Skip links
IE Group

Business English

Our business English modules include intermediate and advanced levels of coaching to refine, an overview of the tenses (past, present and future) correcting common errors when using prepositions articles, word order and confusing words. The rules of concord, conditionals and the active tense in spoken business English. Techniques include conciseness, clarity, vocabulary enrichment, writing skills and psycholinguistics – the language of persuasion and diplomacy.

As you develop in your career, your ability to speak, listen, question and write efficiently and effectively becomes an essential skill set. The ability to write clearly and professionally is key to business communication and brand management. Poor writing skills create negative impressions from both colleagues and clients. With the increase in social media communication and access to the Internet, anyone can become their own publisher. We are seeing more and more examples of poor writing skills.

Book a Session

Always remember your audience, as this will ensure that you use the appropriate medium and structure. Style, tone and vocabulary must also be aligned with your audience and context.

Remember that each piece of written communication should serve a clear purpose. Do not divert from the purpose.

Use plain English – a style of writing which allows the reader to understand the message the first time they read it. Avoid using unnecessary jargon, buzz words and clichés. Keep your writing clear and concise.

Formatting helps your writing become user-friendly but do not overdo it. Too many visual elements take the focus off your message. Use headlines, bullet points, numbering and other features to assist, not confuse, your reader.

To check and improve your work, read it aloud. Reading your writing, forces you to slow down and enables you to pick up on mistakes that your eyes skipped over.

Even if you know the spelling and grammar rules, double-check your work or have it proof-read by somebody else. Our brains work faster than our fingers can type and typographical errors do still creep in.

Do not assume that computer spelling and grammar checkers identify all mistakes. Re-read and check your writing.

Avoid using “BUT”

“BUT” disqualifies whatever is stated before. Rather opt for “and” in specific contexts.

Avoid using “JUST”

“Just” has a subtext of limitation.

“TRY”

When used in certain contexts, “try” may seem non-committal. Be aware of using it when you sell ideas.

“IF”

This is a word that we use often, especially when we have to be diplomatic. “If” is a “conditional” which means that there is a notion of “maybe” or “uncertainty” attached to it. It is not an effective word to use when persuading. Replacing “if” with “when” or “having”, you create a concrete positive expectation for your listener.

“I”

When we answer a question, especially if we have to voice an opinion, it is quite natural to start with “I” or “I think”, “I believe… “ This is quite acceptable, however when you make a habit of starting all your responses with “I”, it could carry a subtext of arrogance. “I” can also be used as a positive technique. When conducting a confrontational communication it can be used to deflect and to minimize “attacking”.

“ALWAYS/NEVER”

Time words such as “always” and “never” carry a notion of permanence. If you need to be persuasive or diplomatic, they can be replaced with “tend to”.

Understand the modal verbs. Certain modal verbs in English have a notion of politeness and diplomacy. If they are used appropriately, it could mean the difference between a command and a request. Most listeners will respond better to the notion of requesting or suggesting than being commanded. It is important to be aware of the “notions” behind the modal verbs to ensure that they are used diplomatically and persuasively.

Time words.

Time predicates imply a particular orientation in time. We often use time predicates without realising their full impact. Time words can be used to influence a person to think of an issue / problem / situation as having moved to the past, remaining a part of the present or having a specific impact in the future.

Linkage.

This technique links issues/situations or tasks that the listener perceives negatively with situations/issues or tasks that s/he perceives positively. By placing the positive issue/ situation or task first the initial perception will be more positive and this will soften the negative perception.

Use Questions Positively.

When you ask a question in a negative mode, you open a negative door. You can elicit a positive mode by phrasing your questions positively and you will generally get a better response.

The embodiment of these elements will not only enhance your overall communicative impact power, but also increase trust, clarity, and add interest to your presentations.

Self Assessments

Take the self-assessment now to determine your strengths and areas for development.

Business English
Psycholinguistics

Articles

Coaches

This website uses cookies to improve your web experience.
Business English

As you develop in your career, your ability to speak, listen, question and write efficiently and effectively becomes an essential skill set. The ability to write clearly and professionally is key to business communication and brand management. Poor writing skills create negative impressions from both colleagues and clients. Are you writing effective emails?

Name(Required)
There is no tone of voice, facial expression or body language to help your readers interpret your messages correctly in your emails. Are you are using the appropriate tones in your emails?(Required)
Readers will be engaging with your emails on screen. Are you choosing the correct structure to ensure that your emails are user-friendly?(Required)
Do you know when to use ‘To’, ‘Cc’ and Bcc’ appropriately?(Required)
There is an art to making sure that your emails are read and actioned. Are you using the SUBJECT line in your emails effectively?(Required)
Attachments are an effective way to share more detailed information. Do you know how to ensure that your readers open and read the attachments you send via emails?(Required)
No, thank you. I do not want.
Psycholinguistics

At the most basic level, Psycholinguistics is known as the “psychology of language”, meaning the study of the mental aspects of language and speech. The primary concern here is the ways in which language is represented and processed in the brain – something which differs for each one of us, based on our background, education and general understanding of language and how to use it. Simply put: Our knowledge and skill regarding language combined with underlying psychological perceptions determine the way we communicate and the way we perceive communication from others. If you are concerned about your ability to communicate effectively and to use language in a way that promotes successful communication participate in our quick quiz below: My Pocket Coach Quick Self-Assessment

Name(Required)
I find it difficult to communicate with people when not speaking in my first language.(Required)
When I communicate with people who are not on the same educational level as me, I find it hard to express myself in an understandable way.(Required)
I find it hard to understand the different accents from people who speak a different first language than me.(Required)
People from other generations are hard to understand.(Required)
My vocabulary is limited and I find it hard to express myself.(Required)
I use words and language that causes emotional reactions in other people.(Required)
People experience me as disrespectful and harsh in my communication.(Required)
People often misunderstand my intentions when I communicate.(Required)
I clarify what I believe someone said if I feel unsure about whether I understood them correctly.(Required)
I try to use language to show how much I know rather than to be understood.(Required)
No, thank you. I do not want.
Home
Resources
Services
Coaches
Courses
Shop