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Business Communication & NegotiationL12
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Media Guide

Film and series guidance to extend the unit through authentic language exposure.

20 minC1c1media_guidebusiness-communication-negotiationnegociacióncomunicacióncorporate

Lesson objectives

  • Use authentic audiovisual material to deepen the unit theme.
  • Notice how advanced language works in real public media.
  • Extend vocabulary and discussion around business communication & negotiation through film and series.

Cine & Series — Business Communication & Negotiation

Utilizar producciones audiovisuales de alta calidad te permite exponerte a matices de registro y velocidad de habla que los libros de texto no ofrecen. En este nivel C1, el objetivo es analizar no solo el contenido, sino la intención comunicativa y las estructuras de énfasis utilizadas en contextos profesionales.

Recommended title

  • Title: Succession (HBO/Max), 2018–2023
  • Accent/dialect: Primarily American (Standard/Mid-Atlantic), with various high-society nuances.
  • Why it's perfect for C1: This series is a masterclass in power dynamics, high-stakes negotiation, and sophisticated linguistic manipulation. The vocabulary density is extremely high, covering corporate strategy, legal jargon, and subtle interpersonal conflict. It perfectly demonstrates how to use language to assert dominance or deflect responsibility.
  • Episodes to start with: Season 1, Episodes 1–3.

Language focus

  1. "It is the optics that matter most in this deal, not the actual numbers."

    • Vocabulary note: Optics /ˈɒptɪks/ (the way an event or situation is perceived by the public) — la imagen pública / la percepción.
    • Grammar spotlight: This is a Cleft sentence using It is. Instead of saying "Optics matter most," the speaker uses this structure to single out "the optics" as the most important factor, creating a sharp focus.

  2. "What I am saying is that we cannot afford to be seen as weak by the board."

    • Vocabulary note: To afford to [do something] /əˈfɔːrd/ (to be able to do something without causing problems) — poder permitirse / estar en condiciones de.
    • Gramras spotlight: This is a Pseudo-cleft sentence using What I am saying is.... This structure is used to clarify a point or to redirect the listener's attention to the most important part of the message.

  3. "It was his lack of transparency that ultimately cost us the merger."

    • Vocabulary note: Merger /ˈmɜːrdʒər/ (the joining of two companies into one) — fusión (empresarial).
    • Grammar spotlight: This uses the It-cleft to assign blame. By placing "his lack of transparency" at the beginning, the speaker emphasises the cause of the failure, making the accusation more pointed and formal.

Viewing task (active watching)

  1. Vocabulary Log: Note down at least 10 new words or idiomatic expressions per episode. Focus on words related to corporate hierarchy and strategy.
  2. Register Analysis: Identify moments where characters switch from "office talk" (formal) to "private/family talk" (informal/aggressive). Note how their tone changes.
  3. Cleft Sentence Hunt: Listen specifically for sentences starting with "It is..." or "What I...". Write down what the speaker is trying to emphasise in those moments.
  4. Oral Summary: After the episode, record a 2-minute voice note on your phone summarising the main conflict of the episode in English. Aim for a professional, analytical tone.

Similar titles (2 alternatives)

  • Industry (BBC/Netflix): Excellent for observing high-pressure workplace communication and modern British/International corporate slang.
  • The Morning Show (Apple TV+): Perfect for studying media-related business vocabulary and high-level professional conflict resolution.