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[C1] Learn Soft Skills for Workplace Success

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Today’s topic is soft skills — essential personal qualities that help you work well with others, especially in professional environments.
Let’s join Lisa and her friend Daniel as they talk during a coffee break at work. Let’s listen in!

👩 Lisa: Hey Daniel, do you ever feel like soft skills matter more than technical skills in our job?
👨‍💼 Daniel: Oh, absolutely. I mean, knowing your job is important, of course — but things like communication, adaptability, and teamwork really make or break a project.
👩 Lisa: I totally agree. Like yesterday in that meeting — it wasn’t the best plan that won people over. It was how clearly Sarah presented it.
👨‍💼 Daniel: Exactly! Her communication skills are top-notch. She’s confident, but not pushy, and she listens. That kind of emotional intelligence is rare.
👩 Lisa: Speaking of that — I’ve been trying to improve my emotional intelligence. You know, being more aware of how I come across, and how others might be feeling.
👨‍💼 Daniel: That’s a great goal. I’ve been working on giving better feedback. I used to be too direct — sometimes it sounded harsh.
👩 Lisa: That’s tricky. I had to learn that too. Now, I always try to give constructive feedback — focus on the problem, not the person.
👨‍💼 Daniel: That’s a good approach. And being adaptable is another big one. Things change so fast around here.
👩 Lisa: Right? Last week we had to switch the whole campaign direction. If we didn’t stay flexible and open-minded, we would’ve been stuck.
👨‍💼 Daniel: Yeah. I think being a team player is also key. No one likes working with someone who only cares about their own tasks.
👩 Lisa: Definitely. And you know, time management is a soft skill people overlook. Managing priorities, showing up prepared — it says a lot about your professionalism.
👨‍💼 Daniel: For sure. Honestly, I feel like soft skills are what turn a good employee into a great one.
👩 Lisa: Agreed. You can always train someone in the technical stuff, but soft skills? Those take time and self-awareness.
👨‍💼 Daniel: Couldn’t have said it better myself.

That’s it for today’s episode of the 5-Minute English Podcast.
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Word / Phrase Part of Speech Meaning (English) Example Sentence
Soft skills Noun (plural) Personal qualities that help you work well with others. Good communication is an important soft skill.
Technical skills Noun (plural) Job-related skills or knowledge needed to do a specific task. Technical skills are important for this position.
Make or break Idiom / Phrase Something that is very important and can cause success or failure. Good teamwork can make or break a project.
Top-notch Adjective Excellent; of the best quality. She did a top-notch job on the presentation.
Pushy Adjective Too aggressive or trying too hard to get what you want. He can sound pushy during meetings.
Emotional intelligence Noun phrase The ability to understand and manage your emotions and others’ emotions. Emotional intelligence helps leaders succeed.
Constructive feedback Noun phrase Helpful and respectful suggestions to improve something. The manager gave constructive feedback.
Adaptable / Flexibility Adjective / Noun Able and willing to change when situations change. Adaptable employees learn new skills quickly.
Team player Noun Someone who works well with others and supports the team. We’re looking for a strong team player.
Time management Noun phrase The ability to plan and use time effectively. Good time management helps you meet deadlines.
Self-awareness Noun Understanding your own thoughts, feelings, and behavior. Self-awareness is key to personal growth.
Harsh Adjective Too strong, mean, or rough. His comments were a bit harsh.
Professionalism Noun Acting politely, responsibly, and seriously at work. Professionalism is important in the workplace.

✏️ Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

Use the correct word or phrase from the box.

(soft skills – technical skills – make or break – top-notch – pushy – emotional intelligence – constructive feedback – adaptable – team player – time management – professionalism)

  1. Good communication and teamwork are important __________ in any job.
  2. Knowing how to use software and tools are __________.
  3. Poor communication can __________ a project.
  4. She did a __________ job on the client presentation.
  5. He sounds too __________ when he keeps interrupting others.
  6. Leaders need strong __________ to understand their team.
  7. The manager gave __________ to help improve my work.
  8. Companies need employees who are __________ to change.
  9. A good __________ supports others and shares ideas.
  10. Good __________ helps you finish tasks on time.
  11. Showing respect and responsibility at work is called __________.

🎭 Exercise 2: Role-play

Work in pairs.

Situation A: Giving Feedback

  • Student A (Manager):
    Give constructive feedback to an employee. Be polite and professional.
  • Student B (Employee):
    Listen carefully and respond positively. Show self-awareness.

Useful phrases:

  • I’d like to give you some feedback…
  • I appreciate your effort…
  • I’ll work on improving that.

Situation B: Team Discussion

  • Student A: Explain why soft skills are important at work.
  • Student B: Explain why technical skills are also important.
  • Together: Decide which one can make or break a team project.

🗣️ Exercise 3: Discussion

Answer in full sentences.

  1. Which soft skill do you think is the most important at work? Why?
  2. Can someone be very skilled technically but still not be a good team player?
  3. How can managers give feedback without being harsh or pushy?
  4. Why is adaptability important in a modern workplace?
  5. How does good time management show professionalism?

Answer Key

✅ Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks

  1. Good communication and teamwork are important soft skills in any job.
  2. Knowing how to use software and tools are technical skills.
  3. Poor communication can make or break a project.
  4. She did a top-notch job on the client presentation.
  5. He sounds too pushy when he keeps interrupting others.
  6. Leaders need strong emotional intelligence to understand their team.
  7. The manager gave constructive feedback to help improve my work.
  8. Companies need employees who are adaptable to change.
  9. A good team player supports others and shares ideas.
  10. Good time management helps you finish tasks on time.
  11. Showing respect and responsibility at work is called professionalism.

✅ Exercise 2: Role-play (Sample Answers)

Learners’ answers may vary. Below are sample responses.

Situation A: Giving Feedback

Manager:

I appreciate your effort on the project. One suggestion is to manage your time a bit better so deadlines are easier to meet.

Employee:

Thank you for the constructive feedback. I’ll work on improving my time management.

Situation B: Team Discussion

Student A:

Soft skills help people communicate, collaborate, and work well as a team.

Student B:

Technical skills are important because they help you complete tasks correctly.

Together:

Both skills are important, and soft skills can make or break a team project.

✅ Exercise 3: Discussion (Sample Answers)

  1. Which soft skill is the most important?
    → I think communication is the most important soft skill because it helps teams work smoothly.
  2. Can someone have strong technical skills but not be a good team player?
    → Yes, if they lack soft skills like communication or flexibility.
  3. How can managers give feedback without being harsh or pushy?
    → By giving constructive feedback in a calm and respectful way.
  4. Why is adaptability important in the workplace?
    → Because technology and work environments change quickly.
  5. How does time management show professionalism?
    → It shows that you respect deadlines and other people’s time.

 

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