Business English is a kind of English used in more formal business contexts, like commerce, banking, international trade, insurance, and other workplace settings. It involves expectations of proper grammatical structure, clarity, and specific vocabulary. It may seem like more of a peripheral need when building your own business or brand, but it can actually prove to be advantageous for your business.
If you want another set of skills that can help your business succeed, learning Business English might be advantageous. Here’s why it’s worth taking up a course.
You will understand business and trade jargon
If the idea of reading publications like Forbes and The Economist seems boring to you, it might be because some of these publications use highfalutin words that we may not necessarily come across in everyday life. But being a business owner entails being up-to-the-minute with current events and ever-evolving trends in the business world, and a big part of that is constantly reading up on international news and financial happenings across the world.
The world of business speaks English
It may seem like a Western-centric view, but we can’t deny that global business still speaks English. Corporations across the world mandate English as their business’s common corporate language—from tech companies like Samsung and Microsoft to manufacturers like Airbus and Daimler-Chrysler. A 2018 study found that a whopping 20.77% of the world’s GDP uses English as its language. Considered a global lingua franca, English is still one of the top go-to languages for business all over the globe, and learning Business English on top of being a native English speaker might get you ahead of the curve.
You don’t need to rely on others to write official documents
Here are some topics you will learn from a Business English class at a reputable institution such as ESL Tutoring Services:
- Development of your speaking and listening skills, which involves providing you with confidence when you speak with managers, clients, and colleagues; helping you create engaging presentations and articulate your message; vocabulary expansion; and developing interpersonal skills
- Professional writing skills development, which is all about improving how you write official reports, professional emails, and other forms of written communication with internal and external parties; learning how to use the correct phrasal verbs and tone of voice; and all facets of English grammar including prepositions, verb tenses, punctuation, active and passive voice, and others
- Reading skills development, which includes improving the way you comprehend and understand written text, and pointers on active and effective reading
These skills can help you gain more confidence when communicating in more formal settings. It’s not just about technical skills, although those will come in handy, too. But gaining practical know-how while being more sure of yourself can certainly help you be a more well-rounded businessman and entrepreneur.
It will show your company wants to go above and beyond
By attending a Business English course, or by encouraging your team to go through it as well, you are showing that your business is more than just about the bare minimum; you are willing to go above and beyond. It shows that you are willing to invest in your team and your employees so that all of you can be the best versions of yourselves to see the business succeed. It will also give you an edge over your competitors since clients and suppliers will see from the first written interaction that your company makes an effort to be proper and put your best foot forward.
Much of technology and academia is written in English
As the world grows more and more dependent on technology, more students will continue to learn about the computer sciences through the use of English. If your business thrives on technological breakthroughs and advancements, then learning Business English is crucial because it is the common denominator across technological fields and peers.
English is also the language of academia, as English is still often the preferred language when academics write and publish their research, and it is also the language used as a medium of instruction even for many parts of the world where English is not the native language. If you see yourself traveling all over the world to talk about your company or business, learning Business English is the way to go.
Studying Business English can provide so many benefits for you and your team. It will provide all of you with the confidence to communicate about your products and services. Give your business an edge over your competitors by studying Business English today.
