Reacting to news

Reacting to news

During the lesson we will

• talk about how to give and react to good or bad news in personal and professional contexts

• expand vocabulary on the topic

• enhance communicative skills

Discuss the following questions
1 What do you think is more difficult: giving good news or bad news? Why? 

2 How important is body language and tone when delivering news? Can it change how the message is received? 

3 Have you ever had to deliver bad news at work or in your personal life? How did you handle it? 

4 What makes giving good news easier or more enjoyable? 

5 Should you keep your tone formal or informal when giving good news at work? Why? 

6 Have you ever received good news that was delivered poorly? What happened? 

7 What’s the best way to deliver good news to a group, like your team or department? 

Discuss the following questions
1 Can you remember a time when you received really good or really bad news? How did you feel, and how did you react? 
2 Do you find it easy or difficult to share your emotions when you hear news? Why?
3 How often do you receive unexpected news in your workplace? Is it usually good or bad? 
4 How do you think IT professionals typically react to challenges like project delays or system failures?
5 In your culture, how do people usually react to good news? What about bad news? 
6 Do you think people in your culture are more formal or informal when responding to news, especially in professional settings? 

Categorize

Options (20)

ecstatic

overjoyed

thrilled

elated

relieved

excited

satisfied

grateful

optimistic

hopeful

touched

content

devastated

heartbroken

disappointed

frustrated

shocked

upset

anxious

irritated

Organize these options into the right categories

Good news

Bad news

Let's role-play

With a partner practise delivering good and bad news. React appropriately (tone, body language)

Good News: Successful product launch, positive client feedback, a colleague’s promotion. 

Bad News: Missed deadlines, security breaches, project budget cuts.