional Etiquette
Topics Covered:

Dress Codes and Professional Appearance
Networking and Business Introductions
Email and Communication Etiquette
Lesson Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Understand different dress codes and appropriate professional attire.
Demonstrate proper networking techniques and business introductions.
Practice effective and professional communication, especially in email.
Lesson Structure
1. Warm-Up Activity (10 minutes)

Discussion Question: "What do you think professional etiquette means? Why is it important in
the workplace?"
Allow students to share their ideas. Summarize key points and explain that professional
etiquette sets the tone for personal branding, relationships, and professionalism in any business
environment.
2. Dress Codes and Professional Appearance (20 minutes)
Introduction (5 minutes)
Explain that how we present ourselves in professional settings can directly impact how we are
perceived. Discuss why professional appearance is important (e.g., it conveys competence,
professionalism, and respect).

Main Content (10 minutes)
Introduce common dress codes that students might encounter in professional environments:

Business Formal: Suits, ties, dresses, dress shoes. Often required in corporate, law, or finance
sectors.
Business Casual: Collared shirts, blouses, dress pants, khakis. Allows more comfort but
maintains professionalism.
Casual: Jeans, sneakers, casual shirts. Appropriate for creative industries or tech environments
with relaxed cultures.
Industry-Specific Attire: Discuss industries where uniforms or safety gear might be required
(e.g., healthcare, construction).
Activity (5 minutes)

Dress Code Sorting Game: Prepare images of different outfits. Students will group them under
the right dress code.
3. Networking and Business Introductions (25 minutes)
Introduction (5 minutes)

Discuss the importance of building professional relationships and networking. Networking helps
in creating opportunities and growing within one's career.

Key Components of Networking (10 minutes)

Confidence in Introductions: Make eye contact, smile, and introduce yourself clearly.
Handshake: A firm but not aggressive handshake (depending on the cultural context).
Small Talk: How to keep the conversation light and relevant (e.g., weather, common interests, or
the event you’re at).
Follow-Up: Mention the importance of keeping in touch (through email, LinkedIn, etc.).
Activity (10 minutes)

Role-Play: In pairs, students will practice introducing themselves and having a short networking
conversation (e.g., at a conference or business meeting). Encourage them to be clear, concise,
and professional. Provide feedback on their tone and body language.
4. Email and Communication Etiquette (25 minutes)
Introduction (5 minutes)
Highlight the significance of professional communication, especially in emails, as a written form
of interaction that reflects one's professionalism.

Key Principles of Email Etiquette (10 minutes)

Subject Line: Clear and relevant to the content of the email.
Salutation: Use professional greetings like "Dear Mr./Ms." or "Hello [Name]."
Tone: Be polite, professional, and direct, without being overly casual.
Clarity and Brevity: Be concise, and break up long paragraphs for readability.
Signatures: Always include a professional email signature with contact information.
Replying and CC/BCC Usage: Know when to reply-all, use CC, and keep BCC for privacy.
Activity (10 minutes)

Email Writing Exercise: Have students draft a professional email for a scenario (e.g., responding
to a job offer, requesting a meeting, or following up after a networking event). Review them for
structure and tone.
5. Wrap-Up and Q&A (10 minutes)
Recap key points on dress codes, networking, and email etiquette. Open the floor for any
questions students might have.

Homework:

Reflective Writing: Have students write a short reflection on how they can apply these
professional etiquette lessons in their personal or future professional life.
Materials Needed:
Images for the dress code sorting game
Sample networking scenarios for role-play

Email writing examples or templates
This lesson will help prepare your students to navigate professional environments with
confidence, creating a solid foundation in workplace etiquette.