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Writer's pictureTatjana Paar

Why Learn Business English


The benefits of learning business English

From boardrooms to virtual platforms, mastering business English vocabulary is the key that unlocks doors to opportunities you've only dreamt of. If you aim to confidently close international deals, effortlessly navigate high-stakes meetings, and craft emails that command attention, a business English class can help immensely. 


Even for those fluent in general English, the nuances of workplace communication demand specialized knowledge. English for work focuses on the vocabulary, phrases, and conventions used in corporate settings, international trade, and workplace interactions. 

In the next few paragraphs, you’ll discover why investing in business English skills is crucial for your career growth.


What Is the Difference Between Business English and General English?

Unlike general English, business English vocabulary addresses particular expressions common in professional environments, such as participating in and leading meetings, managing business travel, handling negotiations, and building professional relationships. 


Athena Business English Academy offers comprehensive business English classes to master these skills, and our Basic Business Skills Program will soon feature the book "Business Networking In English: From Basics To Brilliance." Whether you are an entrepreneur, executive, or aspiring professional, this source provides practical insights by drawing on real-life experiences.


The Importance of English for Work and Business

Knowing English for work expands your opportunities by allowing you to engage with a broader network of clients, partners, and colleagues worldwide. It positions you as a valuable asset in multinational companies, where effective communication is key to success. Moreover, many of the world's leading businesses operate in English, making it essential for accessing high-level positions and participating in global markets.


Another crucial benefit of proficiency in business English vocabulary is career advancement. It equips you with the skills to participate in international conferences, negotiate with foreign partners, and understand global market trends. This can set you apart from your peers, leading to a promotion or a leadership role. 


Ultimately, mastering business English not only boosts your professional capabilities but also enhances your overall employability, making you a more competitive and versatile professional in today's interconnected business market.


Understanding business English makes it easier for you to navigate corporate culture and etiquette. It enables you to create persuasive presentations, write effective reports, and engage in nuanced negotiations. This specialized language skill helps you interpret financial statements, understand legal jargon, and communicate complex ideas clearly, giving you the upper hand in professional settings.


How Business English Can Help Your Negotiation Skills

Mastering business English vocabulary can significantly enhance your negotiation skills, a crucial asset in the global marketplace. Athena Business English Academy's course on Business Negotiations offers comprehensive training to develop these skills. 


You'll learn to craft your own negotiation style and use appropriate phrases. The course covers proposing and bargaining strategies, closing mutually beneficial deals, and handling last-minute issues effectively. You’ll also have a chance to exercise your knowledge through practical simulations and roleplays, allowing you to apply your newly acquired skills and be well-prepared for real-world negotiations.


Get Hired and Improve Your Career Using Business English

English is a global language widely used in corporate settings, and proficiency in it has become one of the most sought-after skills by employers. 


The 2016 survey conducted by QS Global Employer Survey and Cambridge English gathered data on workplace English language skills from 5,373 employers across 38 countries and 20 industries. Results revealed that over 95% of employers in many non-English speaking countries consider English language skills important.


Knowledge of specialized business vocabulary can, thus, significantly enhance your career prospects and marketability. Many desirable positions in multinational corporations require confident expression on business topics, while smaller companies increasingly engage in international trade, making English skills indispensable.


Whether seeking a well-paid position, aiming to climb the corporate ladder, or pursuing deals as an entrepreneur, great knowledge of business English secures opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach.


Know Your Business English Vocabulary: The Importance of Context

Understanding business English vocabulary and using it in your correspondence with colleagues, clients, or partners allows for more effective communication (and also makes you sound more professional!). 


Our upcoming book "Business Networking in English: From Basics to Brilliance," set for release in August 2024, provides examples of various expressions suitable for diverse corporate contexts:

For example, "carry out" means to perform or complete a task, but the combination of "carry" and "out" conveys the idea of executing or accomplishing something, emphasizing the action's entirety or fulfillment. Similarly, "follow up" suggests pursuing or continuing an action or communication after an initial interaction, showcasing the continuity or progression of a process.

Tatjana Paar, Business Networking In English: From Basics To Brilliance


By incorporating these elements into your professional vocabulary, you'll communicate more effectively, sound more polished, and navigate business conversations with greater ease.


How Will a Business English Course Help Me?

A business English course can significantly enhance your professional skills and career prospects. These specialized programs are designed to improve your language proficiency in a business context, focusing on the specific vocabulary, communication styles, and cultural nuances prevalent in international business environments.


The courses offer a structured, personalized learning experience guided by a professional English teacher. While online resources can provide useful vocabulary, only one-on-one classes deliver the human aspect. Students benefit from individualized attention and help with pronunciation, with an expert guiding them through each step of the learning process. Unlike pre-recorded programs, these courses adapt to each student's unique needs.


Additionally, business English courses emphasize practical skills such as crafting reports, delivering persuasive presentations, as well as small talk. Through audio exercises, another key benefit of the courses, you will work on your active listening skills and improve your ability to understand the language in a context.


The courses incorporate cultural awareness training as well, helping you grasp different cultural fault lines and their implications, and teaching you how to communicate diplomatically to manage sensitive cultural differences.


Ultimately, investing in a business English course can lead to improved job performance, increased networking opportunities, and enhanced career prospects in multinational corporations or international business settings.


What Type of Business English Courses Are Available?

Athena Business English Academy offers business English classes online to enhance your professional communication skills.


The Business Networking Course is one of the four specialized courses, focusing on introductions, organizational structures, and SWOT analysis. Our Business Presentations Course enhances your presentation skills and helps you conquer the fear of public speaking, while the Business Meetings Course assists you in navigating professional gatherings, both in-person and virtually. Our Business Negotiations Course teaches strategies for proposing, bargaining, and closing deals effectively. 


Finally, if you’re looking for a more general course encompassing all the areas mentioned above, our Basic Business Skills Program is for you.


Each course provides a one-on-one learning experience tailored to your needs.


Book a free discovery call at Athena Business English Academy today. Get a free assessment of your general English knowledge level and receive personalized business English class recommendations!


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