If you can't get started for another couple of weeks, I would definitely be walking him out in-hand to teach him voice commands. You could always put his bridle on but substitute the reins for a pair of leadropes and walk at his shoulder holding the "reins" over to one side so that he gets used to walking up front and reacting to your voice.
I always taught my baby cobs voice commands from an early age, when just leading them in, out and about. I really saw the benefit when I started backing Albi...he was great to lunge and long-line and then it was easy to introduce the leg aid, ridden, when coordinated with a voice command. Very much helped when I broke him to drive too.
I actually think Ben will take it all in his stride. He's a lovely, sensible chap and I think he'll be very accepting of everything.
This is more or less what I was suggesting