English For Work

ONE2ONE ACADEMY

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

“WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER”.

ENGLISH FOR WORK

A COURSE DESIGNED FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED TO REFINE THEIR

Business English refers to the specific 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 specific 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 proficiency 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 specific needs of different industries or job roles.

There are several reasons why learning business English can be beneficial:

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.

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

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 specific 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 confidence

Learning Business English can boost your confidence 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

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.

ENGLISH. LEARN HOW TO APPLY WITH SIMULATED TASKS.

Simulated Tasks

Learning with simulated tasks in Business English provides several advantages:

Realistic practice

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.

Active learning

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.

Safe learning environment

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

phrases, and receive immediate feedback from instructors or peers.

Targeted skill development

Simulated tasks can be designed to target specific 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 specific needs and make significant progress in their language proficiency.

Enhanced confidence

By repeatedly practicing and successfully completing simulated tasks, learners can build their confidence 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

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 find out who called you.

TASK INFORMATION

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

TASK 1 - The Call

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 2 - 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 find 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

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 floor. 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

4. Vocabulary for shops

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.

TASK 4 RUNNING LATE

ENS COLLIGI TIMENDA

TASK 5

TRADING HOURS

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

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

In this task you will learn:

How to describe using adjectives

The business working day

The business working week

Time formats

Use of modal verbs

DETAILS

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 find 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:

How to interact with a sales assistant

How to describe using adjectives

How to request store times

Money structures

6

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. Countable formats and how to apply

2. Payment methods

3. Waiting in a queue or in line

4. How to finish 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 first.

What would you say to them?

TASK

You are with a group of people who are from your office. 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

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

Vocabulary

Business English includes specific terms, jargon, and industry-specific vocabulary that are not commonly used in everyday conversations. It includes words related to finance, 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 specific 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 specific 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.

TASK 7

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 find 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 confidence 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 confidence and independence in finding 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 beneficial in various situations and can enhance your overall travel experience.

TASK

Think about your physical office and provide directions to your tutor for the following:

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

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

3. The location of the canteen or kitchen area.

4. From the entrance to the nearest coffee shop.

5. Explain how you get home from your office.

What you will learn:

Transitions and how we apply them. Specific vocabulary

TASK 8 MY BATTERY DIED

You are standing outside your office 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:

1. How to disturb someone politely.

2. Formality with people you don’t know.

3. How to end a conversation.

4. The dreaded topic of Small talk.

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

THE INTERVIEW

Task

You had a job interview with Mrs. Anna Williams. It was for the position of an Office 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 office 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 office, interact with the receptionist, explain the situation and find 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 specific benefits tailored to the professional environment:

Effective communication with colleagues and clients

Business English fluency allows you to communicate clearly and confidently 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 proficient 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 confidence 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 proficiency 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.

TASK 10 GOING HOME TIME

The time is 6 PM and most of your team have left the office.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. Management interaction

2. How to demonstrate a mutual respect for line management.

3. Formality

“Practice makes perfect”

- One2one

TASK 11

BUSINESS IDIOMS

Idioms are expressions or phrases that have a figurative, non-literal meaning. They are often specific 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 difficult 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.

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

STORY

A SUCCESSFUL START-UP

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 finally closed a deal with a major investor, securing the funding she needed to take her business to the next level. With a ballpark figure 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 confident that her start-up would continue to thrive and grow.

Written and produced exclusively for One2one Academy ©

TASK

Fill in the blanks with the correct idiom from the options provided:

1. I always get butterflies 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 find a way to make it successful.

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

CONFERENCE CALLS

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

Technical difficulties

Poor audio quality, dropped calls, or connectivity issues can disrupt the flow of the conversation and make it difficult 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

cause confusion and make it difficult 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 proficiency 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 clarification 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.

ONE2ONE ACADEMY

“PROUD TO BE DIFFERENT”.