Snapchat, a social media platform known for its short-lived messages and engaging visual content, is not typically associated with traditional education. However, its unique features make it an innovative tool for teaching Business English, especially to English language learners (ELLs). For TESOL teachers, integrating Snapchat into lessons can enhance student engagement, improve language skills, and add a real-world dimension to business language instruction. Here’s how you can use Snapchat to teach Business English effectively.
Why Use Snapchat for Teaching Business English?
Snapchat’s format allows for creative, brief communication, which aligns well with the fast-paced nature of modern business correspondence. The app encourages the use of concise language, clear messaging, and visual storytelling—skills that are essential in business settings. Additionally, since Snapchat is widely used by young professionals, it helps bridge the gap between traditional language learning and real-world applications, making lessons more relevant and practical for students.
1. Snapchat Stories for Business Presentations
Snapchat Stories allow users to post a series of images or short videos that can be viewed for 24 hours. This feature can be used as a tool for practicing business presentations. TESOL students can create short “stories” to simulate business situations, such as pitching a new product, presenting quarterly sales data, or introducing themselves in a professional setting.
Classroom Activity: Have students prepare a business pitch in English and present it as a Snapchat Story. Each segment of the Story can cover a different part of the pitch, such as the introduction, main benefits of the product, target audience, and conclusion. Encourage students to use visuals, captions, and voiceovers to make their presentations more engaging.
2. Using Snap Map for Business English Vocabulary
Snap Map is a feature that shows the location of users on a world map. It can be used as a fun way to teach business-related vocabulary and cultural awareness. For instance, students can explore different business hubs around the world and learn key terms associated with each region.
Classroom Activity: Choose a major business city, such as New York, London, or Tokyo, and ask students to research common business practices, industries, and etiquette in that location. Then, using Snap Map, students can create a “virtual business trip” to the city, sharing insights and key business phrases they’ve learned as they “visit” different spots.
3. Daily Snap Challenges for Business Writing
Since Snapchat messages disappear after being viewed, it pushes students to communicate concisely and effectively. Use this characteristic to run daily “Snap Challenges,” where students complete a short task related to business English.
Classroom Activity: Each day, assign a different business-related writing prompt, such as writing a brief email, drafting a social media post for a company, or creating a short report. Students must snap their responses to the teacher within a set time frame, promoting quick thinking and efficient use of language.
4. Simulating Business Scenarios with Role-Playing
Snapchat can be used to create role-playing scenarios, where students act out common business situations like negotiating a deal, conducting a job interview, or handling a customer complaint. The platform’s use of videos allows for authentic expression and interaction.
Classroom Activity: Pair students and have them record short video exchanges that simulate a business dialogue. For example, one student can act as a customer service representative and the other as a dissatisfied client. They can record their responses back and forth, using business vocabulary and strategies for problem-solving.
5. Snapchat Ads for Marketing Lessons
Snapchat Ads mimic the real-world practice of creating promotional content for businesses. Teaching students how to make Snapchat Ads provides hands-on experience with business English used in marketing, while also helping them understand digital advertising techniques.
Classroom Activity: Ask students to create a 10-second Snapchat Ad for a product or service. The ad should include key selling points, a call to action, and persuasive language. Discuss the different approaches to target specific audiences and how language can be used to influence customer decisions.
6. Teaching Social Media Etiquette in a Business Context
Business professionals are increasingly using social media to network and promote their companies. Teaching students the nuances of social media etiquette is crucial for Business English learners. Snapchat can be an entry point to discuss how language, tone, and visuals should be adapted in different business contexts.
Classroom Activity: Lead a discussion on social media best practices in business, and have students analyze examples of good and bad social media behavior. Then, ask them to create a professional Snapchat post for a company, keeping the audience and tone in mind.
7. Snapchat as a Tool for Pronunciation Practice
While Snapchat is mainly a visual platform, its video recording feature can be valuable for pronunciation practice. Business English students can use Snapchat to record themselves speaking and receive feedback on their pronunciation and fluency.
Classroom Activity: Assign students a list of business-related phrases, idioms, or terms, and have them record themselves saying each one. Provide feedback on their pronunciation, and discuss how certain terms are commonly used in a business environment.
Tips for Using Snapchat in Business English Classes
- Set Clear Guidelines: Establish rules on appropriate content, ensuring that all posts and stories remain professional and respectful.
- Incorporate Feedback: Provide constructive feedback on students’ snaps to help them improve their business language skills.
- Encourage Creativity: Let students explore different ways of presenting information using the platform’s various features (text, stickers, filters).
- Monitor Progress: Use Snapchat as a tool for continuous assessment, evaluating how students’ language use and business communication skills develop over time.
Conclusion
Integrating Snapchat into Business English lessons provides a fresh, dynamic approach to language teaching. The platform’s features can be leveraged to create engaging activities that not only enhance language skills but also prepare students for real-world business communication. By embracing digital tools like Snapchat, TESOL teachers can bring their Business English classes into the 21st century, making lessons relevant, interactive, and practical for today’s learners.
