İngilizce Konuşma Teknikleri — English Speaking Techniques: A 11-14 Week Course & Self-Study Book
Week 11 — Persuasion & Pitching
Goal: Students use persuasive language and deliver a 60-second elevator pitch for a product or business idea.
Lesson: The elevator pitch formula
A pitch is a short, persuasive talk you could give during an elevator ride (30–60 seconds). Formula: Problem → Solution → Who it's for → Why us → Call to action.
Problem: Have you ever…? / Every day, thousands of students struggle with…
Solution: That's why we created… / Our app helps you…
Target customer: It's designed for… / Our target market is…
Unique selling point (USP): Unlike other…, we… / What makes us different is…
Benefits, not features: not It has GPS but You'll never get lost again.
Call to action: Try it free for a month. / We're looking for 500,000 TL investment. / Let's schedule a meeting.
Persuasive language: imagine, save, easy, guaranteed, only, proven; rhetorical questions; the rule of three (faster, cheaper, better).
Model a pitch for a fake product (e.g. a smart water bottle that reminds you to drink), then students identify each part of the formula.
Activity 1 — Reading: "The Three Secrets of Persuasion"
More than two thousand years ago, the Greek philosopher Aristotle explained that persuasion depends on three things: ethos, pathos and logos. Surprisingly, these ideas are still used today by advertisers, politicians and entrepreneurs who pitch their business ideas to investors.
Ethos means credibility. People are more likely to believe you if they trust you. This is why advertisements often use doctors, experts or famous people, and why entrepreneurs mention their experience or their well-known customers. In a pitch, a sentence such as "I worked in logistics for five years and saw this problem every day" builds ethos immediately.
Pathos means emotion. Humans make many decisions with their hearts, not just their heads. A short story about a real customer, a powerful image or a question that makes people imagine a better future can be more persuasive than pages of data. Charity campaigns, for example, often show one person's story rather than statistics about millions.
Logos means logic and evidence. Investors and managers want facts: the size of the market, the cost of the product and the expected profit. Numbers, research results and clear examples give the audience reasons to agree with you.
The most persuasive speakers combine all three. They show they can be trusted, they connect with people's feelings and they support their message with solid evidence. Whether you are selling a product, asking for a pay rise or applying for a job, these three secrets can help you get a "yes".
Comprehension questions
Who first explained ethos, pathos and logos?
What does ethos mean? How can an entrepreneur build it?
Why do charity campaigns tell one person's story?
What kind of information do investors want?
In which situations can these three secrets help you?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
persuasion | ikna | Persuasion is a key skill in sales. |
persuasive | ikna edici | She gave a very persuasive argument. |
pitch (v./n.) | fikir/ürün sunmak; sunum | They pitched their app to three investors. |
investor | yatırımcı | The investor offered 1 million liras. |
credibility | güvenilirlik, inandırıcılık | Experience gives you credibility. |
advertisement | reklam | That advertisement is very funny. |
charity | hayır kurumu, yardım | They donated money to a local charity. |
campaign | kampanya | The new campaign starts in January. |
evidence | kanıt | Do you have any evidence for that claim? |
profit | kâr | The company made a big profit this year. |
solid | sağlam | We need solid data before we decide. |
pay rise | maaş zammı | I'm going to ask my boss for a pay rise. |
Activity 2 — "Shark Tank" Pitch Competition
Groups of 3–4 invent a product or service for university students (e.g. a study-space booking app, healthy campus vending machines, a second-hand textbook marketplace). In 10 minutes, they prepare a 60-second pitch using the formula and at least one example of ethos, pathos and logos. Every member must speak. Each group pitches to a panel of 3 "investors" (students or you), who ask two tough questions (How will you make money? Who are your competitors?). Investors each have an imaginary 1,000,000 TL to invest; the group with the most investment wins.
Speaking Topic 1: Selling and Advertising
What is the most persuasive advertisement you have ever seen?
Have you ever bought something you didn't need because of an ad?
Are influencers honest when they promote products?
Which is more persuasive: emotions or facts? Why?
Sell me the pen/phone/bag on your desk in 30 seconds.
What techniques do shops use to make us spend more?
Should advertising to children be banned?
Do you trust online reviews? Why or why not?
What makes a good salesperson?
Is it ethical to use fear in advertising (for example, in insurance ads)?
Which brand slogan do you remember the most?
How would you persuade your parents to let you study abroad?
Speaking Topic 2: Entrepreneurship and Ideas
Would you like to start your own business one day? Why or why not?
What problem in your daily life needs a business solution?
What are the biggest challenges for young entrepreneurs in Turkey?
Who is an entrepreneur you admire?
Is it better to start a business alone or with partners?
Should universities teach entrepreneurship to all students?
Would you prefer money from an investor or a bank loan? Why?
What business would be successful near our campus?
Is failure a bad thing for an entrepreneur?
What online businesses can a student start with very little money?
How important is social media for a new business?
If you won 1 million TL, what business would you start?
Self-Study Path — Week 11
Lesson (20 min): Copy the pitch formula (Problem → Solution → Who → Why us → Call to action). Turn five product features into benefits ("It has GPS" → "You'll never get lost again").
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below. Find one advert and identify its ethos, pathos and logos.
Activity 2 (30 min): Invent a product or service for university students. Write and record a 60-second pitch with ethos, pathos and logos. Then answer two investor questions out loud: "How will you make money?" and "Who are your competitors?"
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers. For Topic 1 question 5, sell three different objects in 30 seconds each.
Review (10 min): Play your pitch to a friend or family member and ask: "Would you buy it? Why or why not?"
Can-do check
I can deliver a 60-second pitch with a clear call to action.
I talk about benefits, not just features.
I can recognise ethos, pathos and logos in an argument.
Sample Answers — Week 11
Reading: "The Three Secrets of Persuasion"
Who first explained ethos, pathos and logos? The Greek philosopher Aristotle, more than two thousand years ago.
What does ethos mean? How can an entrepreneur build it? Ethos means credibility; an entrepreneur can build it by mentioning their experience or well-known customers.
Why do charity campaigns tell one person's story? Because people decide with their hearts; one emotional story is more persuasive than statistics about millions (pathos).
What kind of information do investors want? Facts and evidence: market size, product cost and expected profit (logos).
In which situations can these three secrets help you? When selling a product, asking for a pay rise or applying for a job.
Speaking Topic 1: Selling and Advertising
What is the most persuasive advertisement you have ever seen? A Turkish Airlines advert with famous footballers was very persuasive. It was fun and showed the airline as modern and international. After watching it, I felt proud and wanted to fly with them.
Have you ever bought something you didn't need because of an ad? Yes, I bought a facial roller after seeing it on Instagram again and again. I used it twice and then forgot about it. It taught me that ads can be very powerful.
Are influencers honest when they promote products? Some are, but many promote anything if they're paid. That's why I trust influencers who also show the negative sides of products.
Which is more persuasive: emotions or facts? Why? I think emotions start the decision and facts confirm it. For example, I want a car because it looks exciting, but I check the fuel consumption and price before buying.
Sell me the pen/phone/bag on your desk in 30 seconds. Do you ever lose your ideas because you have nothing to write with? This pen is the solution. It writes smoothly on any paper, never leaks in your bag and fits perfectly in your hand. It costs less than a cup of coffee, and it can help you write the idea that changes your life. Buy two today — one for you, one for a friend!
What techniques do shops use to make us spend more? They put sweets near the cash register, use discounts like "buy 2, get 1 free", and play relaxing music so we stay longer. Supermarkets also put basic products like bread at the back so we pass everything else.
Should advertising to children be banned? I think it should be limited, especially for unhealthy food and toys. Children can't understand that ads are trying to sell them something.
Do you trust online reviews? Why or why not? Partly. I read many reviews and look for patterns, because some reviews are fake. Reviews with photos and details are usually more reliable.
What makes a good salesperson? A good salesperson listens more than they talk, understands the customer's needs and is honest. They build relationships, not just one-time sales.
Is it ethical to use fear in advertising (for example, in insurance ads)? It depends. Showing real risks, like health dangers of smoking, can be useful. But exaggerating fear just to sell products is unethical.
How would you persuade your parents to let you study abroad? I'd use facts — the cost, scholarships and job opportunities after graduation. I'd also show I'm responsible by having a clear plan, and I'd promise to call them every day!
Speaking Topic 2: Entrepreneurship and Ideas
Would you like to start your own business one day? Why or why not? Yes, I'd love to. I want to be my own boss and create something meaningful. But first I want to gain experience in a company and save money.
What problem in your daily life needs a business solution? Finding a quiet place to study near campus is very difficult. A business that rents study spaces by the hour, with good Wi-Fi and coffee, would be very popular.
What are the biggest challenges for young entrepreneurs in Turkey? Finding money, dealing with bureaucracy and economic uncertainty, like inflation and changing exchange rates. Also, many families prefer their children to have a "safe" job.
Who is an entrepreneur you admire? I admire the founders of Trendyol, because they built one of the biggest e-commerce companies in Turkey from scratch. It shows that Turkish start-ups can compete globally.
Is it better to start a business alone or with partners? With partners, if you choose them carefully. Partners bring different skills and share the risk. But you should have a written agreement to avoid conflicts.
Should universities teach entrepreneurship to all students? Yes, because entrepreneurial skills like problem-solving and creativity are useful in every job, not only for people who start companies.
Would you prefer money from an investor or a bank loan? Why? I'd prefer an investor, because they also bring experience and contacts, and I don't have to pay interest. But I'd lose part of my company, so it depends on the situation.
What business would be successful near our campus? An affordable healthy food café would be successful. Students want cheap, quick meals, but most options near campus are fast food.
Is failure a bad thing for an entrepreneur? Not necessarily. Many successful entrepreneurs failed several times before succeeding. Failure teaches lessons you can't learn in a classroom.
What online businesses can a student start with very little money? Freelance design, social media management for small businesses, selling handmade products on Etsy or online tutoring.
How important is social media for a new business? It's extremely important, because it's the cheapest way to reach customers. Many small Turkish brands started only with Instagram and grew through word of mouth.
If you won 1 million TL, what business would you start? I'd open a small coffee shop with a co-working space for students and freelancers. I'd invest part of the money in good equipment and keep the rest for marketing and emergencies.
Week 12 — Negotiation & Handling Complaints
Goal: Students negotiate a simple deal and respond professionally to a customer complaint.
Lesson: Win-win language
Negotiating
Stating your position: We're looking for… / Our budget is around… / Ideally, we'd like…
Making an offer: We could offer you… / How about…? / What if we…?
Conditional bargaining (if…, then…): If you order 500 units, we can give you a 10% discount. / We could deliver earlier if you pay in advance.
Rejecting politely: I'm afraid that's a bit too high for us. / That would be difficult for us.
Reaching agreement: I think we have a deal. / Let's meet in the middle. / So, just to confirm…
Handling complaints — the LAST method: Listen → Apologise → Solve → Thank.
I'm really sorry to hear that. / I completely understand how frustrating that must be.
Let me see what I can do. / We'll send you a replacement today. / We can offer you a full refund.
Thank you for letting us know.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Bargaining in the Grand Bazaar"
The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world, with thousands of shops selling carpets, jewellery, lamps and leather goods. For many tourists, the most memorable part of a visit is not what they buy, but how they buy it: by bargaining.
In many Western countries, the price on the label is the final price. In the Grand Bazaar, however, the first price is often just the beginning of a conversation. An experienced shopkeeper usually starts with a high price, expecting the customer to make a lower offer. The two sides then move closer step by step until they reach a price that satisfies both.
Successful bargaining follows some unwritten rules. The shopkeeper often offers tea and chats about where the customer is from; this is not a waste of time but a way to build a relationship. Good customers stay friendly and polite, show interest without looking too excited, and are ready to walk away if the price is not right. Often, walking slowly towards the door brings a better offer.
Interestingly, these traditional skills are the same ones that professional negotiators use in business today. They prepare carefully, know their limits, build trust, make offers with conditions and look for a "win-win" result, where both sides feel they have gained something. A deal that leaves one side angry rarely leads to a long-term relationship. Whether you are buying a carpet or signing a contract with a supplier, the aim is not just to win, but to make sure the other side wants to do business with you again.
Comprehension questions
What does the Grand Bazaar sell?
How is shopping in the bazaar different from many Western shops?
Why do shopkeepers offer tea and chat?
What is a good strategy if the price is too high?
What is a "win-win" result?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
covered market | kapalı çarşı | The covered market is busy on Saturdays. |
bargain (v.) | pazarlık yapmak | Tourists love to bargain in the bazaar. |
label | etiket | Check the price on the label. |
offer | teklif (etmek) | They made us a good offer. |
satisfy | memnun etmek, tatmin etmek | The solution satisfied both sides. |
unwritten rule | yazılı olmayan kural | It's an unwritten rule to bring a gift. |
walk away | vazgeçip gitmek | If the price is too high, walk away. |
negotiator | müzakereci | She is a tough negotiator. |
limit | sınır | Know your limit before you start negotiating. |
condition | şart, koşul | We agree, on one condition. |
gain | kazanmak, elde etmek | Both companies gained from the partnership. |
contract | sözleşme | They signed a three-year contract. |
Activity 2 — Two Role-Plays
Role-play A — Negotiation (10 min): Pairs. Student A is the purchasing manager of a café chain buying 1,000 kg of coffee beans. Student B is the supplier. Give each a secret card with their ideal price, lowest/highest acceptable price, and two extra things to negotiate (delivery date, payment terms, free samples). They must use at least three If you…, we can… sentences. Report the final deal to the class.
Role-play B — Complaint (10 min): Change partners. Student A is an angry customer whose online order arrived late and damaged. Student B is the customer service agent who must use the LAST method. Switch roles with a new problem (wrong size, double charge on credit card, rude delivery driver).
Speaking Topic 1: Negotiating and Bargaining
Do you like bargaining? Where do you bargain in Turkey?
Describe the best deal you have ever got.
Have you ever paid too much for something? What happened?
Is bargaining rude in some situations? Which ones?
Who is the best negotiator in your family? Why?
How would you negotiate a higher salary in your first job?
What should you do if the other side is aggressive?
Is it better to make the first offer or wait for the other side?
Do you negotiate with your friends (who pays, where to go)?
What is more important in a deal: price or relationship?
When should you walk away from a negotiation?
Is it better to negotiate by email or face to face? Why?
Speaking Topic 2: Complaints and Customer Service
When did you last complain about a product or service? What happened?
Do Turkish people complain more or less than people in other countries?
Is it better to complain face to face, by phone or online?
Describe the best customer service you have ever received.
Describe the worst customer service you have ever received.
Should companies always give refunds to unhappy customers?
How do you feel about chatbots in customer service?
Should you complain on social media? Why or why not?
What skills does a good customer service employee need?
Would you like to work in customer service? Why?
How should a restaurant handle a customer who finds a hair in their food?
Can a complaint be good for a company? How?
Self-Study Path — Week 12
Lesson (20 min): Write five "If you…, we can…" sentences for a buyer–seller situation. Learn the LAST method (Listen → Apologise → Solve → Thank) with two phrases for each step.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (30 min): Role-play A: write your ideal and limit prices as a coffee supplier and as a café buyer, then record the negotiation playing both sides until you reach a deal. Role-play B: record a complaint call (late, damaged order) as both customer and agent, using LAST.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers and compare with the samples.
Real-world task: Next time you shop at a local market, try politely negotiating a small discount — then describe it in English.
Can-do check
I can make conditional offers ("If you order 500, we can…").
I can reject an offer politely.
I can handle a complaint with Listen → Apologise → Solve → Thank.
Sample Answers — Week 12
Reading: "Bargaining in the Grand Bazaar"
What does the Grand Bazaar sell? Carpets, jewellery, lamps and leather goods, in thousands of shops.
How is shopping in the bazaar different from many Western shops? In the West, the label price is final; in the bazaar, the first price is just the start of a bargaining conversation.
Why do shopkeepers offer tea and chat? To build a relationship with the customer.
What is a good strategy if the price is too high? Stay polite and be ready to walk away; walking slowly to the door often brings a better offer.
What is a "win-win" result? A result where both sides feel they have gained something.
Speaking Topic 1: Negotiating and Bargaining
Do you like bargaining? Where do you bargain in Turkey? I enjoy it a little. I bargain at local markets (pazar), in second-hand shops and sometimes when buying a car or renting a flat. In big chain stores, bargaining isn't possible.
Describe the best deal you have ever got. I bought a used bicycle on a second-hand website. The seller asked 6,000 lira, but I noticed some small problems and offered 4,500. We agreed on 5,000, and it still works perfectly.
Have you ever paid too much for something? What happened? Yes, as a tourist in another city, I bought a souvenir without asking the price first. Later I saw the same thing for half the price in another shop. Now I always compare first.
Is bargaining rude in some situations? Which ones? Yes. It's rude in supermarkets, restaurants or with very poor street sellers who earn very little. Bargaining too aggressively with small businesses can also be unfair.
Who is the best negotiator in your family? Why? My grandmother is the best. She knows all the sellers at the market, she's patient and she's never afraid to walk away. Sellers usually give her a discount just to make her happy!
How would you negotiate a higher salary in your first job? I'd research the average salary for the position first. Then I'd politely explain my skills and what I can bring to the company. If they couldn't pay more, I'd ask for other benefits, like training or remote days.
What should you do if the other side is aggressive? Stay calm and professional, and don't react emotionally. You can suggest a short break or focus on facts and common interests.
Is it better to make the first offer or wait for the other side? If you know the market price well, making the first offer can be an advantage, because it sets the starting point. If you don't, it's better to let the other side start.
Do you negotiate with your friends (who pays, where to go)? Yes, all the time! For example, "If you choose the restaurant, I'll choose the film." It's a small, friendly form of negotiation.
What is more important in a deal: price or relationship? In the long term, the relationship is more important. A good relationship brings many future deals, but a great price that makes the other side angry may be the last deal.
When should you walk away from a negotiation? When the deal goes below your limit, when the other side is dishonest, or when you feel pressured to decide immediately.
Is it better to negotiate by email or face to face? Why? Face to face is usually better, because you can build trust and read body language. But email is useful for confirming details in writing after the meeting.
Speaking Topic 2: Complaints and Customer Service
When did you last complain about a product or service? What happened? Last month my online order arrived with a broken item. I sent photos to the company through the app, and they refunded me within two days. I was happy with how they handled it.
Do Turkish people complain more or less than people in other countries? I think Turkish people complain a lot verbally, but we don't always complain officially. Platforms like Şikayetvar are changing that, though.
Is it better to complain face to face, by phone or online? Online is often better, because you have a written record and you can add photos. But for urgent problems, a phone call or face-to-face complaint can be faster.
Describe the best customer service you have ever received. At a hotel, my room had no hot water. The receptionist apologised immediately, moved me to a better room and gave me free breakfast. It turned a bad experience into a good one.
Describe the worst customer service you have ever received. I once called a phone company and waited 40 minutes, then the call was cut. When I finally spoke to someone, they were rude and couldn't solve the problem.
Should companies always give refunds to unhappy customers? Not always, but they should when the product is faulty or the service was poor. For other cases, they can offer an exchange or a discount.
How do you feel about chatbots in customer service? They're fine for simple questions, like order tracking. But for complicated problems, I get frustrated and want to talk to a real person.
Should you complain on social media? Why or why not? It can be effective, because companies respond quickly to protect their image. But I think you should first try to contact the company privately and stay polite.
What skills does a good customer service employee need? Patience, listening skills, empathy and good problem-solving. They also need to stay calm when customers are angry.
Would you like to work in customer service? Why? Maybe for a short time, because it teaches great communication skills. But it can be stressful to deal with angry customers every day.
How should a restaurant handle a customer who finds a hair in their food? The waiter should apologise sincerely, remove the dish immediately and bring a new one quickly. It's also good to offer a free dessert or not charge for that dish.
Can a complaint be good for a company? How? Yes. A complaint shows the company what needs to improve. And if the problem is solved well, the customer often becomes even more loyal than before.
Week 13 — Job Interview English
Goal: Students answer the most common interview questions with structured answers and ask good questions to the employer.
Lesson: Answering like a professional
"Tell me about yourself" — Present → Past → Future: I'm currently a second-year Business Administration student at Nişantaşı University. Last summer, I did an internship at a logistics company, where I helped with customer orders. Now I'm looking for a position where I can develop my sales skills.
The STAR method for experience questions: Situation → Task → Action → Result. (Tell me about a time you solved a problem.)
Strengths: I'm very organised — for example… / One of my strengths is…
Weaknesses (honest + improving): I sometimes find it hard to say no, so I've started using a planner to manage my time.
Why us? I've read that your company… and I'd love to be part of that.
Your questions at the end: What does a typical day look like in this role? / What training opportunities are there? / What are the next steps in the process?
Avoid: negative comments about past employers, one-word answers, asking about salary in the first minute.
Activity 1 — Reading: "What Employers Really Want"
Every year, thousands of young Turkish graduates apply for their first job. Many believe that a high grade point average and a good university name are enough to get hired. However, surveys of employers in Turkey and around the world tell a different story. While qualifications open the door, it is often soft skills that decide who gets the job.
Soft skills are personal qualities that help people work well with others. Communication is usually at the top of the list. Employers want people who can explain their ideas clearly, write a professional email and speak confidently with customers. Teamwork is another key skill, because most modern jobs involve working in groups, often with colleagues from different backgrounds and countries.
Employers also value problem-solving and adaptability. Technology and markets change so quickly that companies need employees who can learn new tools and deal with unexpected situations calmly. A candidate who says "I don't know how to do that yet, but I'm a fast learner" is often more attractive than one who claims to know everything.
The job interview is where candidates can show these skills. Interviewers listen not only to what candidates say, but also to how they say it. Do they make eye contact? Do they give specific examples? Do they ask thoughtful questions about the company? A well-prepared candidate who has researched the company and practised telling short stories about their experience will usually stand out from the crowd.
In addition, English is no longer a bonus for many positions in Turkey; in international companies, it is an expectation. Being able to perform a job interview in English is therefore one of the most valuable skills a business student can develop.
Comprehension questions
What do many graduates wrongly believe?
What are soft skills? Give two examples from the text.
Why is adaptability important today?
What do interviewers pay attention to besides the content of answers?
How has the role of English changed for jobs in Turkey?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
apply for | başvurmak | I applied for a job at a bank. |
grade point average (GPA) | not ortalaması | Her GPA is 3.4. |
get hired | işe alınmak | He got hired after the second interview. |
qualification | nitelik, yeterlilik | You need the right qualifications for this job. |
soft skills | sosyal/kişisel beceriler | Communication is an important soft skill. |
colleague | iş arkadaşı | My colleagues helped me on my first day. |
adaptability | uyum sağlama yeteneği | Adaptability is important in a start-up. |
candidate | aday | There were 50 candidates for one position. |
fast learner | hızlı öğrenen | I'm a fast learner and I love new challenges. |
thoughtful | düşünceli, özenli | She asked a thoughtful question. |
stand out | öne çıkmak | A good CV helps you stand out. |
internship | staj | I did my internship at a hotel in Antalya. |
Activity 2 — Mock Interviews
Prepare 4–5 short job adverts (sales assistant at an international retail brand, customer service at an airline, marketing intern at a tech start-up, front office at a 5-star hotel, junior import-export assistant). In 5 minutes, each student chooses a job and prepares a "Tell me about yourself" answer and one STAR story.
Groups of 3: Interviewer, Candidate, Observer. 5-minute interview using questions from Speaking Topic 1. The observer completes a checklist: eye contact, full answers, STAR used, asked a question at the end. Rotate so everyone is interviewed. Finish with 1–2 volunteers interviewed by you in front of the class.
Speaking Topic 1: Classic Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself.
Why do you want to work for our company?
What are your greatest strengths?
What is your biggest weakness?
Tell me about a time you worked in a team.
Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem.
How do you handle stress and pressure?
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Why should we hire you instead of other candidates?
Describe a mistake you made and what you learned from it.
What salary do you expect?
Do you have any questions for us?
Speaking Topic 2: Careers and the Future of Work
What is your dream job? Why?
Which jobs will be popular in ten years?
Would you like to work abroad? Where?
Is a university degree necessary for success?
How important are internships for business students?
Should you follow your passion or follow the money?
How do you prepare a good CV?
What do you think about AI interviews and online assessments?
Is it OK to change jobs every year?
What makes a good manager?
Would you prefer to work in the public or private sector?
What skills do you want to develop before you graduate?
Self-Study Path — Week 13
Lesson (20 min): Write your own "Tell me about yourself" (Present → Past → Future) and two STAR stories from your life (a team project, a problem you solved). Practise until you can say them without notes.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (30 min): Find a real job or internship advert online. Do a full mock interview: record yourself answering all 12 classic questions on video, as if the interviewer is behind the camera. Check eye contact, full answers and STAR.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Compare your interview answers with the samples. Rewrite and re-record your three weakest answers.
Review (10 min): Prepare three questions to ask an employer at the end of an interview.
Can-do check
I can answer "Tell me about yourself" in 60 seconds.
I can tell a STAR story about my experience.
I can talk about a weakness honestly and positively.
Sample Answers — Week 13
Reading: "What Employers Really Want"
What do many graduates wrongly believe? That a high GPA and a good university name are enough to get hired.
What are soft skills? Give two examples from the text. Personal qualities that help people work well with others, such as communication and teamwork (also problem-solving and adaptability).
Why is adaptability important today? Technology and markets change quickly, so companies need people who can learn new tools and deal with unexpected situations calmly.
What do interviewers pay attention to besides the content of answers? How candidates speak: eye contact, specific examples and thoughtful questions about the company.
How has the role of English changed for jobs in Turkey? It's no longer a bonus; in international companies it's an expectation.
Speaking Topic 1: Classic Interview Questions
Tell me about yourself. I'm currently a second-year Business Administration student at Nişantaşı University. Last summer, I did a two-month internship at a logistics company, where I helped the sales team prepare customer reports. I also work part-time in a retail store, which has improved my customer service skills. Now I'm looking for a role where I can develop my sales and marketing experience in an international environment.
Why do you want to work for our company? I've followed your company for some time, and I'm impressed by how quickly you've grown into international markets. I also read that you invest in training young employees, which is exactly what I'm looking for at the start of my career.
What are your greatest strengths? I'm very organised and reliable. For example, in my group projects, I usually create the plan and make sure we meet every deadline. My teammates often say they feel calmer when I'm in the group.
What is your biggest weakness? Sometimes I find it hard to say no when people ask for help, so I end up with too much work. To fix this, I've started using a planner and checking my workload before I agree to new tasks.
Tell me about a time you worked in a team. (Situation) In my marketing course, we had to create a social media campaign for a local café. (Task) I was responsible for the content plan. (Action) I organised weekly meetings, divided the tasks and designed the posts in Canva. (Result) The café's followers increased by 30% in one month, and we got the highest grade in the class.
Tell me about a time you solved a difficult problem. (Situation) At my part-time job, a customer was very angry because his online order hadn't arrived. (Task) I had to calm him down and find a solution. (Action) I listened, apologised, checked the system and found the parcel was in another store, so I arranged a delivery the same day. (Result) He left happy, and my manager thanked me in the team meeting.
How do you handle stress and pressure? I handle stress by planning carefully and breaking big tasks into small steps. During exam periods, when I also work, I make a daily schedule and take short breaks for exercise. This keeps me calm and productive.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years, I see myself in a team leader position in sales or marketing, ideally in this company. I'd also like to complete a master's degree and improve my English to a professional level.
Why should we hire you instead of other candidates? I combine practical experience with a strong desire to learn. I've worked directly with customers, I'm comfortable using English and digital tools, and I'm reliable. I'm confident I can bring energy and results to your team.
Describe a mistake you made and what you learned from it. During my internship, I sent a report to a client without checking the numbers carefully, and there was an error. I told my manager immediately and sent a corrected version. Since then, I always double-check important documents and ask a colleague to review them.
What salary do you expect? Based on my research, the typical range for this position is around X to Y lira. I'm flexible, and I'm more interested in the learning opportunities, but I'd expect something within that range.
Do you have any questions for us? Yes, thank you. What does a typical day look like in this role? And what are the most important qualities of people who succeed in your team? Finally, what are the next steps in the process?
Speaking Topic 2: Careers and the Future of Work
What is your dream job? Why? My dream job is to be a marketing manager at an international brand. I love creativity and understanding why people buy things, and I'd enjoy working with teams from different countries.
Which jobs will be popular in ten years? Jobs connected to technology and sustainability, like data analysts, AI specialists and renewable energy engineers. Healthcare jobs will also grow because people are living longer.
Would you like to work abroad? Where? Yes, for a few years. I'd like to work in the Netherlands, because it has many international companies, people speak English, and the work-life balance is good.
Is a university degree necessary for success? Not always. Some people succeed without a degree through skills and hard work. But a degree still opens many doors in Turkey, especially for corporate jobs.
How important are internships for business students? Very important. Internships give you real experience, show you what you like, and help you build contacts. Many companies hire their interns after graduation.
Should you follow your passion or follow the money? I think the best is to find something you enjoy that also pays well. Passion without money is stressful, but money without passion is boring.
How do you prepare a good CV? Keep it to one page, use a clean design and list your experience with achievements, not just duties. Adapt it for each job and check carefully for spelling mistakes.
What do you think about AI interviews and online assessments? They save companies time, but they feel impersonal. I'm also worried they might miss qualities like personality and creativity. I think they should only be the first step.
Is it OK to change jobs every year? Sometimes at the start of your career it's OK, because you're finding your path. But changing every year for a long time can make employers think you're not loyal.
What makes a good manager? A good manager gives clear goals, listens to the team, recognises good work and supports people when they make mistakes. They lead by example.
Would you prefer to work in the public or private sector? I'd prefer the private sector, because it's more dynamic and offers faster career growth. The public sector is more secure, though, which many people value.
What skills do you want to develop before you graduate? I want to improve my English speaking, learn Excel and data analysis, and become more confident in presentations. I also want to get at least one internship.
Week 14 — Final Presentations & Course Review
Goal: Students combine all course skills in a final group presentation, reflect on their progress and compare with their Week 1 recording.
Lesson: Bringing it all together
Quick review of the toolkit, one slide or board column per skill:
Skill | Key phrases to remember |
Small talk | What brings you here? / It was great talking to you. |
Questions | Could you tell me…? / What do you mean by…? |
Processes | First… Then… Once that's done… Finally… |
Opinions | As far as I'm concerned… / I see what you mean, but… |
Presentations | I've divided my talk into three parts. / That brings me to… |
Pitching | Unlike other…, we… / Imagine… |
Negotiation | If you…, we can… / Let's meet in the middle. |
Interviews | Situation, Task, Action, Result |
Give final presentation instructions: groups of 3–4, 6–8 minutes, topic "A business idea for Istanbul in 2030", every member speaks, must include a hook, plan, signposts, at least one visual, a pitch with a call to action, and a Q&A. (Assign this in Week 12 so groups can prepare.)
Activity 1 — Reading: "Learning Never Stops"
At the end of a course, it is easy to think that learning is finished. You have passed the exams, you have a grade, and you can move on. However, research on language learning shows that skills which are not used quickly become weaker. Many adults who studied English for years at school find that they can hardly speak it a decade later, simply because they stopped practising.
The key to keeping and improving your speaking skills is to make English part of your daily life. This does not require expensive courses. You can change the language of your phone and social media to English, follow English-speaking business podcasts on your way to work, or watch series with English subtitles instead of Turkish ones. Even talking to yourself in English while you cook or walk can make a real difference.
Speaking with real people is even better. Language exchange apps connect learners around the world, and Istanbul has many international students, tourists and expat communities. Volunteering at international events, joining English-speaking clubs or taking part in Erasmus programmes can give you valuable practice and new contacts.
Most importantly, keep a growth mindset. People with a growth mindset believe that their abilities can improve with effort. They see mistakes as part of learning, not as proof that they are "bad at languages". In a fast-changing business world, the ability to keep learning may be the most important skill of all.
Comprehension questions
What happens to language skills that are not used?
Name three cheap ways to practise English every day.
Where can students in Istanbul find real speaking practice?
What is a growth mindset?
Why might the ability to keep learning be the most important skill?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
move on | devam etmek, yola devam etmek | After the exam, we moved on to the next unit. |
hardly | neredeyse hiç | I can hardly remember my high school French. |
decade | on yıl | Istanbul has changed a lot in the last decade. |
require | gerektirmek | This job requires good English. |
podcast | podcast, sesli yayın | I listen to a business podcast every morning. |
subtitles | altyazı | Watch films with English subtitles. |
language exchange | dil değişimi | I found a partner on a language exchange app. |
expat | yurt dışında yaşayan yabancı | Many expats live in Cihangir. |
volunteer | gönüllü olmak/gönüllü | She volunteers at international conferences. |
contact | bağlantı, tanıdık | Networking gives you useful contacts. |
growth mindset | gelişim odaklı zihniyet | A growth mindset helps you learn from mistakes. |
effort | çaba | Speaking well takes time and effort. |
Activity 2 — Final Group Presentations + Progress Check
Part A (main time): Groups deliver their final presentations (6–8 min + 2 min Q&A). The audience fills in a short peer-feedback form for each group: clear structure? good signposts? confident delivery? persuasive pitch? Score with the rubric from Week 8.
Part B (last 10 min): Students re-record their 1-minute Week 1 voice note on the same topic, then listen to both recordings. They write three sentences: Something I can do now that I couldn't do in Week 1… / My biggest improvement is… / Next, I want to work on…
Tip: with large classes, run presentations across Week 13 and 14, and use the Speaking Topics below with groups who are waiting.
Speaking Topic 1: Reflecting on the Course
How has your speaking changed since Week 1?
Which lesson was the most useful for you? Why?
Which activity did you enjoy the most?
What was the most difficult part of this course?
Do you feel more confident speaking in public now? Why or why not?
Which new phrase do you use the most now?
What advice would you give a student starting this course next year?
Which skill will be the most useful in your future job?
What mistakes do you still make? How will you fix them?
How will you continue practising English during the holidays?
If you could add one topic to this course, what would it be?
Describe your progress in three words.
Speaking Topic 2: Istanbul and the Future
How will Istanbul be different in 2030?
What is the biggest problem in Istanbul that business could solve?
Which industries will grow fastest in Turkey in the next ten years?
Will you stay in Istanbul after graduation? Why or why not?
How will technology change the way we shop and work?
Should Istanbul attract more international companies? How?
What role will English play in your career?
What is one change you would make in your city if you were mayor?
Will young people in Turkey prefer to work for themselves in the future?
How can businesses become more environmentally friendly?
Where do you see yourself in 2030?
What is your most important goal for next year?
Self-Study Path — Week 14
Lesson (20 min): Read the toolkit table and say one example sentence out loud for each skill.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Final project (60 min): Prepare and record a 6–8 minute video presentation: "A business idea for Istanbul in 2030". Include a hook, a plan, signposts, at least one visual, a pitch with a call to action, and answers to three questions you imagine an audience asking. Score yourself with the Week 8 criteria.
Progress check (15 min): Re-record your 1-minute Week 1 voice note on the same topic. Listen to both. Write: Something I can do now that I couldn't do in Week 1… / My biggest improvement is… / Next, I want to work on…
Speaking Topics (45 min): Record your answers and compare with the samples.
Plan ahead: Choose two habits from the reading (podcasts, language exchange, English phone settings) and start them this week.
Can-do check
I can give a full 6–8 minute presentation and answer questions.
I can hear clear progress between my Week 1 and Week 14 recordings.
I have a plan to keep practising after this course.
Sample Answers — Week 14
Reading: "Learning Never Stops"
What happens to language skills that are not used? They quickly become weaker; many adults can hardly speak English years after school.
Name three cheap ways to practise English every day. Change your phone and social media to English, listen to English podcasts, and watch series with English subtitles (or talk to yourself in English).
Where can students in Istanbul find real speaking practice? Through language exchange apps, international students, tourists, expat communities, volunteering at international events, English clubs and Erasmus.
What is a growth mindset? The belief that your abilities can improve with effort, and that mistakes are part of learning.
Why might the ability to keep learning be the most important skill? Because the business world changes fast, so people must keep learning to stay successful.
Speaking Topic 1: Reflecting on the Course
How has your speaking changed since Week 1? In Week 1, I could only speak for about 30 seconds and I stopped a lot. Now I can talk for two or three minutes and use phrases like "Let me think" instead of going silent. I feel much more relaxed.
Which lesson was the most useful for you? Why? The job interview lesson was the most useful, because I'm applying for internships now. The STAR method helped me organise my answers and sound more professional.
Which activity did you enjoy the most? I enjoyed the "Shark Tank" pitch competition the most. It was competitive and fun, and our group's idea got the most investment!
What was the most difficult part of this course? The presentations were the most difficult, because I was very nervous speaking in front of everyone. But practising every week made it easier.
Do you feel more confident speaking in public now? Why or why not? Yes, definitely. I still feel nervous, but now I know techniques like slow breathing, eye contact and signposting, so I feel more in control.
Which new phrase do you use the most now? I use "I see what you mean, but…" a lot. It helps me disagree politely, even in Turkish conversations!
What advice would you give a student starting this course next year? Don't be afraid of making mistakes, and speak as much as possible in class. Also, record yourself in Week 1 — you'll be surprised by your progress.
Which skill will be the most useful in your future job? Presentation skills, because in business you constantly present ideas to managers and clients. Negotiation will also be very useful.
What mistakes do you still make? How will you fix them? I still forget the "-s" in third person, like "he work" instead of "he works", and sometimes I speak too fast. I'll record myself and listen for these mistakes.
How will you continue practising English during the holidays? I'll use a language exchange app to talk with a native speaker twice a week, and I'll watch one English series without Turkish subtitles.
If you could add one topic to this course, what would it be? I'd add a lesson on social media and content creation in English, like making a short video to promote a product.
Describe your progress in three words. Confident, fluent and proud — well, more confident, more fluent and very proud!
Speaking Topic 2: Istanbul and the Future
How will Istanbul be different in 2030? I think there will be more metro lines, more electric cars and more people working from home. Hopefully, the traffic will be a little better, but the city will probably be even bigger.
What is the biggest problem in Istanbul that business could solve? Traffic and transport. Businesses could offer more car-sharing, e-scooters and apps that combine all transport options to save people time.
Which industries will grow fastest in Turkey in the next ten years? E-commerce, renewable energy, tourism and the defence industry are growing quickly. Software and gaming companies are also becoming very successful.
Will you stay in Istanbul after graduation? Why or why not? Probably yes, because most job opportunities are here. But if I find a good remote job, I might move to a quieter city like Izmir or Antalya.
How will technology change the way we shop and work? We'll shop more through apps and maybe virtual reality, and deliveries will be even faster, maybe with drones. At work, AI will do routine tasks, so we'll focus on creative and human work.
Should Istanbul attract more international companies? How? Yes, because they bring jobs and investment. The city can attract them with tax advantages, better infrastructure and by promoting its young, educated and multilingual workforce.
What role will English play in your career? A very big role. I want to work with international clients, so I'll use English in emails, meetings and presentations every day.
What is one change you would make in your city if you were mayor? I'd create more green spaces and parks, because Istanbul has too much concrete. People need places to relax, walk and do sport.
Will young people in Turkey prefer to work for themselves in the future? I think many will, because of the internet and social media. Freelancing and online businesses give young people more freedom than traditional jobs.
How can businesses become more environmentally friendly? They can reduce plastic packaging, use renewable energy, recycle and encourage employees to use public transport. Customers increasingly choose green brands.
Where do you see yourself in 2030? In 2030, I see myself working as a marketing specialist in an international company, speaking English confidently and maybe running a small online business on the side.
What is your most important goal for next year? My most important goal is to get a good internship where I can use English every day and learn how a real company works.
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