Giving instructions

In this video, Vanya helps Emir learn how to use a new coffee machine. Listen to the language Vanya uses to give instructions and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say

Do you know what to say when you give instructions? Listen out for useful language for giving instructions. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Emir: Argh! It's not working. 

Vanya: Are you OK?

Emir: Do you know how to use this machine?

Vanya: Yeah, I'll show you.

Emir: Ah, thanks.

Vanya: OK. First, you have to put the correct amount of coffee in here.

Emir: Aha.

Vanya: Then you press it down with this.

Emir: I see.

Vanya: Right, OK. Next, you put this here and turn it until it's quite tight.

Emir: Right.

Vanya: After that, you just press this button.

Emir: OK, that seems clear.

Vanya: Great! Now it's your turn. 

Emir: Is this OK?

Vanya: Yes, that's right. Now press it down.

Emir: Like this? 

Vanya: Yeah, you're doing well.

Emir: Thanks! What do I do next?

Vanya: Connect it to the machine.

Emir: Is there anything else?

Vanya: That's it. Just press the button.

Vanya: Well?

Emir: Delicious! Thank you.

Vanya: You're welcome. 

 

Ana: Hello again! Oh, I love a good coffee! So, did you notice the useful phrases used for giving instructions? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

First, you have to put the coffee here. 

Then you press it down with this.

I see.

Right, OK. Next, you put this here.

After that, you just press this button.

OK, that seems clear.

Is this OK?

Yes, that's right.

Like this?

You're doing well.

What do I do next?

Is there anything else?

 

Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you give instructions in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

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Average: 4 (106 votes)

Submitted by R-B on Thu, 04/12/2025 - 22:24

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When was the last time you gave instructions in English?

 

The last time I gave instructions in English was at work. I was explaining how to use the program.

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Submitted by Laura Chan on Sun, 23/11/2025 - 09:28

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Yes, that's a great question! I'm currently giving instructions at my work. The reason is I'm changing position on my work, so I have to transfer all of my duties to new employee who arrive instead of me. I give instructions to her about the working procedures and all of the responsibilities she have to do.

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Submitted by Thaw on Mon, 13/10/2025 - 18:02

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That is simple and clear instruction. I want to learn another more complicated instructions.

Submitted by FVPrieto on Wed, 08/10/2025 - 21:29

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I've never given instructions in English. I'm still learning English.

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Submitted by alahdal.wael on Sat, 30/08/2025 - 08:33

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I always give instructions about my work for new employees until I get a good work for them 

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Submitted by ASSAMOI on Fri, 22/08/2025 - 17:06

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I never give instructions in english because my assistants don't speak english but I often do it in french. When I will in an english company, I will give instructions in englsh. I believe in that.

It's been my dream since march last year.

Submitted by dtemarques on Thu, 21/08/2025 - 16:26

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In 2023 I broke my left leg playing football with my friends. I did phisiotherapy for 1 year and now I feel so good. I  rarely play football and I prefer to play with my son or other sports like: ride a bike ou swimming.