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G. Scott Barlow

Do you need to improve your English for your career? Are you nervous or shy when you have to use English at work? This course is designed to help working professionals learn the Business English skills they need to be more successful. There are four modules in the course: Business Meetings, Business Presentations, Business Emails, and Business Telephone Calls. In the Business Meetings module, you will learn a variety of skills including how to arrange a meeting, how to reschedule a meeting, how to interrupt in a meeting, how to end a meeting, and more. In the Presentations module, you will learn how to open a presentation, how to get your audience's attention at the beginning of the presentation, how to effectively use visuals, how to explain visuals in a professional way, how to make a strong conclusion at the end of the presentation, and how to handle questions from the audience. In the Business Emails module, you will learn the basic structure of emails, how and when to use formal and informal language, how to write powerful subject lines that make people want to open your emails, and how to end an email professionally. In the Business Telephoning module, you'll learn how to leave professional messages, how to interrupt politely, how to structure a professional voicemail message, and much more. The course will also teach you how to negotiate including accepting and rejecting offers. There are 53 downloadable worksheets in both US and A4 formats. This is a complete Business English course that every business person should take.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Learn essential business english vocabulary and grammar for your job or career.
  • Learn how to plan, organize, and participate in business meetings in english.
  • Learn how to plan and organize professional presentations in english.
  • Learn how to read and write professional and effective emails in english.

Syllabus

Introduction
Welcome to the course!
Module 1-English For Business Meetings
Meeting Basics
Read more
Arranging A Meeting
Rescheduling A Meeting
Meeting Vocabulary
Using Prepositions Of Time And Place
Introducing Yourself At The Meeting
Making Small Talk Before A Meeting
Making Small Talk Conversations Better
Keeping Conversations Going
Starting A Meeting
Listen To The Meeting: A Formal Meeting
Verbs And Phrasal Verbs For Meetings
The Meeting Agenda
Interrupting In A Meeting
Asking For Clarification In A Meeting
Talking About Cause And Effect
Reporting Information In A Meeting
Expressing Opinions In A Meeting
How To Disagree In A Meeting
Using ‘Diplomatic’ Language
Listen To The Meeting: A Performance Review
Focusing On Decisions And Time
Negotiating In Meetings
Listen To The Meeting: Negotiating A Lease
Accepting And Rejecting Offers
Listen To The Meeting: A Purchasing Decision
Introduction To Meeting Minutes
Practice: Taking Meeting Minutes
Ending A Meeting
Meetings Module Quiz
Module 2-English For Business Presentations
Opening Your Presentation
Using Formal Or Informal Language In Your Presentation
Structuring Your Presentation
Outlining Your Presentation
Listen To The Presentation: A Formal And Informal Opening
Practice: Arranging A Presentation
Talking About Timing, Handouts, And Questions
Getting The Audience’s Attention
Stating The Purpose Of Your Presentation
Using Signposting Phrases
Phrases Using 'As'
Using ‘Approximate’ Numbers
Using Visuals For Your Presentation
Different Kinds Of Visuals
Making Visuals Easier To Read
Explaining Visuals
Explaining Graphs
Emphasizing Important Points
Talking About Solving Problems
Describing Results And Showing Contrast
Using The Verbs Rise And Raise
Making A Strong Conclusion
Checklist For Conclusions
Dealing With Questions At The End Of A Presentation
Presentations Module Quiz
Module 3-English For Business Emails
Email Basics
Symbols And Email Addresses
Using Contractions And Apostrophes In Emails
Email Structure
Review Of Present Perfect For Emails
Review Of Causative-Have For Emails
Writing Powerful Subject Lines
Making Questions More Polite In Emails
Using Formal And Informal Language In Emails
When To Use Formal Email
Formal And Informal Vocabulary
Using Colloquial Language In Emails
Being Diplomatic In Emails
Numbers And Deadlines In Emails
Verb-Noun Phrases For Emails
The Language Used For Informing And Replying
Clients vs Customers
Using Exclamation Points And Caps In Emails
Practice: An Email From The Boss
Organizing Dates, Times, And Places
Saying You’re Not Available
Ending Your Email
Email Words And Phrases
Emails Module Quiz
Module 4-English For Telephoning
Telephoning Basics
Using Formal And Informal Language
Communication Problems
Making Conversations More Polite
Saying Numbers And Symbols
Using Active Listening
Voicemail And Messages
Referring To Previous Communications
Practice: Listening To Phone Calls
Saying Dates And Times Correctly
Making And Confirming Arrangements
Making Small Talk On The Phone
Changing An Arrangement
All About Complaints
Handling Special Problems On Telephone Calls

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Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in The Ultimate Business English Course For Professionals with these activities:
Review Basic Grammar Concepts
Reinforce your understanding of basic grammar rules to improve clarity and professionalism in your business communications.
Browse courses on Basic Grammar
Show steps
  • Identify areas of weakness in grammar.
  • Review grammar rules and examples.
  • Complete practice exercises.
Read 'Business English for Success'
Enhance your understanding of business English principles and best practices by reading a comprehensive guide.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Business English for Success'.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course modules.
  • Take notes on key concepts and examples.
Practice Writing Business Emails
Improve your email writing skills by practicing different types of business emails, focusing on clarity, conciseness, and professionalism.
Show steps
  • Choose a business email scenario.
  • Draft an email based on the scenario.
  • Review and revise the email for clarity and tone.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Create a Mock Business Presentation
Solidify your presentation skills by creating and delivering a mock business presentation on a topic related to your field.
Show steps
  • Select a relevant business topic.
  • Develop an outline and create visuals.
  • Practice delivering the presentation.
Review 'The Elements of Style'
Improve your overall writing skills by reviewing a classic guide to English style and usage.
View Melania on Amazon
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Elements of Style'.
  • Review the key rules and principles.
  • Apply the principles to your business writing.
Develop a Business Communication Style Guide
Create a style guide for your company or team to ensure consistent and professional communication across all channels.
Show steps
  • Research best practices in business communication.
  • Define guidelines for email, presentations, and meetings.
  • Document the style guide and share it with your team.
Tutor other students
Help other students by answering questions and providing guidance on business English concepts.
Show steps
  • Offer to help other students.
  • Answer questions and provide explanations.
  • Share resources and tips.

Career center

Learners who complete The Ultimate Business English Course For Professionals will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
International Sales Representative
As an International Sales Representative, you act as the face of your company in foreign markets, building relationships with clients and closing deals. This course provides the essential communication skills needed to succeed in this role. The modules on business meetings, presentations, telephone calls, and email correspondence are directly relevant to your daily interactions with international clients. The course helps you learn how to negotiate effectively, present your products or services persuasively, and handle client inquiries with professionalism. You will also learn how to structure professional voicemail messages, and more.
International Business Development Manager
As an International Business Development Manager, you'll navigate diverse global markets, establishing and nurturing relationships with international clients and partners. This course equips you with the communication skills necessary to thrive in this role. You will learn how to effectively participate in business meetings, deliver compelling presentations, craft professional emails, and handle telephone conversations with confidence. These skills build a foundation for clear and persuasive communication, crucial for negotiating deals and expanding your company's international reach. Mastering the art of cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and professional correspondence ensures success in this dynamic and globally focused role.
Account Manager
An Account Manager serves as the primary point of contact between a company and its clients, building and maintaining strong relationships. This course helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to communicate with clients effectively. Mastering business meetings, presentations, telephone conversations, and email correspondence will enhance your ability to understand client needs, resolve issues, and ensure client satisfaction. The course modules on using formal and informal language will come in handy.
Global Marketing Manager
The role of a Global Marketing Manager involves crafting and executing marketing strategies that resonate with diverse international audiences. This course helps you effectively communicate your marketing ideas and strategies across cultures. The course modules on business meetings, presentations, and emails provide practical skills for collaborating with international teams and presenting marketing plans to stakeholders. By mastering professional communication in English, you can ensure your message is heard and understood, leading to successful global marketing campaigns. You will also learn how to create powerful subject lines that make people want to open your marketing emails.
Recruiter
Recruiters find and attract qualified candidates to fill open positions within an organization. This role requires strong communication skills to effectively screen candidates, conduct interviews, and negotiate job offers. This course helps to develop your English communication skills, enabling you to connect with candidates and convey your organization's culture effectively. Mastering telephone conversation etiquette, presentation skills, and email correspondence, will enhance your ability to represent your organization and attract top talent.
Cross-Cultural Trainer
A Cross Cultural Trainer develops and delivers training programs to help individuals and teams work effectively across different cultures. This role requires excellent communication and presentation skills, which this course will provide to you. The modules on business meetings, presentations, and emails offer practical skills for teaching others how to navigate cultural differences in professional settings. By refining your own English communication skills, you will be better equipped to guide others in developing their cross-cultural competence. This will help you deliver engaging and informative training sessions. The material on using formal and informal language in emails may prove especially useful.
Management Consultant
A Management Consultant provides expert advice to organizations to improve their performance and efficiency. This role demands excellent communication skills to effectively present recommendations and facilitate change. This course helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to communicate with clients effectively. Mastering business meetings, presentations, and email correspondence will enhance your ability to analyze business problems, develop solutions, and guide clients toward success.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads and motivates a team of sales representatives to achieve sales targets. Effective communication is crucial for coaching team members, conducting sales meetings, and presenting sales strategies to leadership. This course helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to motivate your team and communicate effectively. Mastering business meetings, presentations, and email correspondence will enhance your leadership abilities and help you drive sales performance. You will learn how to negotiate effectively, present your products or services persuasively, and handle client inquiries with professionalism.
Call Center Manager
A Call Center Manager oversees the operations of a call center, ensuring that customer service representatives provide excellent service to customers. This course helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to train your team to communicate with clients effectively. Mastering telephone conversation etiquette will enhance your ability to manage customer interactions and drive customer satisfaction. The material related to handling complaints may prove especially useful.
Administrative Assistant
An Administrative Assistant provides administrative support to an office or department, including managing correspondence, scheduling meetings, and handling phone calls. This course helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to perform your duties with greater confidence and professionalism. Mastering business meetings, presentations, and email correspondence will enhance your ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and clients. The section on voicemail messages may also be useful.
International Project Manager
An International Project Manager oversees projects with teams and stakeholders across different countries and cultures. Communication is key to coordinating project activities and ensuring everyone is on the same page. This course helps you refine your English communication skills, enabling you to lead international project teams effectively. Mastering business meetings, presentations, email correspondence, and telephone etiquette will enhance your ability to manage project timelines, resolve conflicts, and deliver successful outcomes. You will also learn how to ask for clarification when communicating with team members.
Human Resources Manager
The Human Resources Manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective management of employees within an organization. This course may be useful because effective communication is essential in human resources. The modules on business meetings, presentations, telephone calls, and email correspondence are directly relevant to your daily interactions with employees. The course helps build a foundation for clear and persuasive communication, crucial for conducting performance reviews, resolving conflicts, and implementing company policies.
Training Coordinator
Training Coordinators organize and facilitate training programs for employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. The course may be useful because it helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to deliver engaging and effective training sessions. Mastering business meetings, presentations, and email correspondence will enhance your ability to communicate training objectives and facilitate learning. In particular, the course section on professional presentations provides an essential foundation.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages an organization's communication with the public, including media relations, press releases, and social media. Excellent communication skills are essential for conveying key messages and maintaining a positive image. This course helps you to refine your English communication skills, enabling you to craft compelling press releases and engage with media representatives effectively. Mastering business meetings, presentations, and email correspondence will enhance your ability to manage public perception and promote your organization's brand.
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create clear and concise documentation for technical products and services. While this role often involves written communication, effective communication skills are valued. This course may be useful because the emails module provides guidance on writing clear and professional emails, while the module on business meetings may help when collaborating with subject matter experts to gather information. By mastering these skills, you can improve the clarity and effectiveness of your technical documentation.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in The Ultimate Business English Course For Professionals.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business English, covering grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. It is particularly useful for understanding the nuances of formal and informal language in various business contexts. The book serves as a valuable reference tool for improving email writing, presentation skills, and meeting participation. It is commonly used as a textbook in business communication courses.
This concise guide to English usage is invaluable for improving writing clarity and precision. It covers essential rules of grammar, composition, and style. While not specifically focused on business English, it provides a strong foundation for effective communication in any professional setting. It useful reference tool for ensuring your writing is clear, concise, and grammatically correct.

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