What is this lesson about?

This influential people ESL speaking lesson explores the people who shape our identities, values, beliefs, and life choices. Learners reflect on mentors, family members, teachers, friends, rivals, and even strangers who have left a lasting mark on their lives. Through thoughtful discussion, students examine how influence works, how it changes over time, and how we pass that influence on to others.

What language will students learn?

Students practise sophisticated expressions related to influence, mentorship, admiration, personal growth, and relationships, including:

Useful expressions

• leave a mark on someone

• hold someone to a higher standard

• bring out the best in someone

• see something in someone

• carry someone with you

• look up to someone

  
  

How do students practise?

Learners build fluency through a conversation-first sequence:

• Reflecting on thought-provoking quotes about influence and relationships

• Discussing different types of influential people

• Exploring questions about mentors, role models, and personal growth

• Identifying people who have shaped their lives

• Learning and using advanced influence-related expressions

• Building a detailed portrait of an influential person

• Debating beliefs about human influence and personal development

• Discussing the impact of chance encounters and brief relationships

• Predicting and discussing a partner’s experiences and perspectives

• Reflecting on the influence they have on others

• Expressing gratitude to someone who shaped their life

  
  

Why is this lesson useful?

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:

• Discuss influence, mentorship, and personal development naturally in English

• Use advanced expressions related to relationships and human impact

• Reflect on the people who have shaped their values and decisions

• Express nuanced opinions about personal growth and gratitude

• Discuss the influence they have on other people’s lives

  
  

Who is it for?

This lesson is designed for adult ESL learners at C1–C2 level who want to improve speaking fluency while discussing influence, mentorship, meaningful relationships, gratitude, and personal growth through engaging conversation-first activities.