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.