If you want to teach your ESL students how to talk about business confidently, this post with 30 business role-play scenarios is the best resource for you. These conversations help learners practice real business talks using common expressions, vocabulary, and idioms.
Teachers can use these scenarios to create fun activities where students ask questions, share ideas, and even debate business topics. The role-plays cover many daily business situations like meetings, negotiations, customer service, and more.
Using these scenarios, your students will improve their speaking skills in a natural way. They will learn not only useful words but also how to use them in real business talks. This makes the learning experience practical and exciting.
This post is perfect for teachers looking for clear, simple, and ready-to-use business role-play scenarios. Whether you want to focus on conversation, questions, idioms, or vocabulary, these scenarios cover all. Try them in your next ESL class to see great results!
Table of Contents
Why Business Role-Play Scenarios Are Important in ESL Classes
Talking about business is an important skill for many English learners. It helps students prepare for real work situations. Using role-play is a fun and useful way to practice business English.
In role-plays, students can practice speaking without fear. They try out new words and expressions in a safe place. This builds their confidence for real conversations.
Role-play also helps students learn how to ask questions and answer politely. These are important skills in business talks. It teaches them to listen and respond correctly.
Using business role-play scenarios, teachers can make classes interesting and practical. This helps students remember what they learn and use it later in real life.
1. Meeting a New Client
Person A (Salesperson)
You are meeting a new client for the first time. Greet them warmly with a smile and a polite handshake. Introduce yourself by name and say your job title and company name. Ask questions about their business to understand what they need. Listen carefully and take notes. Try to explain how your company’s products or services can help solve their problems.
Person B (Client)
You are the new client visiting the salesperson. Introduce yourself clearly, telling your name and company. Briefly explain what your company does and what kind of products or services you are looking for. Ask questions about the salesperson’s company and how their products might fit your needs. Be polite and open.
2. Negotiating a Price
Person A (Buyer)
You want to buy a product but want to pay less. Explain your budget honestly and ask if the seller can offer a discount. Suggest a price you think is fair but listen to their response. Ask about payment options like installments or early payment discounts. Be polite but clear about your needs.
Person B (Seller)
You are trying to sell a product but want to keep a good price. Listen carefully to the buyer’s budget and reasons. Offer a discount if you can, or explain why the price is fixed. Tell the buyer about payment options and delivery time. Try to reach an agreement that makes both of you happy.
3. Scheduling a Meeting
Person A (Meeting Organizer)
You want to arrange a meeting with a colleague. Contact them by phone or email. Suggest a specific date and time for the meeting. Explain briefly what the meeting is about and how long it will take. Ask if that time works for them or if they prefer another time.
Person B (Meeting Invitee)
You receive a request for a meeting. Check your calendar carefully and decide if the suggested date and time are good. If it doesn’t work, suggest two or three alternative times. Ask for more information about the meeting agenda if you need it.
4. Giving a Presentation
Person A (Presenter)
You are presenting a new product to an audience. Speak clearly and slowly. Start by introducing yourself and your company. Explain the product’s features and how it benefits customers. Use simple language and examples everyone understands. At the end, invite the audience to ask questions and answer them politely.
Person B (Audience Member)
You are listening to the presentation. Pay attention and take notes if possible. Ask clear and relevant questions about the product after the presentation. Share your thoughts politely and thank the presenter for the information.
5. Handling a Customer Complaint
Person A (Customer)
You bought a product but it doesn’t work well. Calmly explain the problem to the customer service representative. Give details about when and where you bought the product. Ask what solutions are available, like repair, replacement, or refund. Be polite but firm about your concerns.
Person B (Customer Service)
You listen carefully to the customer’s complaint without interrupting. Apologize sincerely for the inconvenience. Ask questions to understand the problem clearly. Explain what solutions the company offers and how the customer can get help. Follow company policies but try to be helpful and friendly.
6. Making a Phone Call to a Supplier
Person A (Buyer)
You call a supplier to order products. Introduce yourself and your company clearly. Give detailed information about the products you want: quantity, specifications, and delivery date. Ask about price, payment methods, and shipping costs. Confirm the order details before ending the call.
Person B (Supplier)
You receive an order call. Listen carefully and write down the details. Repeat the order to confirm. Tell the buyer about prices, payment terms, and shipping options. Explain how long delivery will take and when they can expect the products. Thank the buyer for the order.
7. Writing a Business Email
Person A (Sender)
Write a clear and polite email to a potential client. Start with a greeting and introduce yourself and your company. Explain why you are contacting them and give details about your product or service. Invite them to ask questions or arrange a meeting. Use simple sentences and a friendly tone.
Person B (Receiver)
Read the email carefully. If you are interested, reply politely and ask for more information if needed. If you are not interested, reply politely to say thank you and that you will keep the information for the future. Use clear language and a professional tone.
8. Discussing a Project Deadline
Person A (Project Manager)
You talk to your team about the project deadline. Explain the exact date and why it is important. Ask if they think they can finish on time. Listen to any concerns or problems they might have. Offer help or adjust tasks if needed to meet the deadline.
Person B (Team Member)
Listen carefully to the deadline information. Be honest about whether the deadline is possible for you. Explain any challenges you face that could delay the work. Suggest solutions or ask for extra support if needed. Work together to find the best way to meet the deadline.
9. Introducing Yourself at a Business Conference
Person A (You)
You meet someone new at a conference. Introduce yourself with your full name and your company. Ask about their job and company to show interest. Share a little about your work and find common business topics to discuss. Be friendly and polite.
Person B (New Contact)
Introduce yourself clearly with your name and company. Answer questions about your job honestly. Ask questions about the other person’s work. Try to make a good impression and suggest staying in contact after the event.
10. Asking for Help with Technology at Work
Person A (Employee with a problem)
You have a problem with your computer or software. Ask a colleague or IT support for help. Explain the problem clearly and say what you tried to fix it. Ask for step-by-step instructions or if they can fix it for you.
Person B (Helper)
Listen carefully to the problem. Ask questions to understand it better. Explain clearly what steps to take to fix the issue. Offer to come help in person or send a guide. Be patient and friendly.
11. Planning a Business Trip
Person A (Employee)
You need to plan a business trip and talk to your manager. Explain where you want to go and why the trip is important. Ask about the budget and travel dates. Request help with booking flights and hotels. Be clear about your needs and listen to the manager’s suggestions.
Person B (Manager)
Listen carefully to the employee’s plan. Ask questions about the purpose and length of the trip. Discuss the budget and any company travel policies. Offer advice on the best travel options. Confirm what the employee should do next to prepare for the trip.
12. Giving Feedback to a Coworker
Person A (Manager)
You need to give feedback to a coworker about their work. Start with something positive about their performance. Explain clearly what needs improvement. Give examples and offer help or training if needed. Be respectful and encouraging during the conversation.
Person B (Coworker)
Listen carefully to the feedback without interrupting. Ask questions if something is unclear. Thank the manager for their advice. Explain if you have any difficulties or reasons for your performance. Agree on a plan to improve and ask for support if necessary.
13. Discussing a Marketing Strategy
Person A (Marketing Specialist)
You present a new marketing strategy to your team. Explain the main ideas and goals. Describe how the strategy will attract customers and increase sales. Use simple examples and answer questions clearly. Ask for feedback and suggestions from the team.
Person B (Team Member)
Listen to the presentation carefully. Take notes and ask questions about any unclear points. Give your opinions about the strategy politely. Suggest improvements if you have ideas. Work together with the team to finalize the plan.
14. Introducing a New Product
Person A (Product Manager)
You introduce a new product to your coworkers. Explain what the product is and who will use it. Talk about its features and benefits clearly. Use simple language and examples. Answer questions from coworkers patiently.
Person B (Coworker)
Listen to the product introduction carefully. Ask questions about how it works and why it is useful. Share your thoughts politely. Suggest ways to help sell or promote the product if you have ideas.
15. Handling a Late Delivery
Person A (Customer)
You called the company because your order is late. Calmly explain when you expected the delivery and what you have received so far. Ask why the delivery is delayed and when it will arrive. Request compensation or a new delivery date politely.
Person B (Customer Service)
Listen to the customer’s complaint carefully. Apologize sincerely for the delay. Check the order status and explain the reason for the late delivery. Offer a new delivery date and any compensation if company policy allows. Thank the customer for their patience.
16. Conducting a Job Interview
Person A (Interviewer)
You are interviewing a candidate for a job. Greet them warmly and introduce yourself. Ask questions about their experience, skills, and why they want the job. Listen carefully and take notes. Explain the next steps in the hiring process at the end.
Person B (Candidate)
Introduce yourself clearly and politely. Answer questions about your past work experience and skills honestly. Explain why you want the job and what you can offer. Ask questions about the company or position. Thank the interviewer for the opportunity.
17. Discussing Work from Home Policy
Person A (Employee)
You want to ask your manager about working from home. Explain why you think it is helpful for you. Ask about the company’s policy and if you can work from home on certain days. Listen to your manager’s response and discuss any concerns.
Person B (Manager)
Listen to the employee’s request carefully. Explain the company’s work-from-home policy clearly. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages. Ask questions to understand the employee’s situation. Decide together if working from home is possible.
18. Resolving a Conflict Between Colleagues
Person A (Mediator)
You help two coworkers who have a disagreement. Listen to both sides without taking sides. Repeat what each person says to make sure you understand. Help them find common ground and suggest ways to solve the problem. Encourage respectful communication.
Person B (Coworker 1)
Explain your side of the disagreement calmly and clearly. Listen carefully to the other person. Try to understand their point of view. Work with the mediator to find a solution that is fair.
Person C (Coworker 2)
Explain your side of the disagreement calmly and clearly. Listen carefully to the other person. Try to understand their point of view. Work with the mediator to find a solution that is fair.
19. Asking for a Raise
Person A (Employee)
You want to ask your manager for a salary raise. Explain why you think you deserve it, mentioning your hard work and achievements. Ask politely if a raise is possible now. Listen to your manager’s answer and ask about the criteria for future raises if needed.
Person B (Manager)
Listen to the employee’s request carefully. Thank them for their work and explain the company’s policy on raises. If a raise is possible, explain the process. If not, explain why and suggest goals to reach for a future raise. Be honest and supportive.
20. Organizing a Team Building Activity
Person A (Team Leader)
You plan a team-building event. Explain the purpose of the event and suggest some activities. Ask the team what they like and their availability. Discuss the budget and location. Confirm the details with the team and assign tasks if needed.
Person B (Team Member)
Listen to the team leader’s plan. Share your ideas and preferences for activities. Tell them your availability and any concerns. Help organize by volunteering for tasks if you can. Support the team-building event positively.
21. Negotiating a Contract
Person A (Buyer)
You want to negotiate a contract with a supplier. Clearly explain your needs and budget limits. Ask about prices, delivery times, and payment terms. Listen carefully to the supplier’s offers and ask for discounts or better terms if needed. Be polite but firm during the negotiation.
Person B (Supplier)
Listen to the buyer’s needs carefully. Explain your prices, delivery times, and payment options clearly. Be ready to offer discounts or special terms if possible. Answer any questions honestly. Try to make a deal that benefits both sides.
22. Making a Sales Call
Person A (Salesperson)
You call a potential customer to sell a product. Introduce yourself and your company politely. Explain the product’s benefits simply. Ask if the customer is interested and answer their questions clearly. Suggest a meeting or sending more information.
Person B (Customer)
Listen to the salesperson’s introduction carefully. Ask questions about the product and price. Say if you are interested or not. If interested, agree on next steps. If not, thank them politely and end the call.
23. Requesting Time Off
Person A (Employee)
You want to ask your manager for time off. Explain clearly the dates you need and the reason (vacation, family, etc.). Ask politely if the time off is possible. Listen to your manager’s response and discuss how your work will be managed while you are away.
Person B (Manager)
Listen carefully to the employee’s request. Check the work schedule and company policies. Ask questions if needed. Approve or explain why the time off is not possible now. Help plan how the employee’s work will be handled during the absence.
24. Reporting a Problem with Equipment
Person A (Employee)
You need to report a problem with your work equipment (computer, printer, etc.). Explain what is wrong clearly and when it started. Ask how the problem can be fixed and how long it might take. Be polite and patient during the conversation.
Person B (IT Support)
Listen to the employee’s problem carefully. Ask questions to understand the issue better. Explain possible solutions and the time needed to fix it. Give advice on what the employee can do meanwhile. Thank them for reporting the problem.
25. Hosting a Business Meeting
Person A (Meeting Leader)
You are leading a business meeting. Start by greeting everyone and stating the meeting’s purpose. Introduce the agenda and ask participants to share their ideas one by one. Manage time well and keep the discussion focused. Summarize decisions at the end.
Person B (Participant)
Listen carefully to the meeting leader. Share your ideas clearly and politely when it is your turn. Ask questions if you need clarification. Respect others’ opinions and keep your comments related to the topic. Help the meeting finish on time.
26. Writing a Business Email
Person A (Sender)
You write an email to a client or coworker. Start with a polite greeting and clearly state the purpose of your email. Use simple sentences and organized paragraphs. Ask any questions you have or give important information. End the email with a polite closing.
Person B (Receiver)
Read the email carefully. Reply with answers or feedback if needed. Use polite and clear language in your response. Ask questions if something is unclear. Thank the sender for their message.
27. Explaining Company Rules to a New Employee
Person A (HR Staff)
You explain important company rules to a new employee. Speak clearly and use simple words. Cover topics like working hours, dress code, breaks, and behavior. Ask if the employee has any questions and answer them kindly.
Person B (New Employee)
Listen carefully to the rules. Ask questions if you do not understand something. Repeat important points to make sure you remember. Thank the HR staff for the information.
28. Discussing a Project Deadline
Person A (Project Manager)
You talk to your team about the project deadline. Explain clearly when the project must be finished. Ask about the progress and any problems. Help solve issues and motivate the team to meet the deadline. Give clear instructions on next steps.
Person B (Team Member)
Give an honest update about your work on the project. Explain any problems you have. Ask for help if needed. Listen to the manager’s advice and follow instructions carefully.
29. Giving a Presentation
Person A (Presenter)
You prepare and give a presentation about your business or product. Use simple words and clear examples. Speak slowly and look at your audience. Use visual aids if possible. Answer questions politely at the end.
Person B (Audience)
Listen to the presentation carefully. Take notes and think of questions. Ask questions politely after the presentation. Give positive feedback if you can.
30. Handling a Customer Complaint
Person A (Customer)
You call the company to complain about a product or service. Explain clearly what the problem is and how it affected you. Ask politely for a solution or compensation. Stay calm and patient even if you feel upset.
Person B (Customer Service)
Listen carefully to the customer’s complaint. Apologize sincerely and thank them for telling you. Ask questions to understand the problem. Offer solutions like refunds, replacements, or repairs. Keep calm and professional during the call.
Conclusion
Business role-play scenarios are an excellent tool for ESL teachers. They help students practice real conversations with useful vocabulary and expressions. Using role-plays in class improves speaking, listening, and confidence.
Try these 30 scenarios to make your business English lessons active and effective. They cover many common situations, so your students will be ready for the business world.
FAQs about Using Business Role-Play Scenarios in ESL Classes
What are business role-play scenarios?
Business role-play scenarios are practice conversations that mimic real business situations. They help learners practice speaking and listening skills in a business context.
How can teachers use these scenarios in class?
Teachers can use role-plays for pair or group activities. They can practice conversations, ask questions, or create debates based on these scenarios.
Do role-plays help improve vocabulary?
Yes, role-plays introduce students to common business vocabulary, idioms, and expressions in a natural way.
Can beginners use these role-plays?
Yes, the language is simple and clear, making these scenarios suitable for beginners and intermediate learners.
How long should a role-play activity last?
A role-play can last from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on the scenario and students’ level.
Are role-plays useful for exam preparation?
Yes, practicing role-plays improves speaking skills needed for many English exams with a business focus.
Can role-plays be used online?
Absolutely, role-plays work well in online classes using video calls or chat tools.
Should teachers correct mistakes during role-plays?
Teachers can note errors but focus on encouraging communication and fluency first.
How often should teachers use role-plays?
Regular use of role-plays helps students improve faster, ideally once or twice a week.
Can role-plays be adapted for other topics?
Yes, role-plays can be changed to suit different topics or student needs easily.
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