English For Work

THE NETWORKING MAGAZINE SPECIAL FEATURE ON

ONE ONE A C A D E M Y

THE EFW COURSE

Explained A unique course designed for professionals who want to improve their level of English in a work environment.

ONE2ONE ACADEMY

Business English Learning Business English can enhance your career prospects, improve your communication skills, and give you a competitive edge in the global job market.

TASK SIMULATIONS The skills developed through simulated tasks are transferable to various real-life business contexts.

Learners can apply the knowledge and skills gained from simulated tasks to their actual workplace, where they can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and handle different business scenarios with ease.

English For Work 2

“WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER”.

ENGLISH FOR WORK A COURSE DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO REFINE THEIR ENGLISH. LEARN HOW TO APPLY WITH SIMULATED TASKS.

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usiness English refers to the speci c vocabulary, language skills, and communication techniques used in a professional or business context. It focuses on the language and skills needed to effectively communicate in various business situations, such as meetings, negotiations, presentations, emails, and reports.

Business English typically includes learning speci c business terminology, industry jargon, and phrases commonly used in the corporate world. It also emphasises developing strong writing skills for business correspondence and reports, as well as improving speaking and listening skills for effective communication in meetings and presentations.

In addition to language skills, Business English often covers topics related to business culture, etiquette, and cross-cultural communication.

This includes understanding different business practices, customs, and expectations in various countries and industries.

Business English courses and programs are designed to help individuals enhance their language pro ciency and communication skills in a professional context. These courses may be offered by language schools, universities, or online platforms, and can be tailored to meet the speci c needs of different industries or job roles.

There are several reasons why learning business English can be bene cial:

opportunities and increase your chances of career advancement.

Networking English is often used as a common language for networking events, conferences, and professional development opportunities. Being able to communicate in English can help you build connections and expand your professional network.

Understanding business terminology Business English courses often focus on teaching speci c vocabulary and terminology used in the corporate world. This knowledge can help you better understand business documents, contracts, and reports.

Business English courses typically emphasise effective communication skills, including public speaking and negotiation techniques. These skills can be valuable in business meetings, presentations, and negotiations.

Increased con dence Learning Business English can boost your con dence in professional settings. Having a good command of English can help you feel more comfortable expressing your ideas and opinions in meetings and discussions.

Cultural understanding

Communication English is the most widely spoken language in the business world. Learning Business English can help you effectively communicate with clients, colleagues, and partners from different countries.

Learning Business English often involves learning about different cultural practices and customs in the business world. This understanding can be valuable when working with international clients or colleagues.

Overall, learning Business English can enhance your career prospects, improve your communication skills, and give you a competitive edge in the global job market.

Global opportunities Many multinational companies require employees to have a strong command of English, especially in leadership roles.

Knowing Business English can open up international job

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LEARNING

Simulated Tasks Learning with simulated tasks in Business English provides several advantages:

phrases, and receive immediate feedback from instructors or peers.

Realistic practice

Targeted skill development

Simulated tasks allow learners to practice and apply their language skills in a realistic business context. This can involve role-plays, case studies, or simulations of common workplace scenarios. By engaging in these tasks, learners can gain hands-on experience and develop the ability to handle similar situations in the real world.

Simulated tasks can be designed to target speci c language skills or areas of weakness. For example, learners can focus on improving their negotiation skills, presentation skills, or email writing skills through simulated tasks. This targeted approach helps learners address their speci c needs and make signi cant progress in their language pro ciency.

Active learning

Enhanced con dence

Simulated tasks encourage active participation and engagement from learners. Rather than passively absorbing information, learners are actively involved in problem-solving, decision-making, and communication.

This active learning approach promotes deeper understanding and retention of language skills and concepts.

By repeatedly practicing and successfully completing simulated tasks, learners can build their con dence in using English for business communication. They can gain the necessary skills, strategies, and language resources to feel more comfortable and competent in real-life business situations.

Transferable skills Safe learning environment

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Simulated tasks provide a safe and controlled learning environment where learners can make mistakes and learn from them without real-world consequences.

This allows learners to experiment with different language strategies, practice new vocabulary or

The skills developed through simulated tasks are transferable to various real-life business contexts.

Learners can apply the knowledge and skills gained from simulated tasks to their actual workplace, where they can communicate effectively, make informed decisions, and handle different business scenarios with ease.

You have just received a missed call on your mobile phone.

Phone the number back and nd out who called you.

TASK INFORMATION

TASK

- The Call

If you are asked for your number use this one: 0208 732 567 065 This is the number you called: 0207 654 987 401 What you will learn: 1. How to say your number using pauses to provide clarity.

2. How to interact with a stranger on the phone.

3. How to ask the right type of questions.

4. Phone etiquette PODCAST Press the image above to listen to a podcast. It’s a listening and comprehension task. Listen and answer the questions at the end.

TASK

- Damaged

You purchased a brand new smart phone from an electrical store called; “Grey’s Electronics”. When you returned home and unboxed it, you noticed that the phone had sustained some damage on the screen.

You need to phone the store and nd out what to do so that you can get either a refund or exchange.

What you will learn: 1. Phone etiquette 2. Interaction 3. Parts of the day using prepositions 4. How to end a call politely

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TASK 3 THE STORE

ENGLISH FOR WORK SIMULATED TASKS

In this task, you need to go to the store and talk to the Manager.

There are several members of staff on the shop oor.Your task is to interact with a member of staff, speak directly to the department manager and organise either a replacement or refund.

In this task you will learn the following: 1. How to identify and interact with people physically.

2. How to make requests using modal verbs 3. The use of adjectives

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4. Vocabulary for shops

PODCAST

TASK You are late for a meeting. You were going to meet Johnathan Davis to discuss a project. Phone the company, interact with the receptionist and leave a message for Johnathan to avoid a meeting cancellation.

INFORMATION YOU WILL NEED Johnathan’s company name: The Burton Group Meeting time: 9:45 am Your mobile number: 09876 766 543

QUESTIONS This is an interactive task so there are many possible outcomes.

Below are a few questions that you may be asked.

Who do you wish to speak to?

Does Johnathan have your contact details?

What message would you like to leave?

What time was your meeting scheduled for?

What you will learn from this task: 1. How to interact with a receptionist.

2. How to leave a message for someone.

3. How to use modal verbs.

4. The different parts of the day.

5. Formal time structures.

6. How to end a call.

7. How to use empathetic voice tones.

These types of simulated tasks, place you in a situation where you have to think quickly, thus reducing translation time. They place students in realistic situations where there is pressure applied within a realistic time frame.

You’re expected to take notes and you may wish to repeat this task until a set standard has been achieved.

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TASK 4 RUNNING LATE

ENGLISH FOR WORK

ENS COLLIGI TIMENDA ONE2ONE ACADEMY

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TASK

In this task you will learn:

TRADING HOURS

DETAILS

Even though we live in a world where online shopping is commonplace, there are many occasions where we still need to interact with people.

SITUATIONS Here are a few situations where we need to speak to people.

Doctor’s clinics Hospital appointment Travel agents Airport lost and found Hotel reservations Pharmacies

How to describe using adjectives The business working day The business working week Time formats Use of modal verbs

You would like to purchase some new furniture from a furniture store called; “The Wooden Furniture Company”.

Your task is to phone the store and nd out the following.

1. Find out if there are parking facilities 2. Find out if they have the type of sofa you would like (invent the type of sofa you would like to buy).

3. Find out when the store opens and closes.

The sales assistant may ask you the following: 1. What type of sofa would you like to buy 2. What colour you would like 3. Your budget.

What you will learn:

In this task you need to phone a store to nd out what time they open and what time they close.You will need to apply modal verbs and the correct voice tones.

How to interact with a sales assistant How to describe using adjectives How to request store times Money structures

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TASK

ORDERING DRINKS

Business This is a useful task since some business meetings are held in an informal environment. In this task you will learn: 1.

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Countable formats and how to apply Payment methods Waiting in a queue or in line How to nish a transaction

TASK You are in a queue and next in line to order. When it’s your turn you need more time, so you let the person behind you go rst.

What would you say to them?

TASK You are with a group of people who are from your of ce.

The waiter comes to your table and you are tasked with ordering everyone’s drink.

Here is the order, interact with the waiter: 1 x Gin and tonic 3 x water 1 x coke 2 x pints of beer

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Vocabulary

Business English includes speci c terms, jargon, and industry-speci c vocabulary that are not commonly used in everyday conversations. It includes words related to nance, marketing, sales, management, and other businessrelated topics.

Formality

Business English tends to be more formal than everyday English. It requires a professional tone and uses polite and respectful language. In contrast, everyday English allows for more casual and informal expressions.

Structure and Grammar

Business English often follows speci c structures and grammar rules that are different from everyday English. It emphasises clear and concise communication, with a focus on writing and speaking in a professional manner.

Purpose

Business English is used for speci c purposes, such as writing professional emails, conducting negotiations, giving presentations, writing reports, or participating in meetings.

It requires a level of precision and clarity to effectively communicate in a business environment.

Cultural Awareness

Business English takes into account cultural differences and norms that may vary across different countries and industries. It emphasises understanding and adapting to the cultural expectations of different business environments.

Overall, the purpose of Business English is to facilitate effective communication within the professional world, allowing individuals to convey their ideas, negotiate deals, and build relationships in a clear and professional manner.

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usiness English is different from everyday English because it is a specialised form of English that is used speci cally in business and professional settings. Here are a few reasons why it differs:

TASK

Learning about directions in English is still important, even with the availability of mobile phones and navigation apps.

Here are a few reasons why: Communication in foreign countries When traveling or living in a foreign country knowing how to ask for directions in English can be extremely helpful. It allows you to communicate with locals who may not speak your language or have access to a mobile phone.

Emergency situations In case of emergencies or when your phone battery dies or loses signal, having a basic understanding of directions in English can help you navigate and nd your way to safety or to your intended destination.

Cultural immersion By learning how to ask for directions in English, you can actively engage with locals and immerse yourself in the local culture. This can lead to more meaningful interactions and experiences while traveling.

Building con dence and independence Relying solely on technology for directions can make you dependent on your phone or navigation apps. By learning how to navigate using English directions, you can develop a sense of con dence and independence in nding your way around new places.

Enhancing language skills Learning about directions in English can be a valuable opportunity to practice and improve your language skills. It allows you to expand your vocabulary, practice speaking and listening, and understand different ways of giving and receiving directions.

While mobile phones and navigation apps have made it easier to navigate, having a basic understanding of directions in English can still be bene cial in various situations and can enhance your overall travel experience.

TASK Think about your physical of ce and provide directions to your tutor for the following: 1.

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How to get from the nearest bus stop/ train station/ car park to the entrance of your building.

How to get to your desk from the reception from the entrance.

The location of the canteen or kitchen area.

From the entrance to the nearest coffee shop.

Explain how you get home from your of ce.

What you will learn: Transitions and how we apply them.

Speci c vocabulary

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TASK MY BATTERY DIED

Have you checked out the different courses that are available? Press this link to nd out more.

You are standing outside your of ce and your mobile phone is not working because it’s out of battery.

You need to know what time it is and there’s a group of strangers standing next to you talking. Approach them and ask them for the time.

In this task you will learn: How to disturb someone politely.

Formality with people you don’t know.

How to end a conversation.

The dreaded topic of Small talk.

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TASK

THE INTERVIEW Task You had a job interview with Mrs. Anna Williams. It was for the position of an Of ce Administrator.

The information you need for this task: The date you were interviewed: 22.03.23 Time you were interviewed: 3:45 PM The location of the of ce position you applied for: Hammersmith It has been three weeks since your interview and unfortunately you have not heard back from the company.

Your task is to phone the of ce, interact with the receptionist, explain the situation and nd out what happened to your application.

In this task you will learn: 1. How to interact with a receptionist 2. The parts of the day 3. How to explain something to someone using transitions.

4. Number structures 5. Different time structures In a Business English context, practicing English can have speci c bene ts tailored to the professional environment: Effective communication with colleagues and clients Business English uency allows you to communicate clearly and con dently with colleagues, clients, and business partners. This can help build strong relationships, negotiate effectively, and convey ideas and information accurately.

Global networking opportunities English is the lingua franca of international business, and being pro cient in it can enable you to connect with professionals from around the world. This opens up networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and access to a wider pool of talent and resources.

Improved presentation and public speaking skills Practicing English can enhance your ability to deliver presentations, participate in meetings, and engage in public speaking. This can boost your con dence in professional settings and help you effectively convey your ideas and expertise.

Increased job prospects and career advancement Many multinational companies require employees to have English language skills. By practicing English, you can expand your job opportunities and increase your chances of career advancement within a globalised workplace.

Access to English-language business resources English is the language of many business publications, websites, and industry reports. By practicing English, you can gain access to a wealth of valuable business resources, insights, and trends that can help you stay informed and make informed decisions.

Enhanced cross-cultural understanding Business English pro ciency allows for better understanding and appreciation of cultural nuances and differences. This can foster successful collaborations, negotiations, and business relationships with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.

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Professional development opportunities Practicing English can open doors to professional development opportunities such as attending international conferences, workshops, and training programs conducted in English. This can help you stay updated with industry trends and acquire new skills and knowledge.

In a Business English context, practicing English can provide you with the skills and con dence necessary to succeed in a globalised and interconnected business world.

MIX & MATCH We understand that students want to learn English in different contexts which is why we offer the ability to mix Conversation Classes with Business English.

Talk to your language instructor about designing a tailor made course to suit your individual needs.

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TASK GOING HOME TIME The time is 6 PM and most of your team have left the of ce.You would also like to leave, so interact with your line manager and inform them that your leaving too.

FORMALITY Depending on how senior your position is, there is a mutual respect with a line manager and very often you would not leave them to complete your task just because it’s time to go home.

MANAGEMENT If you are part of a management team then you would be expected to set non negotiable high standards for your team, this will often mean that you must lead by example.

In this task you will learn: 1.

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Management interaction How to demonstrate a mutual respect for line management.

Formality

“Practice makes perfect” - One2one

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BUSINESS IDIOMS

STORY A SUCCESSFUL START-UP

Idioms are expressions or phrases that have a gurative, non-literal meaning. They are often speci c to a particular language or culture and are used to convey a concept, idea, or emotion in a concise and vivid way.

Idioms cannot be understood by simply looking at the individual words or their literal meanings. Instead, their meaning is derived from the cultural or historical context in which they developed. Idioms are typically used in informal speech, literature, and everyday conversations.

Here are a few examples of idioms: 1. "Break a leg": This idiom is commonly used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. It does not actually mean breaking a leg, but rather expresses a wish for success or a great performance.

2. "It's raining cats and dogs": This idiom is used to describe heavy rain. It does not mean that animals are falling from the sky, but rather emphasises the intensity or heaviness of the rain.

3. "Kick the bucket": This idiom means to die. It is a euphemism that refers to the act of someone kicking a bucket, symbolising the end of their life.

4. "Bite the bullet": This idiom is used to encourage someone to face a dif cult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination. It does not mean literally biting a bullet, but rather implies enduring hardship or pain for a greater purpose.

5. "A piece of cake": This idiom means something is very easy or simple. It compares a task to eating a piece of cake, which is often considered an effortless activity.

As CEO of a successful start-up, Sarah knew that it was essential to keep costs low in order to stay competitive in the market. However, she also knew that cutting corners on quality was not an option if she wanted to maintain customer satisfaction. After months of negotiations, Sarah nally closed a deal with a major investor, securing the funding she needed to take her business to the next level.

With a ballpark gure in mind, she began to brainstorm new ideas for expanding her product line, embracing blue-sky thinking and exploring all possibilities.

Despite her best efforts to keep her team informed, Sarah realised that some members had been left out of the loop on important decisions. She quickly made adjustments to ensure that everyone was on the same page and working towards the same goals.

Still, she knew that success was never guaranteed in the competitive world of business. Sarah was determined not to put all her eggs in one basket, carefully balancing risks and rewards as she continued to build her company. With a commitment to quality and innovation, she remained con dent that her start-up would continue to thrive and grow.

Written and produced exclusively for One2one Academy ©

These examples illustrate how idioms add colour, depth, and cultural signi cance to language, making communication more interesting and expressive.

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TASK

TASK Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the options provided: 1. I always get butter ies in my stomach before a big presentation, but I just need to __________ and do my best.

Options: break a leg / bite the bullet / kick the bucket 2. The weather forecast said it was going to be a sunny day, but when I woke up, it was __________ outside.

Options: raining cats and dogs / a piece of cake / biting the bullet 3. Sarah has been feeling under the weather lately, so she decided to __________ and take a few days off work.

Options: kick the bucket / break a leg / bite the bullet 4. Don't worry about the exam, it's going to be __________! You've studied so hard.

Options: a piece of cake / raining cats and dogs / kick the bucket 5. The company's new project is extremely challenging, but we need to __________ and nd a way to make it successful.

Options: break a leg / bite the bullet / raining cats and dogs

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CONFERENCE CALLS Conference calls can present several challenges that can hinder effective communication and collaboration. Some common issues with conference calls include:

Technical dif culties Poor audio quality, dropped calls, or connectivity issues can disrupt the ow of the conversation and make it dif cult for participants to understand each other.

Lack of visual cues Without being able to see facial expressions, body language, or visual aids, it can be challenging to gauge the reactions and engagement of other participants. This can lead to miscommunication or misunderstandings.

Multitasking and distractions Participants may be tempted to multitask or get distracted by their surroundings, leading to reduced focus and participation. This can result in missed information or lack of active engagement.

Speaking over each other In conference calls, it's common for people to accidentally talk over each other due to delays or audio lag. This can

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cause confusion and make it dif cult for everyone to follow the conversation.

Time zone differences When participants are located in different time zones, scheduling conference calls can be challenging. It may require participants to adjust their usual working hours or compromise on meeting times, which can affect productivity and engagement.

Language barriers If participants have different native languages or varying levels of pro ciency in English, language barriers can hinder effective communication and understanding.

Lack of non-verbal cues Non-verbal cues such as facial expressions, gestures, and body language play an important role in communication. In conference calls, these cues are often limited or absent, making it harder to interpret and convey meaning accurately.

To mitigate these issues, it's important to establish clear guidelines and etiquette for conference calls, ensure everyone has access to reliable technology and a quiet environment, encourage active participation and engagement, and provide opportunities for follow-up and clari cation after the call.

TASKS Your language instructor will now present you with various simulations. The purpose of these are to encourage you to apply English.

SIMULATIONS No sound No Video Poor internet connection Introductions Meeting arrangements Small talk

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net connection ons rrangements

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ONE ONE ACADEMY 2

“PROUD TO BE DIFFERENT”.