English for Business Blog

Let people know when you change subject Clearly explain when you change subject with phrases like “Now we will introduce the next proposal” or “We’ve discussed finance up to now. The next point in my speech will be production”. In this way, listeners will understand...

Don’t be too abstract Readers find data helpful so support ideas with facts. Say “Last year we faced three competitors in our sector; this year we face five”. Don’t say “Competition in our sector has increased considerably” because it is not clear enough. Say “Our X...

You never know when the phone will ring; memorise these expressions so you can politely ask callers to wait.  Hold on, please. Can you wait, please? Hold the line, please. Could you wait a moment? Read Andrew’s book on how to improve your business English...

Visual information makes your message clearer but it must follow some rules. Graphs and charts should be simple; backgrounds must be plain; fonts large. Avoid pastel colours so words are easy to read; don’t include more than three columns in charts; discard...

Use won’t, can’t or never for what’s impossible When there are no possibilities of something happening, we can use the auxiliaries won’t or can’t—or the adverb never. We won’t allow it. That can’t be done. She never agrees to my proposals....

If you have listening comprehension problems try to meet foreign people in quiet places. Many tapas bar are picturesque and foreigners love them, but understanding is a nightmare. Avoid street-level terrazas, crowded restaurants, noisy pubs and music bars. The secret?...