As familiar with everyday English use as you may be, your business English skills can probably use a little polish. After all, appropriate language for the majority of your waking hours usually aren’t geared towards getting business results.
Think of business English as an additional tool in your business arsenal, the same way your three-piece suit helps you appear professional. Good business English skills paint a picture of your professional abilities and makes it easier for your contemporaries to warm up to you.
Write Emails Formally
To get used to writing formal emails, try writing all your emails in a professional manner, even those not directly related to your work. It’s not that large a departure from regular writing anyway – just avoid colloqualisms, repeat important points and structure your emails to read well. Don’t forget to proofread by using a software for grammar correction – it helps tremendously.
Taking Business English Courses
Finding information about business English has never been as easy as it is now. There are plenty of free online courses that you can go through at your own pace. Should you require lessons that are a bit more comprehensive, you can enroll in an online correspondence course or a weekend seminar in your area – both of which are usually readily available.
Model The Pros
Is there anyone in your organization that is particularly good at communicating personally? Model that person. Go over emails and reports they create, looking intently at how they structure their writing. Watch them during meetings to see how they interact. If you can, invite them to dinner and pick their mind, asking for advice for your own skills development.
