The Lesson That Changed My Entire Teaching Approach
CEFR Level: B1 & Higher
Published: 2025-03-26
From the Creative Desk of The Language Sentinel — only at The Learn Hive
Pre-Reading Note: New vocabulary words in bold appear below and are defined at the end of the post. Read carefully to see how these words connect to business and communication. A follow-up story will be published soon.
It began with a simple yet unforgettable question.
A about years ago, during a one-on-one session with a high-powered executive at one of Turkey’s largest banks, the conversation took an unexpected turn. He looked at me—calm, composed, and serious—and asked:
“Can you teach me vocabulary for arguing in English?”
This was not the first time I had worked with someone in a high-powered position. My roster¹ of students includes entrepreneurs, VPs, researchers, and startup founders. But this moment was different.
The request wasn’t aggressive. It was insight²—driven by a deep professional need. He wanted to become more effective at pushing back, disagreeing tactfully, and making persuasive counterpoints in boardroom settings. Arguments not based on emotion, but on strategy, tone, and cultural nuance.
In that moment, I realized something: the traditional, one-size-fits-all approach to business English simply wouldn’t cut it. No textbook unit titled “Expressing Opinions” would meet this need. What he needed was something bespoke³. A lesson that could be tailored⁴ precisely to his role, his industry, and the kinds of real-time decisions he had to make.
We spent weeks crafting⁵ scenarios drawn from his meetings. We worked on refining his tone, polishing⁶ his delivery, and developing phrases that could carry weight without creating tension. We built out vocabulary to help him hold his ground without sounding defensive.
What emerged from this process was more than just improved language. It was confidence. Influence. A clearer voice at the table.
That lesson changed everything—for him, and for me. It was the moment I fully grasped the value of insight over instruction. I began to understand that helping professionals succeed required more than technical correction. It required understanding what made their roles hard—and what language could do to make their lives easier.
This is the foundation of the approach I use to this day. And it’s the reason why, years later, I continue to build bespoke communication programs for professionals around the world. Not just to teach English, but to empower.
A longer story on how this insight led to an entire business model will be shared soon. But for now, let this be a reminder:
Sometimes the most important skills in business aren’t taught in business school. They’re tailored in moments like these—one student, one question, one breakthrough at a time.
Vocabulary
1.Roster — a list of people, especially students or members of a team
Example: The university’s executive MBA program includes a roster of Fortune 500 leaders and government advisors.
2.Insight — a deep understanding of something
Example: His insight into consumer behavior helped the company double its market share.
3.Bespoke — made or designed specifically for a particular person
Example: Their agency offers bespoke branding strategies tailored to startups entering niche markets.
4.Tailored — specially made or adapted for a particular person
Example: Each onboarding email was tailored to the user’s country and professional background.
5.Crafting — skillfully making or constructing
Example: The CEO is known for crafting investor pitches that win funding every time.
6.Polishing — improving something to make it better
Example: Before the meeting, the marketing director spent the morning polishing her presenta
Reflection Questions
- Why do you think someone in a high position would want to learn how to argue in English?
2. What does this tell us about how language can affect leadership and influence?
3. Have you ever needed language support that a textbook couldn’t provide?
4. What does “bespoke” mean in the context of your work?
5. Which of the vocabulary terms above could describe your role or communication style?
Stay tuned for our next feature: the full story of “Tom” — and the hidden hours behind every lesson.
From the Creative Desk of The Language Sentinel — only at The Learn Hive.