LESSON OVERVIEW

Put your best foot forward! In this lesson, students will explore professional development and the concept of a personal brand. The lesson features a video discussing common traits of high achievers. Students will learn and practice relevant vocabulary and idioms related to the topic. The lesson includes plenty of lively discussions and practical worksheets, making it suitable and appealing for both adults and youth. This lesson ensures an engaging and valuable learning experience focused on building personal and professional success.

LESSON OBJECTIVES

• Grammar: Students will practice mixed grammar structures with an emphasis on phrases and expressions that are important in describing personal and professional qualities. They will learn to articulate their achievements and career goals.

• Listening: Students will listen to a video about the traits of high achievers and successful personal branding, identifying key strategies and vocabulary.

• Speaking: Participants will engage in discussions about their personal brands and how they can enhance their visibility in professional circles. They will express their views on personal branding and discuss its impact on their careers.

• Vocabulary: Vocabulary related to professional development, such as “self-cultivated,” “workaround,” “highflier,” and phrases like “draw inspiration” and “rest on one’s oars,” will be introduced and practiced.

• Cultural Awareness: Students may discuss how personal brand perception can vary across different cultures and professional environments.

• Homework: For homework, students will complete tasks that involve filling in the blanks with vocabulary from the lesson, choosing correct words to complete sentences about personal branding, and correcting errors in sentences related to professional development. They will also reflect on their personal brands and consider ways to enhance their professional image.

VIDEO

Do you have a personal brand? How do you develop yourself professionally? Watch this video to learn about the traits that high achievers have that help them stand out.

VIDEO TRANSCRIPT

Here are some traits that will help you stand out. One: Motivation. I will put this at the top of the list because that’s actually where it should be. Check out every high flyer, you know, either at work or anywhere else. They have something in common: motivation. Interestingly, it’s not something you can drill into people. It’s naturally there or self-cultivated. No one can teach you to be motivated. Motivation comes when you love what you do and want to achieve the best. Somehow, as you move, others are attracted by your energy and draw inspiration from your success. However, you should take care not to come across as a self-serving, over-ambitious person. It may repel people who are supposed to be your friends and allies. So, keep in mind that superstar employees are motivated people, always seeking to do better than they did yesterday. They don’t rest on their oars when the goal hasn’t been met yet. Two: Grit and stamina. As you settle into your new position, one thing is clear: You’ll face good times and low times on the job. If it’s genuinely something you look forward to doing, you’ll be determined to push beyond every kind of obstacle and live up to expectations. Superstar employees are people who have the grit to move on despite the challenges. When others come up with excuses to explain why things may not work out, they think of solutions and workarounds to overcome the situation. This does not necessarily mean that you will not be discouraged at times, but it is a deep seeding will to push beyond obstacles and keep moving that sets you apart. Three: Understand the culture. There’s only one way to fit into an organization: learning the culture there. Many employers have had to let their employees go, simply because they didn’t fit into their organization. As trivial as it sounds, it is as essential as it is to know your job. However, it is also easy to learn. Start by going out of your way to make new friends. Sit at coffee tables, have a conversation with people; watch how things are done. Study the management to understand what they value the most. It is from little observations about how the company runs that you catch the drift and join along. By doing so, you will likely meet people who share similar values and ethics as you. Remember, no one is successful alone.

VOCABULARY AND PRONUNCIATION

• put one’s best foot forward [idiom]: to make a good impression or to present oneself in the best possible way
• personal brand [noun]: the image and reputation an individual builds for themselves in their professional and personal life
• high achiever [noun]: a person who consistently performs exceptionally well and attains notable success
• expertise [noun]: specialized knowledge or skill in a particular area
• courtesy [noun]: politeness, good manners, and respectful behavior toward others
• dress for the job you want, not the one you have [idiom]: present yourself professionally and in a manner suitable for your desired future role
• stamina [noun]: endurance, the ability to sustain prolonged physical or mental effort
• culture [noun]: the shared values, beliefs, practices, and behaviors of a group or society
• motivation [noun]: the internal or external factors that drive a person to take action or achieve a goal
• high-flier [noun]: person who is exceptionally successful or ambitious
• drill into [phrasal verb]: to delve deeply into a subject or to thoroughly understand something
• self-cultivated [adjective]: developed or grown by oneself, without external influences
• draw from [phrasal verb]: to derive or obtain something, often ideas or inspiration, from a particular source
• rest on one’s oars [idiom]: to stop making an effort; to become complacent or inactive
• have the grit to [verb phrase]: to possess the courage, perseverance, and determination to face challenges
• workaround [noun]: a solution or method used to overcome a problem, especially in a non-traditional or creative way
• deep-seated [adjective]: firmly established or deeply ingrained, often referring to beliefs or emotions
• catch the drift [idiom]: to understand the general meaning or idea without detailed explanation