Introduction to Business English

Businesses must overcome language barriers to survive and thrive in a global economy. Better language skills provide employees with improved access to first-hand information, which is crucial to good decision-making and productivity. Business English is the form of the corporate dialect that focuses on the English vocabulary commonly used in business transactions. English is often the preferred language of communication In international business contexts that involve trading, banking, contracts, insurance and emails. English can thus be described as ‘the universal language of the corporate world’.

In this English course, we lay out the basics of reading in the business context. We begin by identifying three methods for analysing the written word. We then examine reading techniques like skimming, intensive reading and critical reading to enhance your understanding of English in a corporate environment. Learn how to use signposting techniques to improve your writing skills. Moreover, we examine the ‘SQ3R’ method of reading comprehension, which helps to clarify the distinction between ‘knowing’ and ‘comprehending’ a concept.

Mobile devices have become the primary communication and research tool for many business professionals, including under-40 CEOs. We thus outline electronic communication tools and identify the goals of social media marketing for business expansion. We lay out the fundamentals of academic writing and explain how to transform non-academic writing into academic style. We also show you how to write short reports, agendas, minutes, press releases, executive summaries and business presentations. Sign up for this course to boost your professional credibility and open doors in the business world with your newfound English skills.