Traditional teacher preparation courses, such as the CELTA, provide a solid foundation for understanding language teaching principles—grammar, skills development, lesson staging, and managing a classroom. These courses, however, were primarily designed with general English learners and traditional classrooms in mind. Teachers emerge well-versed in lesson planning and controlled activities but are often underprepared for the dynamic, unpredictable, and outcome-focused realities of teaching in a corporate setting. Here, learners are not just acquiring language; they are actively using English as a tool to solve problems, collaborate with teams, make decisions, and reflect on their professional lives.

Corporate business English teaching demands more than materials-driven lesson plans or pre-set coursebooks. It requires a flexible, learner-centered approach where teaching emerges from the needs, challenges, and interests of the participants. It calls for real-world skills, critical thinking, and communication strategies that learners can immediately transfer to their professional roles. This toolbox embraces this philosophy and provides teachers with a practical toolkit of frameworks that meet those needs head-on. It also provides professionals with proven, practical tools that will support their working lives.

This toolbox is filled with practical frameworks and tools from coaching, facilitation, personal development, and business. These tools, such as Empathy Mapping, the GROW Model, and the 7Ps of Meetings, are widely used by professionals in areas like leadership, project management, and strategy. They are designed to help individuals and teams structure their thinking, facilitate communication, and achieve meaningful outcomes in their professional lives.

While these tools are often associated with coaching, leadership development, or strategic planning, their versatility makes them equally useful for learners in a business English classroom. They provide structure and clarity, helping learners build language skills while solving real-world problems or reflecting on their work. This collection provides over 40 tried and tested tools which have been formatted for classroom use as well as guidance for getting the most out of them.

Because frameworks have real-world communicative and strategic aims, they are naturally rich with communication and language development opportunities, helping learners develop their proficiency in numerous ways.

Rather than teaching target language, frameworks provide more opportunities for reacting to and teaching emergent language. The topic and purpose of the chosen framework will naturally encourage the use of particular discourse and terminology. For example, the PESTEL Analysis, if conducted on the learners' own industries, will generate a range of vocabulary learning opportunities related to the factors that affect their business strategically. The teacher's role is to use the language generated as a base for helping learners upgrade their language and expand their repertoire.

In addition to the learning opportunities in the content generated by frameworks, the function of a framework also pushes language development in particular directions. Frameworks are designed to help make decisions, analyze situations, plan and set goals, influence others, tell stories, connect and collaborate with others, and reflect on projects and situations—all mediated by the use of language. All of these are genuine communicative functions that learners need in the business world, and all encourage particular kinds of language use. Teachers provide corrective feedback to help meet learners where they are, teaching the language they need and are ready to learn, not a list of words determined by a course book writer.

Finally, some frameworks act as focused tasks because they necessitate the use of particular structures, such as " I used to think, now I think…, " with its emphasis on the 'used to' structure; the MoSCoW Framework, which makes use of modal verbs for discussing project requirements; or the FORD Framework, which requires the creation of open questions. This affords opportunities for repeated, natural practice and the chance to focus on meaning and form simultaneously in a genuine context as opposed to rote practice and gap fills.

Beyond language, learners develop critical thinking, communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills—essential tools for business success. They learn to organize ideas, analyze situations, generate solutions, and communicate effectively. The result is a learning experience that bridges the gap between English training and workplace performance, preparing learners not just to “know” English but to use it as a tool for professional growth.

They help learners organize thoughts, clarify ideas, and communicate with confidence, leaving the content up to the learners themselves.

This toolbox draws on a blend of pedagogical influences that emphasize real-world relevance, learner-centeredness, and adaptability, including business English framework materials, Task Based Language Teaching (TBLT), Dogme ELT, coaching, and facilitation.

Business English framework materials have long been a staple of learner-centered teaching. They often involve using shapes, charts, or diagrams to help learners structure their thoughts, describe professional situations, or analyze tasks. These traditional frameworks are effective for developing clarity and focus while keeping the learner's input central to the lesson.

The tools in this toolbox similarly serve to elicit content from learners and provide structure with minimal preparation, but they have the added benefit of also being proven, real-world tools that can be useful beyond the classroom. For example, learners can use the 7Ps of Meetings framework to explain the meetings they commonly have, and then use it as a practical tool for planning effective meetings.

At the heart of TBLT is the idea that language is learned best through meaningful, goal-oriented tasks with real outcomes. The techniques and tools in this collection allow learners to solve real-world problems, prepare presentations and other communication effectively, develop plans, and more. True to the spirit of TBLT, teachers take the role of facilitator and guide, offering support and feedback during and after the completion of tasks.

The tools also lend themselves well to task repetition. Since they are rarely used one time in the real world but repeatedly as needed, the frameworks can be repeated over time using different topics and contexts, stretching students' language skills in different directions and building fluency in the areas they have already mastered.

Inspired by the Dogme ELT movement as outlined in Teaching Unplugged by Scott Thornbury and Luke Meddings, the use of frameworks enables a materials-light approach where the framework itself becomes the only material needed and the content comes from the learners themselves.

Dogme ELT emphasizes:

Emergent language: Language needs arise as learners engage with the task. Teachers listen actively and provide support or corrections in context or just after the task. Learning happens through real conversation, not pre-packaged exercises. Language is taught just in time, not just in case.

Relevance: Learners bring their professional lives, challenges, and ideas into the classroom, ensuring every lesson feels meaningful and directly applicable. For example, if a group of learners comes to their weekly class discussing a critical incident and the challenges of giving feedback, frameworks such such as DESC can be used on the spot.

These tools serve to steer both planned and unplanned communication in relevant and productive directions in the business english classroom, holding to the principles of Dogme while ensuring the outcomes and business focus that professionals expect.

Corporate learners are not "students" in the traditional sense; they are professionals with expertise, responsibilities, and time constraints. This toolbox integrates coaching and facilitation techniques to empower learners, encourage self-reflection, and foster ownership of their learning journey.

Frameworks like GROW (Goal, Reality, Options, Way Forward) and The Wheel of Life encourage learners to reflect on their challenges and set actionable plans. Teachers guide these conversations, offering structure and support rather than providing all the answers.

This toolbox is a practical response to the reality of teaching English in a modern corporate context. It recognizes that business professionals and business English teachers need:

Flexibility: Lessons that adapt to their schedules, roles, and challenges, as well as irregular attendance in classes and unplanned interruptions. Planning precise group configurations and down-to-the-minute classes for business English classes is often done in vain. At it's most chaotic, the corporate business English class might end with an entirely different group of people than it began with! At it's best, learners come in already ready to talk about something in particular, which can be mediated and structured with a framework.

Transferability: Skills and language they can use immediately in the workplace. The frameworks can be utilized by learners with very specific needs or who are just learning to communicate more effectively.

Engagement: A learner-centered, task-driven approach that respects their expertise and time. By integrating frameworks that are widely used in business and professional development, this toolbox ensures learners acquire not only the language but also the tools they need to succeed in their professional lives.

This toolbox is not just for learning English; it’s for learning to think, communicate, and act effectively in a global workplace. Each unit offers a structured yet flexible way to bring real-world tasks, professional skills, and emergent language into your classroom—one framework at a time.

There are numerous ways to use frameworks and they can be adapted to various circumstances. Teachers will likely develop their own ways of using them that are suited to their contexts, but here are a few suggestions.

Frameworks serve as ideal springboards for conversation in one to one lessons. Because the average corporate learner is time-constrained, it is often advisable to assign some frameworks to be completed before class, allowing for maximum speaking and feedback during class time. However, some frameworks, such as DESC, which break difficult conversations or other communicative situations down into manageable components, are ideal for a counselling learning approach where the learner and teacher work together in a close feedback loop. For example, DESC breaks giving feedback into four components: Describe, Express, Specify, Consequences. For a given conversation, the learner can draft the Describe component, pass it (or send it) to the teacher. The teacher then gives feedback on it, and they finalize it before moving on to the next step.

Frameworks can be used on-the-spot as needed without preparation, helping to provide structure to discussions that are already happening or topics that learners come in ready to talk about. For example, if the learners come in talking about being overwhelmed and struggling with time management, the teacher can introduce the Eisenhower Matrix, getting learners not only to generate language about their tasks and responsibilities, but to start strategizing better ways to prioritize and plan. If learners show up needing to prepare to speak in a meeting or presentation last minute, there are a number of frameworks that can help them prepare to communicate effectively.

They can also be used in a TBLT cycle, following the pre-task, task, and post-task structure:

Develop and present a personal or team SMART goal for a business context.

Pre-task: Discuss goals they have set in the past and their effectiveness. Listen to or read a case study where a business successfully used SMART goals. Identify the five SMART components (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound).

Task: In pairs or small groups, learners draft a SMART goal for a project or business objective. They present it to another team, who provides feedback on whether it meets the SMART criteria.

Post-task: Groups refine their goal based on feedback. Compare with model SMART goals. Write a short justification of how their goal is SMART.

Communicative outcome: A refined, actionable SMART goal and a justification statement.

Likely language features: Future forms (will, going to, intend to). Modal verbs (should, must, need to). Conditional sentences (If we…, then we…).

Plan an ideal workweek for a professional role.

Pre-task: Discuss how they currently plan their workweek and challenges they face. Listen to/read a time management expert's tips (or generate one instantly with AI). Analyze a sample weekly schedule and discuss its strengths and weaknesses.

Task: Learners individually draft their "ideal week" schedule based on work-life balance, priorities, and productivity strategies. In pairs, they compare schedules and negotiate improvements based on real-world constraints.

Post-task: Each learner presents their final weekly schedule and explains their key decisions. Class votes on the most effective schedule.

Communicative outcome:A structured, well-balanced weekly schedule with justification.

Likely language features: Time expressions (on Monday, at 9 AM, every afternoon). Present simple for schedules. Expressions for suggesting and negotiating (How about…? What if we…?).

Frameworks also work well as pre-tasks or tasks leading up to the completion of the types of real communicative tasks that learners have to do in their jobs. Here are some examples:

The SMART Goals framework is a structured approach for setting clear and actionable goals in a business or personal context. It ensures that objectives are well-defined, measurable, and achievable, leading to greater focus and productivity.

Use this framework when defining goals that require clarity and accountability. The SMART model consists of five key elements: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound—each ensuring that the goal is realistic and trackable.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Career and performance development plans
✅ Project management and team goal alignment
✅ Personal productivity and skill-building

Follow these criteria to create clear, achievable objectives

The GROW framework is a coaching and problem-solving tool that helps individuals achieve their objectives by structuring conversations around Goals, Reality, Options, and Way Forward.

Use this framework in mentoring, coaching, or self-development sessions to provide structured guidance and encourage actionable steps. It ensures that goals are clear, obstacles are assessed, and solutions are explored.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Leadership and team coaching
✅ Personal career development
✅ Problem-solving discussions

The 7Ps framework provides a structured way to plan and conduct meetings that are focused, efficient, and productive. Each "P" represents a key element: Purpose, Product, Participants, Process, Preparation, Practicalities, and Pitfalls.

Use this framework to ensure meetings are well-structured, time-efficient, and result-driven.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Preparing agendas for business meetings
✅ Running effective and engaging team discussions
✅ Improving meeting productivity in professional settings

The Eisenhower Matrix (also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix) is a decision-making tool that helps individuals prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. It improves productivity by ensuring that time is spent on what truly matters rather than reacting to distractions.

Use this framework when managing workloads, prioritizing tasks, or improving time management to increase efficiency and reduce stress.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Identifying high-priority tasks that align with long-term goals
✅ Delegating or eliminating low-value tasks to improve efficiency
✅ Enhancing personal and team productivity in fast-paced environments

The MoSCoW method is a task prioritization framework that helps individuals and teams categorize tasks or product requirementsinto Must-haves, Should-haves, Could-haves, and Won’t-haves.

Use this framework when planning projects, managing workloads, or making decisions under time constraints.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Project management and task prioritization
✅ Decision-making under tight deadlines
✅ Clarifying stakeholder expectations

The Calendar Audit is a time management reflection tool that helps individuals assess how they spend their time and identify areas for optimization.

Use this framework to analyze how effectively your current schedule aligns with your priorities, energy levels, and professional goals.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Personal and executive productivity coaching
✅ Identifying and reducing time-wasting activities
✅ Improving balance between deep work and meetings

The Ideal Week framework helps individuals plan a weekly schedule that aligns with their goals and values. By structuring time intentionally, it ensures productivity, balance, and better time management.

Use this framework when designing a more efficient work schedule or improving time allocation. Assign tasks, meetings, and personal priorities to create a realistic yet goal-driven week.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Time management and personal productivity
✅ Leadership and team planning sessions
✅ Work-life balance and routine optimization

The Wheel of Life framework is a self-reflection tool that helps individuals assess different areas of their personal and professional lives. By rating satisfaction levels in each category, users can identify areas needing growth or balance.

Use this framework when seeking better work-life balance, setting career goals, or making meaningful personal improvements. Rate each area of your life on a scale from 1–10 and reflect on where to focus your energy.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Career coaching and leadership development
✅ Personal goal setting and time management
✅ Work-life balance discussions

The PESTEL framework is a strategic analysis tool that helps businesses evaluate Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal factors affecting their industry.

Use this framework when conducting market research, business planning, or risk assessments.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Business strategy and market entry planning
✅ Identifying external risks and opportunities
✅ Industry and competitive analysis

The SWOT Analysis framework helps individuals and teams assess Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats when making strategic decisions. It provides a structured way to evaluate internal and external factors that impact success.

Use this framework when analyzing a business challenge, career development path, or team strategy. By breaking issues into four categories, SWOT fosters critical thinking and well-informed decision-making.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Business and marketing strategy planning
✅ Personal career development and job interviews
✅ Risk assessment and competitive analysis

The SOAR Analysis framework is a strategic planning tool that focuses on Strengths, Opportunities, Aspirations, and Results to drive positive growth. Unlike SWOT, which analyzes threats, SOAR is more forward-focused and solution-oriented.

Use this framework when looking to expand business potential, develop leadership strategies, or assess long-term goals.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Business growth and innovation planning
✅ Team performance and development strategies
✅ Leadership and career growth discussions

Porter’s Five Forces is a business strategy tool used to analyze the competitive landscape of an industry. It examines five key forces that affect market dynamics: Competition, New Entrants, Supplier Power, Buyer Power, and Substitutes.

Use this framework when evaluating business opportunities, assessing risks, or planning competitive strategies.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Market analysis and business decision-making
✅ Competitive strategy development
✅ Evaluating risks and opportunities in an industry

The MORE, BETTER, NEW framework by Alex Hormozi is a structured approach for business growth and customer acquisition. It helps teams and professionals analyze how to attract, retain, and expand their customer base by identifying opportunities for scaling existing efforts, improving processes, and introducing innovations.

Use this framework when developing marketing strategies, optimizing business operations, or brainstorming new offerings to drive growth and increase competitive advantage.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Expanding customer reach by leveraging existing strengths (MORE)
✅ Enhancing quality, efficiency, and customer experience (BETTER)
✅ Exploring new services, products, or markets (NEW)

The Impact-Effort Matrix is a decision-making tool that helps individuals and teams prioritize tasks, projects, or initiatives based on their potential impact and required effort. It ensures that resources are focused on high-value, low-effort activities while identifying tasks that may be too resource-intensive to pursue.

Use this framework when evaluating tasks, optimizing project workflows, or improving strategic decision-making to focus on work that delivers the greatest results with the least effort.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Project management and prioritization
✅ Streamlining business processes and workflows
✅ Time management and personal productivity

The Five Whys is a root cause analysis tool that helps identify the underlying causes of problems rather than just treating surface-level symptoms.

Use this framework when solving complex issues, troubleshooting inefficiencies, or evaluating decision-making. By repeatedly asking "Why?" five times, it helps uncover the real cause of a problem.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Business process improvements and troubleshooting
✅ Leadership problem-solving and decision-making
✅ Team collaboration in resolving challenges

The Fishbone Analysis (also called the Ishikawa Diagram or Cause-and-Effect Diagram) is a structured problem-solving tool that helps individuals and teams identify the root causes of an issue. By visually mapping potential causes, it encourages deeper analysis and prevents teams from focusing only on surface-level symptoms.

Use this framework when analyzing business problems, troubleshooting inefficiencies, or improving processes to uncover the underlying causes of an issue rather than just treating symptoms.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Identifying bottlenecks and inefficiencies in business operations
✅ Troubleshooting recurring issues in teams, products, or services
✅ Improving decision-making and strategic problem-solving

The SCQA (Situation, Complication, Question, Answer) framework is a structured storytelling tool that helps professionals communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Use this framework when crafting business reports, sales pitches, or problem-solving discussions.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Structuring persuasive business communication
✅ Writing executive summaries and project proposals
✅ Enhancing clarity in professional presentations

The ADDIE Model (Analyze, Design, Develop, Implement, Evaluate) is a structured framework used to create effective training programs, instructional materials, and workplace learning experiences. It ensures that learning solutions are goal-oriented, structured, and continuously improved based on feedback.

Use this framework when designing corporate training, e-learning courses, or professional development programs to ensure clarity, engagement, and measurable outcomes.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Creating structured business training and onboarding programs
✅ Designing corporate learning initiatives and skill development plans
✅ Ensuring continuous improvement in training effectiveness

The Six Thinking Hats is a structured decision-making tool that encourages individuals to analyze a problem from six different perspectives (facts, emotions, risks, benefits, creativity, and process).

Use this framework when brainstorming solutions, making business decisions, or facilitating group discussions.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Strategic decision-making in leadership meetings
✅ Encouraging diverse perspectives in problem-solving
✅ Improving critical thinking and creativity in teams

The FORD framework (Family, Occupation, Recreation, Dreams) is a simple tool for engaging in small talk and building professional relationships.

Use this framework in networking, social business settings, or client interactions to keep conversations flowing naturally. Each category provides an easy entry point into conversation.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Networking events and professional relationship-building
✅ Client meetings and social conversations in business
✅ Improving fluency in casual English conversation

The DESC framework is a structured way to deliver assertive and solution-focused feedback in professional settings. It helps maintain clarity and professionalism while addressing workplace concerns.

Use this framework when providing feedback that needs to be clear, constructive, and action-oriented. The DESC model includes Describe the behavior, Express the impact,Specify the changes you'd like to see made, and state the Consequences.

This approach is particularly effective for:
✅ Performance reviews and professional development
✅ Addressing workplace conflicts diplomatically
✅ Coaching conversations for employee growth