Saturday English Club
Session 1: Personal Stories & Professional Communication
Coffee Stories
Start with your drink and share its story
Your Opening Move:
Grab your favorite drink (coffee, tea, mate, whatever you prefer). When we begin, you'll share a brief story about this drink - maybe it's your go-to order, a memory associated with it, or why you chose it today. Keep it simple and personal!
Story Example
Sample Story:
"I was studying in the library late at night, feeling nervous about my upcoming presentation. I had been working on my project for weeks, but I still wasn't confident. Outside, it was a stormy night with heavy rain and wind. Suddenly, all the lights went out - the storm had caused a complete power outage! I was fumbling around in the dark when I remembered I had my flashlight. I heard someone calling for help - the night guard was trying to guide other students who had been trapped on the upper floors. I used my flashlight to help him escort everyone to the emergency exit. By working together, we helped all the students leave safely."
Grammar for Storytelling
Past Simple
Use for main events in chronological order:
"I opened the book, discovered the notes, and learned something new."
✓ Completed actions
✓ Main story events
Past Continuous
Use to set the scene and show ongoing actions:
"I was researching when the librarian was helping other students."
✓ Background actions
✓ Scene setting
Past Perfect
Use for earlier events that happened before the main story:
"The book had been donated years ago."
✓ Events before the main story
✓ Background information
Story Structure Tip:
Start with Past Continuous to set the scene → Use Past Simple for main events → Add Past Perfect for background information when needed.
Confidant Cards
Build your story by selecting from each category below
Setting
Cafetería
Coworking Space
Airport
Situation
Conflict / Tension
Unexpected Discovery
Moment of Connection
Person You Meet
Student
Older Person
Employee
Time of Day
Early Morning
Lunch Time
Afternoon
Your Mood
Rushed
Relaxed
Curious
Object Present
Book / Magazine
Phone
Shopping Bag
Atmosphere
Sunny Day
Raining Outside
Very Quiet
Outcome
New Connection
Funny Moment
Learn Something
Professional Communication
From personal stories to professional skills
TED Talk: Think before you speak
Watch Catherine Molloy's talk about conscious communication and how our split-second reactions can create misunderstandings. Pay attention to her main message and the framework she presents.
Grammar for Reflection:
Use present perfect for experiences ("I have noticed..."), conditionals for hypothetical situations ("If I were more conscious..."), and modal verbs for advice and possibility ("We should consider...", "This might help...").
Listening Comprehension
Group Task: Discuss which statement best captures Catherine Molloy's main message, then present your choice to the class.
"Communication problems happen because people don't pay attention to body language and need to learn to read others better."
"The key to better communication is being conscious of our own reactions and aligning our words with our actions before we speak."
"Most communication failures stem from technology and modern distractions that prevent us from having meaningful face-to-face conversations."
Group Challenge
After watching Catherine Molloy's talk and selecting your answer above, work in small groups to discuss how conscious communication could improve your transition from Spanish-speaking to international English-speaking work environments. Then share your group's insights with everyone.
Discussion Points
- Share examples of when you've "made up stories" about colleagues' reactions when speaking English
- What body language habits do you have that might miscommunicate in international settings?
- How can you practice being more mindful in your professional English communication?
Wrap-up & Reflection
Time to reflect on today's session and share your key takeaways
Closing Questions
What was the most interesting part of today's session for you?
Think about the storytelling exercise, the TED talk, or the group discussions. What stood out or surprised you?
What's one new thing you learned about communication or English today?
This could be a grammar point, a communication insight from Catherine Molloy's talk, or something you discovered about yourself.
How do you feel about your English speaking confidence after today?
Share honestly - did anything change? What would you like to work on before our next session?
See you next month!
Keep an eye on Discord for monthly activities and resources. Thank you for being part of Saturday English Club!