Through Resources, You Already Have
Despite having tried all the possible methods, you seem to hit the wall. You don’t witness any improvement as far as your business English is concerned. It is true that mastering anything requires constant practice. And the same applies to English too.
Ms Sonu Goel, Founder and Director of Cafe Converse, Delhi’s top institute for learning business English, shares some of the best methods for practising business English that will boost your skill further.
Ask for help
Some people find it quite difficult to ask for help from others. Many people carry pre-conceived notions about several things. However, one needs to get over all those things and begin asking for help from others. Every English speaker you know is like a resource, thus, utilize it.
Find someone to edit your presentations, proposals, or drafts
If you are writing something related to your work, prior to submitting it to your client or boss, ask an English speaker to review it for you. This will make it easier for you to know where the mistakes are and how those can be improved.
Tell your colleagues to let you know when you use incorrect English
While having lunch with your colleagues, you may still utilize your time. Yes, no one may try to correct you on their own. However, if you insist them to point out whenever you make any error while speaking in English, they will surely correct you. If you don’t request them they might not find it comfortable to improve you even when they know you have made a mistake.
Watch and listen to business-related media
You can make wonderful use of several business-related media in the form of podcasts, TV series, and even movies. Listening to or watching business-themed programs on podcasts, TV series or movies could help you to understand even the complex forms of business English. Specifically, some business-related jargon, that you do not get to listen on your daily life.
Note down new words, terms or phrases
Learning never stops. So is the case with English vocabulary. Every year several words are included in English dictionaries. Thus, you need to have open eyes and ears. Look everywhere to seek what new word, phrase or term has been introduced. Or try to know the meaning if you have countered a specific word for the first time. So carry a journal and note every word you learn.
Similarly, review the new phrases each night. Just managing a journal is not sufficient if you do not read it each day. Also, if it is suitable try to implement the new phrases, words, or terms in your business-related works each day.
Practice
Nothing can replace good practice. The more you practice the better you become. Make an honest effort to utilize the new phrases you have read and learned. Go and talk with your colleagues whenever you can and see how it boosts your confidence. Look to speak in person rather than over a text or e-mail. Rehearse your conversations or presentations. If you are going to meet your boss or a client, rehearse the things that are on your agenda. If you need to ask a friend to listen to the things you speak and let them correct you while you make any errors. Roleplay is also a good way to enhance your English-speaking skills.
Make room for study
If you wish to see a remarkable improvement in your business English, then you ought to have a dedicated time slot for studying business English. There are several ways through which you can achieve it. You can get up early in the morning and practice whatever you have come across. If timing is an issue, then you can utilize your commuting time to the office and back home for learning it on daily basis.
Studies suggest that thinking about a certain thing just before sleeping assists you to internalize it. So better use your pre-bedtime to study English. During weekends or holidays practice for longer hours and look for new vocabulary lists to expand your knowledge base
Ms Sonu Goel is a professionally acclaimed certified ESL trainer from British Council having 15 years of strong background for teaching English language in both online and physical classes. She is dedicated to the teaching of English in an interactive and practical way, whereby learners feel enriched with knowledge and experience the language hands-on. She uses creative ideas and aids to let the learning happen as organically and efficiently as possible. Ms Goel has travelled various European countries and experienced an array of cultures and linguistic skills for the English language.
