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Conversation Beginner · Module 2 · Unit 6

About you!

Pre A1 Beginner

Learning Objectives

In this session, you will discuss giving short directions at work and expand your vocabulary for everyday communication.

Situation

Alex is asked to guide a visitor through the BrightCore Solutions office. The visitor needs to find the conference room, the restrooms, and the main exit. Alex must give clear, simple directions using polite language, while keeping it short since the visitor is in a hurry. Sarah reminds him to smile and be welcoming, and Omar is watching to see how Alex handles an unexpected task confidently.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Have you ever had to navigate an unfamiliar building or area? How did you figure out where to go?
  2. If someone asked you to point out the main features of your workplace or school, which three things would you show them first?
  3. Have you ever heard someone describe a place as 'just around the corner'? Do you think that's always accurate?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Navigate

    Vocabulary Word

    /ˈnævɪɡeɪt/

    Meaning:To find your way through or around a place, system, or situation.

    It can be tricky to navigate the building on your first visit — let me show you around.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used both literally (finding your way) and figuratively (handling situations). In workplaces, you'll hear 'navigate office politics' or 'navigate a complex system' — very flexible and common.

  • Hit the ground running

    Idiom

    /hɪt ðə ɡraʊnd ˈrʌnɪŋ/

    Meaning:To start something quickly and with great energy, without needing extra time to prepare.

    Our new interns were able to hit the ground running because of the orientation session.

    Real Life Tip:

    Very popular in American workplace culture. Employers love when new employees or projects hit the ground running — it shows initiative and confidence.

  • Point out

    Phrasal Verb

    /pɔɪnt aʊt/

    Meaning:To draw someone's attention to something by indicating or explaining it.

    Let me point out the key areas of the office as we walk through.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
  • Visitor
    Excuse me, I have a meeting with Mr. Miller but I'm not sure how to navigate to the conference room from here.
  • Alex
    Of course! No problem at all. I'll point out everything you need on the way. Let's start from here.
  • Alex
    So first, take this hallway straight ahead. The restrooms are on your right — I'll point them out as we pass.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Where does the visitor need to go?
  2. Where are the restrooms located according to Alex?
  3. What does Alex say will happen after the visitor visits a few times?

Giving Directions at Work: Simple, Clear, and Helpful

Being able to give clear directions at work is a surprisingly important skill. Whether you're guiding a visitor through your office or helping a new colleague navigate the building, the way you communicate can make a big difference.

Start by keeping your directions simple. Instead of overwhelming someone with too many details at once, point out one landmark at a time. For example: 'Take this hallway, turn left at the elevators, and the conference room is just around the corner.'

Use directional language that's easy to picture: straight ahead, on your left, past the reception desk. Combine it with landmarks — 'the glass door,' 'the big sign' — so people can confirm they're on the right track.

When someone is new, they may feel anxious about navigating an unfamiliar space. Reassure them with friendly phrases like 'you can't miss it' or 'it's very straightforward.' This helps them feel comfortable and confident.

Helpful direction-giving builds trust and shows professionalism. It's also a great opportunity to make a visitor feel genuinely welcome — a small moment that can leave a lasting impression.

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. The printer room is _______ _______ _______ _______ from the break room.

  2. Let me _______ _______ the emergency exits as we walk through the building.

  3. After a good orientation, the new employees were able to _______ _______ _______ _______ on their first week.

  4. Alex says he will help the visitor 'navigate' the building. What does this mean?

  5. Rearrange: [conference / is / just / the / room / corner / around]

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Can you give directions from your front door to the nearest coffee shop or store using at least two of today's vocabulary items?
  2. If a new colleague joined your team and didn't know where anything was, how would you help them navigate the workplace on their first day?
  3. How can giving clear directions at work reflect well on your company's professionalism? Give an example of how poor directions might create a bad impression.

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. Are you happy today?
  2. What is your favorite color?
  3. Do you like music?
  4. What is your favorite food?
  5. Do you have a pet?
  6. What do you enjoy doing?
  7. Are you a morning person?
  8. What makes you happy?

Real Life Tip:

Used constantly in tours, presentations, and instructions. It's direct and helpful — Americans appreciate when someone points out important details clearly rather than expecting you to figure things out alone.

  • Just around the corner

    Slang / Set Phrase

    /dʒʌst əˈraʊnd ðə ˈkɔːrnər/

    Meaning:Very close or nearby; used to describe something that is almost immediately reachable.

    The conference room is just around the corner from the elevator on the left.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used both literally (to describe physical proximity) and figuratively (to say something is coming soon). You'll hear 'the weekend is just around the corner!' in casual American conversation.

    • Visitor
    Got it. And the conference room?
  • Alex
    It's just around the corner from the elevators. You'll see a glass door with 'Conference Room A' on it. You can't miss it.
  • Visitor
    Perfect. I'm actually visiting three offices today — I wasn't sure how to navigate the building.
  • Alex
    It gets easier. Once you've visited a couple of times, you'll be able to hit the ground running without needing a guide.
  • Visitor
    Ha, I hope so. Thank you, Alex — very helpful.