English has become the predominant language of business in the global economy. Business English is a specilised area of English relating to the language used by people to do business.
The most popular subject areas of Business English include accounting, banking, commerce, e-commerce, economics, finance, HR, insurance, IT, law, manufacturing, marketing, production, property, the stock exchange, (international) trade and transport. However, the term ‘Business English’ also encompasses English used in many office settings in general. It entails work-related vocabulary, expressions and grammatical structures as well as expectation of clarity.
Nowadays Business English skills are essential if you want to succeed as a professional in your field. Improving your Business English vocabulary and knowledge will help you get ahead at work and open up a myriad of new career opportunities.
In general, a Business English course covers the language content associated with the knowledge that most white-collars need in order to to work effectively. In other words, it includes skills such as writing business correspondence (e-mails, reports, proposals), giving presentations, participating in meeting, negotiating, handling phone calls, travelling on business, attending conferences, receiving visitors, etc. In addition, the course focuses on specific vocabulary and phrases relating to the particular area of Business English, e.g. specialist vocabulary used in commerce. It means that the focal point is participant’s job and the main aim is to help them to be more professional and confident when using English in the workplace.
On the other hand, General English concentrates on improving all the four skills of the students (speaking, listening, reading, writing) in general context without placing emphasis on any area or themes in particular.
What a Business English course look like
In a Business English course learners work with specific textbooks and workbooks, authentic materials (business articles from the Internet, magazines and newspapers, real business documents, brochures, catalogues, etc.), short videos and podcasts as well as plenty of interactive activities such as role plays, dialogues, mini debates and small talks.
On top of that, you can expect pair work and group work on specific tasks or projects. They may be very similar to those that you currently have at work or that might be assigned to you in the future. You can even bring your own materials to the class, for example any documents that you use in your job. We can use them to practise and simulate real work situations that are true for you. Another idea is sharing sample emails that you often write to your clients or colleagues. We will correct and improve them so as they look more professional. We can also prepare some templates which you will be able to adapt and reuse in your workplace as many times as you need. The same goes for presentations which you need to make for a meeting or just for your boss. It can be treated as another classroom task so that you make sure that it’s prepared in the right way.
If you decide to take part in one-to-one sessions, your tutor will be focused on your individual needs so the course can be fully tailor-made according to your goals, interests and learning style. What’s important, the methodology used in such approach will draw on your strengths and work on your weaknesses. It’s best choice for students who look to improve their Business English skills quickly and need to focus on some specific areas and also for those who simply value an individual approach more than learning in a group.
Different course modalities
You can opt for online lessons with a teacher using video conferencing software such as Skype, Zoom or Google Meet. This way of learning is very convenient because it lets you study in the comfort of your own home or anywhere you are. You only need an internet connection and a device on which you can install one of the programs used for virtual meetings. It’s a great solution for busy people who want to safe time and those who travel a lot and for this reason wouldn’t be able to attend a traditional course.
On the other hand, if you prefer a classroom-based learning you can choose a course in which classes will take place in a language school.
There are also in-company courses which are very common nowadays especially when it comes to Business English. Classes will be in your company usually before you start or after you finish work. It’s another time-effective solution because participants don’t need to commute to school. On top of that, in such environment it’s easier to create real work situations in class because all learners are colleagues and usually work in the same field.
Bottom line
Business English is used globally by professionals from all over the world. It means that if you want to take your career to the next level and improve your performance at work, you need to make time to develop and perfect your Business English skills. Don’t let any business opportunity slip away anymore!
By Joanna Borzym | 20 June, 2020