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Kin Tang, Delian Gaskell, and Sean McMinn

This course aims to improve your Business English language skills by developing your vocabulary and reading skills and your understanding of tone, style and knowledge of communication methods. We'll also cover how these language skills can enhance audience analysis, business case analysis and basic business communication strategies. Skills learned in this course will often be referred to and needed to complete the speaking, writing and cross-cultural communications courses of this Specialization.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

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This course aims to improve your Business English language skills by developing your vocabulary and reading skills and your understanding of tone, style and knowledge of communication methods. We'll also cover how these language skills can enhance audience analysis, business case analysis and basic business communication strategies. Skills learned in this course will often be referred to and needed to complete the speaking, writing and cross-cultural communications courses of this Specialization.

After completing this course, you will be able to:

- describe things and events in the context of Business English

- make requests in the context of Business English

- support arguments in the context of Business English

- use appropriate tone and style according to the context of Business English

- conduct an audience analysis

- match audience with the purpose and medium of communication

- analyse and summarise business data

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What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome module
Welcome to Week 1! This week, we will cover Module 1 where we introduce you to the objectives and structure of this Specialization and course.
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Communication basics
Welcome to Week 2! This week we will cover Module 2 where we introduce you to basic communication and language skills you will use in general business situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.
Genres and styles
Welcome to Week 3! This week we will cover Module 3 where we will introduce you to common styles of English you will use for different spoken and written situations in general business situations. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.
Audience and purpose
Welcome to Week 4! This week we will cover Module 4 where we will introduce you to ways of identifying the purpose and audience for spoken and written documents in general business situations and how this can affect language use. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.
Analyzing business cases
Welcome to Week 5! This week we will cover Module 5 where we will introduce you to ways of analyzing business cases and strategies for critical reading. You will also be introduced to vocabulary and language skills common to business communications.
Concluding module
Welcome to Week 6! This week we will cover Module 6 where we will conclude the course and you will need to complete the final exam and post-course survey.

Good to know

Know what's good
, what to watch for
, and possible dealbreakers
Designed for non-native English speakers to enhance their English communication abilities through vocabulary development, reading comprehension, tone, style, and understanding different communication methods
Introduces learners to basic communication and language skills used in general business situations with a focus on vocabulary and language skills commonly used in business communications
Covers common styles of English used in both spoken and written situations in general business situations, with a focus on vocabulary and language skills commonly used in business communications
Provides guidance on identifying the purpose and audience for spoken and written documents in general business situations and how this affects language use
Introduces learners to business case analysis and strategies for critical reading with a focus on vocabulary and language skills used in business communications

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Reviews summary

Solid business english resource

Learners say this course offers good fundamentals for beginners who want to improve their business English skills. It provides clear explanations, engaging activities, and practical exercises that learners find helpful in improving their vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills. The course is well-structured and easy to follow. It's paced appropriately and learners appreciate the flexibility to learn at their own pace.

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 Business English: Basics with these activities:
Review basic grammar and punctuation rules
Strengthen your grammar and punctuation skills to enhance the clarity and effectiveness of your business communication.
Browse courses on Grammar
Show steps
  • Review grammar and punctuation resources online or from textbooks.
  • Complete exercises to practice applying the rules.
Complete vocabulary exercises on Business English terms
Enhance your vocabulary by completing exercises focused on business-specific terms and phrases.
Show steps
  • Find online or offline vocabulary exercises.
  • Complete the exercises regularly.
  • Review and memorize new words.
Watch videos or read articles on business communication
Expand your knowledge of business communication best practices by exploring additional resources.
Browse courses on Business Communication
Show steps
  • Search for videos or articles on business communication.
  • Watch or read the selected resources.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Read 'Business Communication for Success' by Shirley Taylor
Gain a comprehensive overview of business communication principles and strategies to enhance your language skills.
Show steps
  • Purchase or borrow the book from a library.
  • Read the chapters relevant to the course topics.
  • Take notes and highlight key concepts.
  • Review the book regularly to reinforce learning.
Join a study group to discuss business case analysis
Collaborate with peers to analyze business cases and develop critical thinking skills.
Browse courses on Business Case Analysis
Show steps
  • Form or join a study group.
  • Select a business case for analysis.
  • Discuss the case, share insights, and develop solutions.
Write a business email to a colleague
Practice writing clear and concise business emails to effectively communicate with colleagues.
Browse courses on Business Communication
Show steps
  • Identify the purpose and audience of the email.
  • Craft a subject line that accurately reflects the content.
  • Use professional language and tone.
  • Proofread the email for grammar and spelling errors.
Compile a list of useful business communication tools
Explore and organize resources to enhance your business communication effectiveness.
Show steps
  • Research and identify useful business communication tools.
  • Create a spreadsheet or document to compile the information.
  • Include details such as tool descriptions, features, and pricing.
Develop a business communication plan
Apply course concepts to create a comprehensive communication plan for a business scenario.
Browse courses on Strategic Communication
Show steps
  • Identify the target audience and communication objectives.
  • Research and analyze the industry and competitive landscape.
  • Develop key messages and communication channels.
  • Create a communication timeline and budget.
  • Monitor and evaluate the plan's effectiveness.

Career center

Learners who complete Business English: Basics will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Communication Strategist
A Communication Strategist is responsible for developing and executing a company's communication plan. This involves writing press releases, managing social media, and giving presentations. Since communication is the core element of their work, those who wish to become Communication Strategists will benefit from the training in communication methods and delivery that this course offers.
Grant Writer
A Grant Writer writes proposals to secure funding for organizations. Grant Writers need excellent communication skills in order to persuade potential donors to support their cause. This course can help a Grant Writer develop those skills. For example, the course emphasizes persuasive writing and audience analysis, which are key skills for Grant Writers.
Copywriter
A Copywriter writes text for advertising and marketing. His or her work may erscheinen in print, on the web, or on television or radio. A Copywriter will benefit from the communication, audience analysis, and analysis skills that this course teaches. The precision and clarity of expression that a Copywriter needs can be honed with the vocabulary and delivery methods this course emphasizes.
Technical Writer
A Technical Writer creates user manuals, technical reports, and other documentation. Technical Writers need to have excellent communication skills in order to write clear and concise instructions. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Business Analyst
A Business Analyst helps a company make decisions by analyzing what is currently happening and what is likely to happen in the future within the company. They work in a variety of fields, and within a variety of companies. Business Analysts often need to cooperate with all levels and divisions of a company, and as a result, they need the kind of language skills this course emphasizes. For example, this course will introduce skills which build a foundation for analyzing business cases and for communicating with diverse audiences.
Public Relations Specialist
A Public Relations Specialist manages the public image of an organization. Public Relations Specialists need to have excellent communication skills in order to build and maintain relationships with the media, customers, and other stakeholders. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Marketing Manager
A Marketing Manager develops and executes marketing campaigns to promote products and services. Marketing Managers need to have excellent communication skills in order to create marketing materials that are clear, engaging, and effective. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager leads and manages a team of sales representatives. Sales Managers need to have excellent communication skills in order to motivate and train their team, and to close deals with customers. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Editor
An Editor reviews, corrects, and rewrites written material for clarity, accuracy, and consistency. An Editor may also check for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Editors need the kind of attention to detail and mastery of communication skills that this course teaches. For example, the skills learned in this course will help an Editor craft audience-appropriate content.
Social Media Manager
A Social Media Manager creates and manages social media content for an organization. Social Media Managers need to have excellent communication skills in order to create engaging and effective content. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Content Writer
A Content Writer specializes in creating content for web pages, blogs, and other digital media. This content may include articles, blog posts, website copy, and social media updates. This course can help a Content Writer succeed by teaching him or her to analyze an audience and create content that will appeal to this audience.
Recruiter
A Recruiter finds and hires new employees for an organization. Recruiters need to have excellent communication skills in order to interview candidates, screen resumes, and write job descriptions. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Journalist
A Journalist investigates, analyzes, and reports on news and current events. Journalists need to have excellent communication skills in order to write and speak effectively. They also need to be able to analyze information and present it in a clear and concise manner. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Web Developer
A Web Developer designs and develops websites. Web Developers need to have excellent communication skills in order to work with clients and other team members. This course may be useful in building these skills.
Instructional Designer
An Instructional Designer creates and develops educational materials. These materials may include e-learning courses, instructor-led training, and other resources. Instructional Designers need to have strong communication skills in order to create materials that are clear, engaging, and effective. This course may be useful in building these skills.

Reading list

We've selected 15 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 Business English: Basics.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business communication, covering topics such as writing, speaking, and nonverbal communication. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their communication skills in a business setting.
Practical guide to writing effective business documents. It covers all aspects of business writing, from planning and organizing your writing to editing and proofreading. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills.
This classic book provides timeless advice on writing clearly and concisely. It valuable resource for students who want to improve their writing skills in any field.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles of persuasion. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to communicate their ideas more effectively.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the consulting firm McKinsey & Company. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the principles of business strategy and consulting.
Provides a framework for understanding why large companies often fail to innovate. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the challenges of innovation and how to overcome them.
Provides a simple and effective framework for developing good business strategies. It valuable resource for students who want to learn how to think strategically.
Provides a practical guide to building a successful startup. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the principles of lean startup and how to apply them to their own businesses.
Provides a contrarian view of innovation and entrepreneurship. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the challenges of building a successful startup and how to overcome them.
Provides a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges of running a successful startup. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the challenges of entrepreneurship and how to overcome them.
Provides a comprehensive overview of business fundamentals. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the key concepts of business and how to apply them to their own businesses.
Provides a practical guide to developing and validating business models. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the principles of business modeling and how to apply them to their own businesses.
Provides a practical guide to building and launching successful products. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the principles of product development and how to apply them to their own products.
Provides a practical guide to getting traction for your startup. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the principles of growth marketing and how to apply them to their own businesses.
Provides a comprehensive guide to starting and running a successful startup. It valuable resource for students who want to learn about the key concepts of entrepreneurship and how to apply them to their own businesses.

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