Communicative English doesn’t follow neither rammar rules nor the sentence patterns – have a look at lesson 1 before you start reading this – Click Lesson 1
Lesson 4 – Speech, body languge, and accent practice with a video and Transcript
Instruction to prctice speech units (Phrases) – Watch this video – hold the mouse button to pause and read the video transcript – note the speech units/phrsaes of a particular dialogue (Optional) Play the video, in parts/units till you are comfortable with the dialogues. Next time mute the sound and practice uttering the dialogues with body languge by carefully reading the transcrip at the bottom of the video.
UNIT -1 (Video)
Good morning. Is Albert there? Phrase
This is Al. Al, this is Bob. – Phrases
What are you doing, Bob? Grammatical structure
I’m sleeping. What time is it? Grammatical structure
It’s 8:00 a.m. Time to rise and shine. A Phrase
8:00 a.m. Huh? Oh, no. I’ll be late for work. A phrase
No, no, no, no, no. Today’s Saturday. You do not have to work today. Grammatical structure
[sighs] Saturday? That’s right. No work today. Oh, that’s good. A Phrase
Hey, are you free today? A Phrase
Well, today is Saturday. H Yeah, I’m free. Phrases
Would you like to do something together today? A phrase
That sounds good. Uh, what do you want to do? A phrase
I don’t know. What do you want to do? Phrases
I don’t know either. Why don’t you come to my house and we’ll think of something. A phrase
Okay. I’ll be there in about an hour. Phrases
Okay. See you later. Phrases
See you, Al. A phrase
NOTE: The above phrases and Grammatical structures could be used in many appropriate situations.
Lesson 3- Instant Business or Boardroom meeting phrases
A. PHRASES FOR GETTING STARTED
1. Since we’re all present, let’s kick start the meeting.
2. With everyone here, shall we get started?
3. Since everyone has arrived, it’s time to begin.
4. Alright, we have a lot to discuss today, so let’s dive in.
5. Now that everyone’s here, let’s get going.
6. Shall we get started with the agenda?
7 . Alright, let’s get started. First, I want to extend a warm welcome to
everyone.
8. I appreciate you all making it here on such a short notice.
9. Thank you for taking the time to join this meeting; your presence means a
lot.
10. For those who may not be familiar with me, I am …
B. Welcoming the invitees
1. Please join me in giving a warm welcome to …
2. I’d like to warmly welcome … Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.….
3. We’re delighted to have … with us today.
4. To start, I’d like to introduce …
5. For those who haven’t met our new … yet, let me introduce Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.
6. It’s a pleasure to welcome, Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.
7. I’d like to take a moment to introduce, Mr./Ms./Dr./Prof.
8. I know many of you, but there are a few new faces. I am not familiar with………
C. Delegating responsibilities to the colleagues
1. Mr. John has graciously agreed to take the minutes today.
2. Ms. Shane will be presenting on the…….
3. Mr. John has kindly offered to provide us with a report on the new budget
4. Ms. Ahmed, could you please take notes/minutes for us today?
5. Ms. Cate will be leading the discussion on (topic) from the agenda.
6. Mr. Bill would you like to start us off with ?
D. Tendering Apologies on behalf of absentees
1. Unfortunately, Mary isn’t able to join us today due to an urgent matter.
2. Elizabeth will be taking the minutes today since Sarah is at home with a fever.
3. I have received apologies for absence from Ms. Elina.
4. If you notice anyone missing, please inform, John so he can record it.
E. AGENDA CONTINUATION
1. We’re gathered here today to talk about…
2. Today, we’re here to discuss …
3. Our primary goal today is to …
4. I/we’ve called this meeting to …
5. As outlined in the agenda …
6. To start, we’ll be discussing …
7. First, we’ll cover …
8. After that, we’ll examine …
9. If time permits, we will also address …
10. Then, I’ll pass it over to Mrs. Shane for …
11. Next, we’ll focus on …
12. I’ll also invite your feedback, comments, opinions, views, suggestions, ideas on …
13. Lastly, we’ll discuss …
Lesson 2 – These phrases are designed to facilitate polite and effective communication for setting, accepting, rescheduling, or cancelling appointments.
Requesting an Appointment (Semi-Formal)
- “May I see you on Monday?”
- “Could I/we meet with you this evening?”
- “Are you available for a consultation at your office/clinic this evening?”
- “I would like an appointment to discuss some financial issues related to my business. What time are you available?”
Making an Appointment Directly (Semi-Formal)
- “Could I meet you this evening?”
- “Is it okay if we meet on Monday/this evening?”
- “Can we meet at Robinson Square tomorrow morning ?”
- “Would meeting at Ruby Park tomorrow afternoon at 2 work for you?”
- “How about meeting at Central Square tonight at 9?”
- “May I stop by your office this evening on my way home?”
- “Could I/we expect to see you at Elizabeth’s party tonight?”
- “Would you have a few minutes this evening to discuss my new business plans?”
Making an Appointment Through a Secretary/Receptionist/Assistant
- “I would like to see Dr. Sen for a consultation this evening. Is he available?”
- “Could I schedule an appointment with the attorney tomorrow evening to discuss [topic]?”
- “Is it possible to meet with the chairman tomorrow afternoon?”
- “Can I meet with the president today at 6 p.m.?”
- “Is the lawmaker available today at 7 p.m.?”
- “Could I arrange an appointment with the auditor on Thursday evening?”
Confirming or Accepting an Appointment
- “Yes, you can see me this evening; I’m available until 7.”
- “You’re welcome to drop by. Please try to arrive by 7 p.m.”
- “Yes, I’ll be here until 8 p.m.”
- “Yes, I’m available; you can meet me this evening.”
- “I think Saturday should work; I’ll be away on a business trip until then.”
- “Sure, you can come anytime between 5 and 7 p.m.”
- “Yes, tomorrow evening works perfectly.”
- “Yes, tomorrow morning is fine.”
- “What time would you like to stop by?”
Politely Declining or Postponing an Appointment
- “I’m sorry, but the attorney is currently on vacation.”
- “I’m afraid he won’t be back until June 2nd.”
- “We regret to inform you that the doctor is not available for appointments this week.”
- “I’m afraid he may not be available tomorrow evening, but you can meet him the day after tomorrow.”
- “I wish I could see you, but I have to leave for London tonight. Would Monday, January 2nd, work for you?”
- “Unfortunately, I have an important commitment in New York, so I can’t meet with you until I return.”
- “I’m sorry, I won’t be available tomorrow. Would Friday evening work instead?”
- “I’m very sorry, but I can’t make it to the office by 4 p.m. today. Is tomorrow okay for you?”
- “7 p.m. is a bit challenging for me. Would 8 p.m. work instead?”
- “I’m afraid it’s not possible today.”
- “Thursday is very busy for me. Would Saturday work instead?”
- “I need to reschedule my Monday appointment one day earlier; would that be possible?”
Politely Cancelling an Appointment
- “I’m very sorry, but I have to cancel my appointment due to an emergency meeting at Margaret’s.”
- “My apologies; due to severe weather conditions, I need to cancel my appointments today.”
- “I’m sorry for the mix-up. I thought I was available, but I have a meeting tomorrow. Would Monday work for you instead?”
- “I regret that I won’t be available tomorrow. Shall we reschedule the appointment for Sunday?”
Lesson 1 – Speech Units also called Speech fragments, lexical chunks or Phrases are moe important thant Grammer. If you learn grammer you may find it very difficult to make a simple and correct sentence, on the contrary if you know a speech unit, you can make/speak dozens of sentences withou making mistakes. Some of the examples of speech units are: would you like, what if I, would you mind etc.
Grammar-heavy study often does more harm than good when it comes to speaking English. Instead of actually communicating, learners get stuck analyzing rules—tenses, prepositions, and structures—much like a footballer studying physics instead of practicing on the field. While grammar may help in writing, where there is time to think and correct mistakes, real-time conversation demands speed and spontaneity. There’s simply no time to recall rules when responding to someone instantly.
Research also supports this idea: focusing on grammar rules does not significantly improve spoken fluency. Many learners “know” the rules but still make mistakes while speaking because knowledge doesn’t automatically translate into performance. Overthinking grammar leads to slow, hesitant, and unnatural speech, which disrupts communication.
A more effective approach is to learn phrases or speech units—small, natural chunks of language used in real conversations. Native speakers rarely use perfectly structured sentences; instead, they rely heavily on fragments and ready-made expressions. These communication units allow learners to respond quickly, sound natural, and build fluency. By focusing on listening, repeating, and using these phrases in context, learners can develop real speaking ability. In short, mastering phrases—not memorizing rules—is the key to confident and natural English communication.