Idioms with brain and mind and left-right brain dominance
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Do zobaczenia na większym ekranie 🙂
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warm up
Answer the questions below. Listen to same people answering these questions. Report back or read the transcript to practise speaking.
| Think of something that has recently blown your mind. What was it? Why was it so special? |
TRANSCRIPT
“Recently, I watched a documentary about how scientists are using AI to decode ancient, unreadable manuscripts. It completely blew my mind! The idea that technology can uncover lost knowledge from centuries ago feels almost magical. It was so special because it reminded me of how much potential we have to connect with the past in ways we never thought possible. It also made me think about how tools like AI can help preserve history for future generations.”
| Cast your mind back to your childhood memories. What comes back as the fondest memory? |
TRANSCRIPT
“When I cast my mind back to my childhood, the fondest memory that comes to mind is building treehouses with my dad in the backyard. We spent entire weekends hammering nails, sawing planks, and figuring out how to make the treehouse as sturdy as possible. It was such a simple thing, but it felt like a grand adventure. What makes it so special is how it taught me teamwork and problem-solving, even at a young age, and it’s a memory filled with laughter and a sense of accomplishment.”
| Men are believed not to like picking other people’s brains. How do you feel about asking others for help or advice? |
TRANSCRIPT
“I actually don’t mind picking other people’s brains when I really need help or advice. I think it’s a sign of strength to admit when you don’t have all the answers. For me, it’s about learning from others who have different experiences or perspectives. Sometimes, it feels a bit awkward at first, but I remind myself that most people are happy to share their knowledge if you ask respectfully. Plus, it’s a great way to build relationships and show that you value someone’s expertise.”
part one
KEY LANGUAGE
There are many expressions and idioms with ‘brain’ and ‘mind’.
Study these flashcards and make notes about the items which are new to you.
WAS IT ‘BRAIN’ OR ‘MIND’?
Check how well you remember these expressions.
Play this Multidecker game.
TALKING POINT
Discuss these questions. Share your opinions and experiences.
Use the idioms with ‘brain’ or ‘mind’.
 | Who’s the brain behind your most recent group project or activity? |
| Have you ever been beating your brain out trying to solve a problem at work or school? |
| Do you enjoy some brain candy like light reading or fun shows to relax after a busy day? |
| What helps you get your brain in gear when you’re struggling to focus? |
| Do you know someone who’s a real brain box in their field? |
| Who in your family or friends is the most feather-brained, always forgetting things? |
| Is there anything you currently have on your brain that’s hard to stop thinking about? |
| When was the last time you picked someone’s brain for advice or ideas? |
| Are you usually of one mind with your teammates or family when making decisions? |
part two
LEFT OR RIGHT BRAIN
Apparently, our brains are organised into left and right parts. Each part is responsible for different functions.
Read this article and do the tasks that follow.
Unlocking the Power of Left and Right Brain Dominance
in Workplace Communication
Imagine your workplace as an orchestra. The left-brain thinkers are the precision-driven violinists, meticulously reading every note on the sheet, while the right-brain thinkers are the creative improvisers, adding flair and emotion to the melody. To create harmony, both must play in sync. So, how do we ensure this happens, especially in the vibrant, culturally diverse setting of a multinational corporation?
The Left Brain: The Engineer of Communication
The left brain loves structure. It thrives on logic, planning, and details. This is the side of the brain that ensures your financial reports are accurate to the last decimal and your project timelines are perfectly aligned. In communication, left-brain dominance shows up as:
Data-driven dialogue: Think about those meetings where every decision hinges on facts, figures, and charts. Left-brain communicators excel here, presenting their case with bullet points and logical flow.
Clear protocols: Ever wonder why some colleagues insist on following processes step by step? That’s their left brain ensuring nothing is missed.
But here’s the thing: too much focus on structure can sometimes make communication feel cold or robotic. Have you ever sat through a presentation that was technically perfect but left you feeling disconnected? That’s where the right brain steps in.
The Right Brain: The Artist of Connection
The right brain’s world is one of creativity, emotion, and intuition. It’s the part of the brain that sees the big picture and uses metaphors to turn dry data into compelling stories. Right-brain communication shines in:
Building connections: Imagine a manager who not only explains the company’s goals but also paints a vision of how your work contributes to a greater purpose. Isn’t that inspiring?
Innovative problem-solving: When faced with a challenge, right-brain thinkers often come up with unconventional solutions—the kind that make you say, “Why didn’t I think of that?”
However, being overly right-brained can lead to ideas that are brilliant but lack practical grounding. That’s why balance is key.
Finding Harmony in a Multinational Workplace
In a corporation with team members from around the world, communication styles can vary widely. Some cultures lean toward left-brain logic, while others embrace right-brain expressiveness. How do we bridge these differences?
1. Start with Awareness
Which side of the brain do you naturally rely on? Are you the data-focused analyst or the visionary storyteller? Recognizing your own style is the first step to improving communication.
2. Adapt Your Style
If you’re presenting to left-brain thinkers, focus on facts and structure. For right-brain audiences, weave a narrative that resonates emotionally. Ask yourself: “Am I speaking their language?”
3. Foster Collaboration
Great teams are like yin and yang. Pairing a detail-oriented left-brainer with a big-picture right-brainer can lead to exceptional outcomes. Have you ever noticed how the most effective brainstorming sessions combine both structured analysis and creative leaps?
A Challenge for You
The next time you’re in a meeting, observe your colleagues. Can you spot the left-brain communicator who’s obsessed with numbers? Or the right-brain teammate who’s always pitching bold ideas? Better yet, how can you bring out the best in both?
The Symphony of Communication
Ultimately, effective communication in a multinational corporation requires a blend of left-brain precision and right-brain creativity. It’s not about choosing one over the other but about finding the right balance to create a symphony of understanding, collaboration, and innovation.
So, what’s your role in this orchestra? Are you the violinist who ensures every note is perfect, or the improviser who breathes life into the melody? Or perhaps, like the best leaders, you’re the conductor, harmonizing both sides for a performance that leaves everyone inspired.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Use the information from the article.
| 1. How does left-brain dominance manifest in workplace communication, and what are its strengths? |
| 2. In what ways does right-brain communication enhance workplace interactions, and what are its potential limitations? |
| 3. According to the article, how can recognising your natural thinking style help improve communication? |
| 4. What strategies does the article suggest for adapting your communication style to different audiences? |
| 5. How can collaboration between left-brain and right-brain thinkers lead to better outcomes? |
| 6. What does the article mean by creating a “symphony of communication” in a multinational corporation? |
| 7. What are some examples of how cultural differences can influence communication styles in the workplace? |
WHICH ONE IS IT: LEFT OR RIGHT?
Play this Multidecker game. Decide if the information on the card belongs to left or right brain.
PODCAST
Listen to a podcast about left-right brain dominance. The conversation focuses on how it may be applied to communication in an international corporation and is based on the material from this lesson.
part three
Create your own unique profile of left-right brain dominance.
Download the Excel file below. Fill in the VALUE column with numbers 1-10 representing how strong each function is in your case. As you complete the form, you will see a great chart showing your brain dominance profile.
COMMENTS
What do you think about this idea of left-right brain dominance?
Which of the idioms do you like the most?
Share your views and opinions below.